Corri La Vita 12k

 This last Sunday, Florence held the Corri La Vita, a 12k that raises money for cancer research.  It was a great day for a run, and idea of running every mile seemed a little easier knowing it was for a good cause.  As you can see above in our pre-race pic, us girls were all just so excited at the idea of running a 12k, especially because we had heard rumors of the awful hills that this route had.  I mean, we have been eating all this pasta for some reason, right?! It was bound to help us power up those hills : ) 

The square where the race started.  It is weird to yell, "Meet me by the statue of the naked man!" when giving directions.  Weird, but somehow so great

That was our "competition".  Pshh. Whatever : )

We arrived at the race and were met by a hoard or Italians, as well as a fair spattering of American students and other confused looking foreigners.  What was interesting was the ratio or men to women, which by my estimation must have at least been 4:1.  Running seems to be a few steps (ha ha) behind in Europe, especially in competitive running for women.

The race began and wound through the city, ending up at Piazzale Michelangelo, which I swear is the highest point in the whole city, maybe even the whole country.  Okay, that is slightly dramatic, I know, but I'm telling you, those hills were steep and unending!

See the Duomo?  That is where we started and this pic was taken about where we ran to.  It's so high I really think the race should be marketed as half-race and half-mountain climb.

Regardless, we all finished with good times and smiles on our faces.  After the race, our athletic director Larry took us to the restaurant, called The Diner, that offered amazingly delicious American food.  I'm talking omeletes, pancakes, and even...(dramatic pause)... "American Coffee"!!!  I am sure you must think it is ridiculous, I mean, we are in the food capital of the universe and I am getting excited about drip coffee... but, let me tell ya, after being here for a few weeks in was the perfect meal.

Our post-race Gonzaga group