Run, Riga, Run!

This City Is Beautiful

Spring weather wasn't really a thing that happened here. We had a few nice days, but I feel like it went from freezing cold and dark, to cold and rainy, to warm and rainy, and then summer! Which is really more like spring, but I love it!

Back in mid-May a few friends and I decided to go for brunch and do some shopping at the different second-hand stores here. They found some nice things. I found some pretty awesome things as well! There was also a craft market in one of the parks, so we went through there as well. We decided it was time to find our inner-Latvian and get some flower crowns. Now we're official ;)

Skye, Rorey, Bekah, Me! 

The same weekend, and maybe even the reason for the market, was the Riga marathon. To make it a bigger event it was a marathon, half-marathon, 10k and 5k all on the same day! I hate running. But I know it's a thing many people love and enjoy. Good for those people. My friend, Bekah, decided it would be a fun activity for us to participate in and registered all of us for the 5k. We figured the flower crowns would be fun for that too.

Just before the finish line

Saturday was beautiful. Sunday, the day of the marathon, was rainy and cold. But there was still a big turnout for the event. The path for the 5k went along the river, up near my street, down the main street in town, and then right through old town.

Skye, Rorey, Bekah, Me, Done! 

Flags from all participating nations

The four of us started together. We decided against the crowns and went for hats supporting the school instead. I dropped back to stay with Skye and sent Bekah and Rorey ahead. Skye and I were quickly separated and so I continued ahead. Actually running.  I was surprised myself. I think it was mob mentality though. I kept looking for the others but never spotted them. Skye made a little shortcut and caught up with me half-way through, but we got separated again. The wet cobblestones for the last km were a fun challenge, too. I ended up finishing just before Bekah and Rorey... I have no idea how to pace myself, so I spent the 5k Running, and then fast walking, and Running again. I think they took the slow and steady idea. In the end, we all finished, found each other, and met up for celebratory drinks and snacks.

Not how I typically spend a rainy Sunday. but not too bad either.