Following on our successful 10k in Dubai last January, our Baku running group has been busy training for a half marathon. Our schedule is 4.5 miles at 6am Tuesdays and Thursdays with a long run on Saturday. No matter how cold, icy or windy it has been in Baku... we have been out there running!!!
To make the training more exciting, we decided to set a goal to participate in an organized half in a cleaner, greener city and enjoy a long weekend away. We decided on Germany as our destination (Frankfurt is a non-stop flight from Baku). The event we participated in was the iWelt Marathon held in Wuerzburg, Germany - a small town 1.5 hr drive from FFT.
Not only was the marathon planned for Sunday, but with some amazing luck it was also the weekend of our friend Hilary's wedding in Passau, Germany!!! We know Hilary from Alaska and our time in Houston... what a great coincidence and honor to celebrate with her on this special day!!!
Clotho driving the Autobahn
Gorgeous Wuerzburg
Church and Maypole in the center of Wuerzburg
Biers at the Expo
Pre-Race Entertainment
Brant and I before the race. It was a gorgeous morning, sunny and warm (ok, maybe a little too warm for me!)
Post race celebration with Alcohol-free beer!We (Brant and I) ran the half in 2.19, a pretty good result considering the heat. The course was gorgeous, along the river valley, through residential areas and ended in the center of town. Along the way we had a lot of fans, music and support.
Post Race lunch!
On Monday morning we left Wuerzburg early to drive to Passau where Hilary and Michael were getting married. We also got to catch up with some Alaska friends, Angela and Barb. What an amazing treat to be able to see reunite with everyone in Bavaria!
Church where the wedding was held.
Tourist Wedding Crashers!!! How funny is that!
The bride and groom
The wedding reception was held at a nearby castle
Clotho and I in the garden at the castle
View from the castle
Goofing off in the yard, trying to pose for a nice photo
Ahh, thats more like it!
Dinner / Reception ... a wonderful end to a wonderful day!
