neighborhoods and public places! Having a father--daughter vacation was fantastic. I could not have had a better travel partner! We were able to experience (although briefly and admittedly, the tourist view) the rich cultures of Lima, Cusco, and Machu Picchu in a whirlwind trip that culminated in my first ever getting lost on a race course.
Kelly and I were so impressed by the power and ingenuity of the Inca empire expressed in the ruins of Machu Picchu. Built without the use of mortar,
metal tools, or the wheel, it truly is an archaeological wonder of
the ancient world. We both agreed that spending a couple of weeks hiking the trail and exploring the region was now something we wanted to do! 
Lima ia a city with rich historical and cultural wonder. In addition, it is becoming an international foodie Mecca and we shared in some fabulous post-race meals! 
Now on to the race. Fantastic group of 2500+ international and local runners. Well planned and organized route and race -- except for street signage directing you on the route. While fleet-footed Kelly had no problem as she moved with the pack, I, on the other hand was left pounding the pavement behind the pack, but ahead of the walkers. That means that after mile 18, when the race route took a turn in direction, there was nothing there to indicate which way to turn. The route was now open to the public (I was about four hours into it) I was lost. 
The upside? I ran through some great little neighborhoods in the poorer sections of the city, at one point attracting stray dogs and active children running along side of me. I finally came upon a busy intersection where a policeman was directing traffic. I pointed to my race bib and asked him which way to go. He pointed in a new direction, and I was off once more. When I rounded a street corner and found a sign the said 40K, I knew I was back on track! As I looked down at my watch, my runkeeper app indicated I had gone 28.3 miles so far. 
As I neared the finish line, I could see the race crew beginning to disassemble the barriers and stage. No other runner was around. As workers and stragglers saw me coming in, they began to cheer. I saw Kelly at the finish line cheering me on. As I crossed, I was met by the race director, and local TV and newspaper journalists. I was the last one in! I fessed up to the race director that I strayed from the route and should be disqualified, but that I knew I had gone at least 28 miles to get there (by now, the watch battery was dead). He laughed and said not to worry. He was just glad I had arrived. So was I!All of this was to support water.org. Water.org works to bring safe water and sanitation to the world through access to small, affordable loans. There is both a need and demand for these loans, because when people have access to safe water, they get time back to go to school, earn an income and take care of their family. It changes their world. Peru is one of the places where water.org make a difference! Running for water! It was worth every mile!
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