Finishers!

One week ago today, Doug and I ran the Paris Semi Marathon.  The tag line to this marathon is "spring challenge," and at 65 degrees and sunny, it was as though the weather itself was up for a challenge.   First sunny day in Paris in weeks, apparently.

I've run a number of 1/2 marathons in the past, but have always wanted to run the Paris race.  What a dream come true to do it while we are living in Europe, and for Doug and I to get to do it together.

Three easy hours by the train from Amsterdam, and voila!  43,000 runners.  13.1 miles.  4 days in Paris.  

Abby & Reese LOVED the expo village.  What's not to love with so much swag.  Everything from free balloons to free bananas.  They wrote sweet notes to us on the dedication wall.

Coincidentally, some good friends from San Francisco found themselves in Paris at the same time.  We spent a sweet day at Jardin des Tuileries, happening upon a fabulous and fabulously-French lunch, and then capped it off with a visit to the Musée de l'Orangerie. 

And, quelle surprise!  These two NoCal buddies ran the 1/2 marathon too!  They didn't have bib numbers, but jumped in at the end of the pack, ran, and then joined us for a celebratory dinner afterwards.  They're both amazing runners, but so impressive to do it on the vacation fly.  Love it!  Thank you CW and GRW for a great weekend in Paris!   Hoping we'll see you in October for the Amsterdam 1/2 marathon . . .

We spent one of our two remaining days at Jardin d'Acclimatation, and the final day on a quiet, cloudy walk around Montmartre before catching our train home.

Nothing beats the Jardin d'Acclimatation for old school charm.  The rides are perfect for the under 10 crowd; the park is green; and the games lack any "shazam" factor and are sweetly simple.  It reminded me of my childhood and summer carnivals.  Big treat for the kids.

Montmartre:  The Sacre Coeur and macaroons for the ride home.