As the 31st annual Vodafone Prague Marathon approaches this May, third year AAU students are getting ready to take on the 42.195 kilometer race, not just as a physical challenge, but as a milestone marking their time in Prague.
For students Josie Robinette and Liza Potts, the marathon reflects months of training balanced alongside university life. Between classes and other responsibilities, their preparation has required commitment and mutual support.
“I love the feeling at the end of a marathon. It’s not really about the race itself– it’s about the work you put in,” said Robinette.
Robinette has taken a more structured approach to her training, following a multi-week plan while Potts described her method as more intuitive:
“I like to make a plan at the start, and then kind of go with what feels right,” said Potts.
Despite their different approaches, running has become a shared routine between the two as they often complete their long runs together, using the time to not only train but stay connected amid busy schedules.
“We usually do the long runs on Sundays,” Potts explained. “It’s a nice way to reset and start the week.”
As race day approaches, both students are also preparing for graduation and leaving Prague in the coming months. The two friends said that this marathon now represents a meaningful way to close this chapter of their lives.
“It feels like capping off this chapter of my life. It’s just a really meaningful way to experience this city one last time,” said Potts.
For Robinette, the race is also about sharing the experience together.
“I’m so excited to run it with Liza,” she said. “We’ve put in all this work, and I think we’re just going to have a really great time.”
After crossing the finish line on May 3, the two plan to celebrate with friends, marking not only the completion of the marathon but also the journey that led them there.
