Dobry Den Praha!

Despite having a wee holiday to Prague (woo hoo!), I've managed to keep up some form of training and keep a relative track of my diet... although I would rather forget some of it... when on holiday, I always treat myself - you've got to!  In a different format below I hope it hides the amount I've consumed.....  

I had hoped to run at half marathon pace on Saturday morning with the club but the wind was howling and for the first 5 miles it was in my face, pushing me back with every step.  I didn't stop though and put in effort making it round 13.1 miles in 1 hour 51.  5 minutes off a PB time but enough to feel a little pain.  I was grateful to Jen for hanging around for me at the end to make it up to 16 miles.  It felt good to get another long run in before we headed on our travels.  By the time we got to Lochgilphead only a few hours later (and after breakfast) I was starving again and my friend Julie soon sorted that out with a large helping of pasta and pizza - thanks Jules!  Food and more food was the order of the day and we met up with Joanne for her birthday and some of our other best friends at Chinaskis at Charing Cross for some chick-pea curry.  It was delicious but it still didn't satisfy my hunger.... thank goodness for Lorna's baking skills!  We were treated to not only home made chocolate cake but shortbread too, thanks Mrs MacKay-to-be that finally fulfilled my hunger pangs and I settled into a great sleep without her cute kitten Olly jumping on our feet like we imagined.

After a few hours kip we flew from Edinburgh to Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic for a city break.  We booked this trip months ago during an Easyjet sale before marathon training or China fundraising planning had started and normally I'd have an itinerary of different activities I would like to do each day but to be very honest I would've loved a few days just chilling at home as I was desperate just to relax but I've always wanted to go to Prague so off we went!  And what a fantastic time we had!  With only a 2 hour flight we arrived ahead of schedule and hopped into an unmarked taxi with the promise of a cheap, quick taxi ride into town - what risk takers!  Well true to his word the driver dropped us off at the Hilton Old Town Hotel in around 20 minutes.  We checked into our plush room early and all my plans of relaxing went out the window as usual and I was unpacking, checking maps and planning a walking tour for that afternoon!  Much to my surprise my husband humoured me and we went for our first Czech meal in a tavern on Old Town Square, just opposite the Astronomical Clock where I had garlic soup and Stuart had a feast of roasted piglet and fried potatoes with onions.  Stuart loved it!  The soup was delicious but it came with deep fried bread which avoided as anything like that makes me sick so I opted for some freshly made wholemeal bread instead.  Yum.

"Dobry Den", our IRISH tour guide Dylan greeted us when we met him, meaning hello.  I think I've forgotten mostly everything else he told us - my brain has turned to mush since being on holiday! Dylan walked us round most of the Old and New Town, informing us of some local history and folklore as well as taking in all the wonderful architecture all around. But after 2 hours we sneakily slipped away from the rest of the tour as although it was good, I'm unbelievably impatient so wanted to see some more sights before dusk that weren't included on the tour.  Stuart and I obviously needed a re-fuel stop so a large busy cafe near the Vltava River overlooking the Charles Bridge.  We indulged in cappucinos and cake which seemed a popular choice!  I had bratlava which was a sweet nutty crisp bake that was a Czech speciality which I devoured - yummy!!  The only downside to this treat was that smoking was still permitted in the cafes and restaurants and which I forgot how much that could put you off your food.  

We then walked over the wonderful Charles Bridge with all it's fascinating monuments, statues and traders then 'hiked' up the big hill to the Cathedral and Prague Castle where you get unspoiled views across the city.  It was perfect timing to see the city at dusk as the sun was going down, crowds dispersing and lights were starting to shine. 

We arrived home to our hotel, weary after a day of travelling and walking, only to find a bottle of champagne and a glass of strawberries in our room courtesy of the Hotel - bliss!  Intentions of going to the Hotel gym were immediately forgotten.  We enjoyed a lovely Italian meal at a nearby restaurant for dinner a few hours later - spaghetti with meatballs then tiramasu and Stuart went for his old favourite - Picante Pizza and of course some Czeck beers.  I had my heart set on beef goulash but there wasn't any left on the menu - gutted!  Although the delicious spaghetti and garlic foccaccia made up for it. We also stopped by at the Billa supermarket on our way home for some Milka chocolate - it's our holiday, don't judge ;-)

The next morning we got a lovely breakfast at the hotel - lots of fruit, yoghurt, toast and a warm croissant with jam.  There were plenty of hot food on the menu but we refrained for the day as we had a big run ahead.  Yip, I had gone and booked as a 'Running Tour' of the city.  I had been searching for running routes nearby as was keen to keep up my marathon training whilst away and came across www.runningtoursprague.com where you could pick different running routes and tours with an English speaking guide.  Martin, our 30 year old friendly running tour guide, met us at our hotel and we had opted for a 15k route out of the city.  It was fantastic.  He explained where we were going and started off with our first target - the 9 metre equestrian bronze statue of Jan Zizka (the one-eyed leader of the Hossite army) at the top of Vitkov Hill that towered over the city - so much for a flat run!  He then took us along the river bank, through beautiful parks and back into the Old Town.  

 

 

 Along the banks of the river

 Crossing the river from Prague Zoo back towards the Old Town

 Through one of the many beautiful parks

Martin spoke excellent English and as we jogged along he chatted away about the city's fascinating communist history, pointed out places of interest and about his iron-man training.  We ran slowly as we were joined by another runner on the tour who was training for her first marathon but it was fine as we got to take in more of the sights and we ended up racking up 11.5 miles before we knew it.  We even felt good enough to go to the hotel's gym for 30 minutes before hitting the shower.  Food time again!  

 

This time hot dogs were the only menu item of choice as we had spied them yesterday on every street corner and they looked amazing.  They didn't disappoint.  So much so that my husband ate two!  Served with a wholemeal bread slice, mustard and a side of mini potato dumplings they were indeed delicious.

 

 

We had a lovely walk around the New Town and Jewish Quarter before enjoying some Czech beers.  I say enjoy, I tried it but I just don't like beer!  My husband on the other hand loved them so I settled for a mojito!

We dined out that evening at a nearby brasserie called the Meating Point.  It looked quite extravagant but still reasonably priced compared to UK prices.  Issued with ipads instead of menus we chose a relatively boring starter of bruschetta but the photo of it made it look fantastic and it didn't disappoint!  I finally then got my goulash with potato dumplings which was amazing - I'm going to make this next Sunday for lunch!  Stuart opted for the rack of lamb which he thoroughly enjoyed along with our accompanying pinot grigio and more Czech beer.  We were so stuffed we never ordered dessert but not so stuffed not to stop off at Billa again for some more milka!

 

One last 5 mile run the next morning on the riverside in the cold, bright sunshine and one last meal of scrambled egg, fruit and a wee treat of a pancake with agave nectar and it was time for home already.  Prague was just lovely, thoroughly enjoyed the city - a perfect place for some culture, shopping, beer or food but it was nice to touch down on to Scottish soil and get back home.  

 

Another flight ahead of schedule for Easyjet, I might as well go to spin when I get home then!!