Budapest is falling apart

It's hard to believe but easy to imagine the turmoil that engulfed Budapest last night. During my visit in July the oppression and desperation was in the air. The country is going through some serious financial difficulties. Lies by the Prime Minister Ferenc Gyurcsany did not help the situation ,but it also did not completely cause the downward financial spiral. Regardless of the ruling party the people will continue to suffer. The damage has been done and the escalating budget deficit needs to be dealt with. However, with idiotic remarks,
"We did nothing for four years. Nothing," Gyurcsany said on the tape, made during a private talk with Socialist parliament members that was larded with crude expressions. Later he said: "We screwed up. Not a little, a lot.", I can see why Hungarians are enraged.(photo of The Parliament House or Országház, July 06)

Longest run of my life

On Saturday I woke up at 5 in the morning to take part in the NYC Marathon Long Training Run at Central Park. After my late arrival, thanks to the MTA, I managed to catch up with the pace group. The first few miles were the hardest. Getting my body use to the run and mentally knowing that it was only the start was very difficult. After a few more miles I decided to leave the group behind. The 10:00 min per mile pace was too slow and I felt overwhelmed by all the people surrounding me. At mile 10 I was hurting but it was good pain, the endorphins kicked in and I felt great. At that point I was fully prepared and committed to running the full 20 miles. Along the way I enjoyed the beautiful weather and sights of Cental Park. At mile 18 I increased the pace and started thinking about the finish line, the rest was a blur. I completed the 20 mile run in 3 hours and 10 minutes, the longest run of my life, so far.

Mom’s speed

I briefly mention to a co-worker that my mother was a speed skated, back in her day. From the age of 13 thru 18 she was involved in the sport. I always enjoyed hearing stories about her training days. The 5am, 2 mile daily run in freezing cold Romanian weather. The pathetic skates she had to wear and the interesting pre workout meal that was given, chocolate. I also remember all the medals we had around our apartment and the sense of pride and intrigue I felt. Who was this person? She was my mother but also an infallible, great being. Unfortunately, after my mom moved to New York her medals had to stay behind (can’t sneak out of a Communist country with all your belongings) I found out later that my aunt threw them out, since my mother didn’t want the souvenirs. I can’t tell if she enjoyed that part of her life or if it was just about the challenge. I do know that she almost made it to the Olympics, however, she had an unfortunate accident and badly injured her hip. After that point in her life she went off to college to study geology and moved on. I’m sure that’s where I get my fast genes from and my will to run in the NYC Marathon. (photo of my mom by Fery Deák, a relative and photographer)