Czech Cardio.

A quick update that isn't 10 days retrospective. How refreshing!

I tend to run on hills.

It usually is a mistake.

Feeling ambitious, a couple days into the trip. I went on a run and decided to go up Petrin hill ( a very large, famous hill that overlooks the city and is gorgeous.) The big faux pas was when I thought it would be a good idea to run DOWN it. Motivated by free breakfast closing in ten minutes, I forgot briefly that I had knees and pounded down the hill at rapid speed. Patellas aching and ligaments crying out for help, the nagging of my stomach prevailed as I raced forward to breakfast and a hastened knee replacement surgery. I paid for that mistake for a week--and I still don't think my knees will ever be the same.

But now, a couple weeks later--I braved the tennis shoes and another hill. Vyšehrad. I waited till the evening so I wouldn't die of heat exhaustion, and ran aobut a mile and half to a destination that I had missed in History class. This hill has a castle on it, a fortress, a beautiful cathedral, and a cemetery chock full of all the Czech greats. Not too shabby...and I didn't even mention the vistas.

Unfortunately, the cathedral and cemetery were closed, so I merely peered in. Making a good choice, for once, I decided to walk swiftly around the compound first instead of running, this way I could actually appreciate it more. Vyšehrad was built in the 10th century, abandoned as a royal home by the 14th (the the Prague castle was built), captured by the Hussites in the Hussite war, spruced up a bit by the Hapsburg monarchy, and then became an army training ground. Now, it is a beautiful park, hosts a couple small restaurants, a hotel, and the landmarks I mentioned before. The lookouts give you a a great view of Prague. I wish I had my camera to capture the sunset.

Anyway...

It was a good run.
A bit sad, as retrospectively I counted nearly 45 couples having picnics, talking on benches, or watching the sunset. However, I felt accomplished as a woman asked me in desparation if I had seen her dog, in Czech. It was a good thing I didn't (unfortunately) because I wouldn't have been able to describe it--but proud of being mistaken, I answered no and good luck in Czech and went on my way.

I didn't make the mistake of running downhill again. But I did learn that cobblestone and ankles are incompatible. As well as gnats and sweat. But, that's what they have here in Prague--so I'll deal.

Sorry updating is spotty lately. With weekend trips and an increasing workload--in addition to exploration and classes--blogging gets a little tough. Wish me luck on my exam/presentation double-feature this Thursday. It should be a blast.

More to come.

(Image credits: Google.)