River jogging in Hradec

After a couple of rainy, gloomy days and really heavy workloads, the sun finally shone bright and clear today as I donned by jogging shoes and set out on a brisk morning run.

It wasn't very late by any standards; around 9:30am, but the roads were deserted the morning joggers and power walkers too had for some reason, decided to give this morning a skip. So I was alone with my thoughts and it reminded me of another morning jog a year ago, in a little town by the river called Hradec Nad Moravici. Located on the banks of the Hradec River in Moravia in the Czech Republic, this town holds a special place in my heart as my husband and I got married in the 'Red Castle' there, 8 years ago. There was no jogging then, but when we revisited it last year and in fact, stayed in a chalupa (cottage) by the river for a couple of weeks, I did take my shorts and trainers. And I managed to fit in some excellent morning runs with my sister in law who was also visiting with her family. She's an excellent runner and I have to admit I had to try really hard to keep up with her long strides and fluent gait, but it was well worth the effort. Jogging through verdant fields and shady forested glens with no one but the occasional dog walker (and dog) in sight was really special. So was the fresh smell and the healthy river air that the locals enjoy all year round. And sipping on a chilled Pilzen (beer) and eating wood grilled meat at the end of the day did not make me feel guilty in the least bit, thanks to all those early morning runs we did.

My husband revisits Czech this summer, but there's no possibility that he runs those trails (or any others) My husband is not a jogger or even a walker ;) As for me, I look forward to packing my shoes for my next trip, a two week holiday in California next month!

Till then, I'll stick to my morning runs along the usually busy, but occasionally deserted roads around my home!

Happy running!