Upon returning from Germany I spent a week training and racing in the Krkonoše Mountains – a region in the north of the Czech Republic close to the border with Poland.
I was joined in a few workouts by Martina Chrástková – winner of several Czech National Championship titles in cross country skiing. My favourite part of the week was a great 20km run which went over the top of the Czech Republic’s highest point – Sněžka (1602m) – roughly translated as “Snowy”. It certainly lives up to it’s name as over a week ago it had it’s first snowfall of the year. The peak straddles the border with Poland so I have now visited three countries on my continental training tour.

The futuristic looking Polish weather observatory on the summit of Sněžka.
On Saturday I raced a 7.5km cross country race in Vrchlabí. I was quite pleased with my effort and pacing in this race, though I just missed the podium again!
After the race I borrowed a mountain bike and cycled 35km back to Trutnov. This was a real cross country ride, passing through fields, along back roads, up logging roads in the mountains, walking the bike through short sections of hiking trails, cruising downhill on gravel roads and enjoying beautiful views all along the way.

Vaclav Havel’s Hradecek cottage. I was very surprised that there is no sign or plaque indicating the significance of this place.
On Sunday we left the Krkonoše mountains and drove about two hours west because I had another date with Ještěd – this time it wasn’t a run, but a 12km classic rollerski race with 600m of elevation gain to the summit. Unfortunately we weren’t racing on standardized skis, and because my skis were a bit slower than others I can’t guage how I raced too accurately.
Enjoy the last day of September! Where does the time go?
Hey Jan! So this is what you’re doing these days. I envy you. Good luck in Sochi!!
Thanks Boris! Where are you these days?
Czech mountains in the fall look so beautiful. Perfect training ground indeed. Was in Canada yesterday running the Detroit-Windsor intl half marathon, I had a blast despite the wind and cold weather. Managed to beat my personal record by over a minute (totally unexpectedly). bad news is that now I feel the pressure on myself to go hunt for a sub 1.30 hr 1/2 marathon next year…
Go for it Guillaume!