After 34 hours of traveling, Prague finally came into view! An eight-hour layover in Frankfurt turned into an unexpected adventure, and getting to spend part of it exploring the city was such a highlight.

A bit of walking led to some fun surprises—my first taste of European food, topped off with a delicious tiramisu. The biggest surprise, though, was stumbling upon the only cathedral still standing after the bombings of WWII. It was surreal to explore such a historic place, especially since visiting Frankfurt wasn’t even on the original plan.

There was a slight hiccup with rifle paperwork while going through customs, but after some back and forth with the police, the all-clear finally came through!

Old Town Prague was alive with energy, making it the perfect stop for someone both starving and eager to explore. Late-night sightseeing turned into a memorable experience, with the city beautifully lit and buzzing even after dark.

The best way to take in the city, though, had to be the morning runs! Passing landmarks like Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, and The Dancing House was unforgettable—history and culture blending right into the rhythm of training.

The food has been incredible too! Every meal feels so different from home—rich yet light, without extra sugar or overwhelming flavors. Somehow, that makes it taste even better.

This whole visit has been a whirlwind of sightseeing, new flavors, history, and jet lag. I am so lucky that my travel schedule had me spend a day here! 

Yesterday, Team USA finally reunited, and we began the 3.5-hour drive to our next destination: Szklarska Poręba. It’s rare for the IBU circuit to bring juniors back to the same venue two years in a row, so returning somewhere familiar feels special. There’s a bit more snow this time around, and everyone’s eager to get skis on the trails!

After settling in, the team headed out for a recovery jog that turned into a bit of an adventure, complete with climbing some rocks and catching a beautiful sunset.

Dinner felt extra welcoming. Each team had their own flag set on the tables, with Germany, Italy, and Austria sharing our hotel. The gingerbread cookies they set out were a sweet touch to welcome the USA.

I’m excited for what this next week will bring. it’s already off to a pretty unforgettable start!

If you or someone you know would like to join my team, please share my website or GoFundMe link. Together, we can make this season one to remember.