Running Abroad: Journey to Madrid
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Running Abroad: Journey to Madrid
At the moment, I am living, and studying, in Salamanca, Spain (some of you may already be aware of this). Furthermore, I enjoy running and do it often (hopefully a greater number knows that). And finally, I plan on, and have continued to run, while living in Spain (please tell me you are catching the drift here). This is how I will document some of my most favorite experiences while Running Abroad.
Cheat Sheet
- What/Why – Less Runners in Spain
- El Parque Del Retiro – 7.5/10
- Pictures
What/Why – Less Runners in Spain
Recently, I made my way over to Madrid, the capital city of Spain, and a runner’s paradi-…
I am going to stop there. Running in Spain is not nearly as common as it is in the States. In fact, running in Salamanca is a rarity. If you don’t believe me, all you need to do is look at the Running Club I started on Meetup.com.
Three members. All Americans. Scientifically accurate? You better believe it.
Running with the… Spaniards?
Now, let’s get something straight first. People DO run in Spain. In fact, El Parque De Madrid (better known as El Parque Del Retiro – see the above picture) had runners; however, Madrid is a large city, and it was summer-time. I honestly feel that every runner in Madrid was inside that park when I was there (and that isn’t saying all that much).
Before I start getting hate mail, I should say that there is absolutely nothing wrong with this. I enjoy running the same regardless of the number of people doing it. In fact, there are some positive aspects to participating in a less-popular activity.
Crowds. Cash. Cool-Factor. I call them the 3 C’s and I just came up with it mere moments ago.
Crowds
If there are less people running, you avoid the crowds.
Cash
If no one is running, running paraphernalia can be usually had for less.
Cool-Factor
Doing something different is inherently cooler than being one of the sheeple.
El Parque Del Retiro
As you can tell, I learned a lot from running in Madrid, but how was the run, actually? I suppose I have to get to that eventually…
It was wonderful. I stayed in a great hostel called Bull’s Hostal, which was close to the center of downtown Madrid. This meant that theoretically I should have no problem getting around, finding a place to run, and get back home in one piece. The key word in that last sentence is “should.” As in, I “should” have a better sense of direction OR I “should” be able to find my running equipment AND EVEN maybe I “should” have chosen someplace where people can understand my unique version of Spanish.
The day started innocently enough and by the time I got to the hostel, I figured I earned a nice siesta. You will soon realize why I hadn’t.
After waking up, I realized I had forgotten my running clothes and running shoes. Oops! Oh well, no bother. This is Madrid, thought Chris. I can just go and get some clothes downtown and use my Chuck’s to run in.
Suffice it to say that I could barely manage even this. I did find a Nike, and I did boy some running clothes. That wasn’t a problem. What was a problem, however, was using ONE STREET to find my way back to the hostel. All I literally had to do was keep walking straight down the sidewalk. However, I kept doubting which direction I should be going, so I kept turning around and going the other way. This must have happened four or five times. No joke.
I made it back to the hostel and was all suited up to go running. I had my Camelbak (thanks Blake), my camera, ID/money (for emergencies), and a key to my room. I was good to go. Only after my run did I found out that I had brought my running clothes and needlessly purchases more at Nike…
The run from the hostel to the El Parque Del Retiro was uneventful. I got a lot of strange looks (it is not common for people to run outside of the park apparently) but nothing that phased me. The running shoes were not comfortable at all (being basically a piece of rubber sole) but nothing worth stopping for. Finally, I made it to the entrance of the park and was welcome by several runners going back just as I made it up the steps. This is where I spent the next hour running and occassionally stopping to snap a few choice photographs – see below).
The park was beautiful. All sorts of different people (Spainairds, Asians, some serious Americans, etc.) were doing all sorts of interesting things (soccer, tai chi, some serious powerwalking, etc.). The scenery was really beautiful and frankly, I can’t wait until I get another opportunity to run there. If you haven’t made it over to Madrid, or to El Parque Del Retiro I am going to seriously recommend that you do.
Overall Rating: 7.5/10
Pictures
Within the main entrance.
Atop a stairway.
A wedding?
Another stairway.
The middle of the park.
Building made of glass.
Exotic/Gated part of the park.
Mickey Mouse?
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September 25th, 2009 at 9:23 am
Awesome!! I still find it so odd that running would not be as popular there as it is here. I would think biking would be really popular courtesy of Tour de Spain and whatnot, and the fact that some of the best bikes in the world are Spanish. I would think that being a big competitive bike culture would make one a big running culture, they are both about as aerobically intensive sports as you can get.
As you say though, perhaps that can help in many ways though too. I know that sometimes I find it more peaceful with less runners out when I am out. I have too big of a competitive streak to not try to look cool and fast by other runners, so less is more in that case. As long as no one tries to run you over or shouts derogatory comments at you like people do in the states in places with little runners, I say its all good.
When will we be getting the next installment of this blog?
September 25th, 2009 at 10:05 am
Blake,
Thanks for the comment.
There are places in the States with little runners? I have yet to find one with as little here. When I told my host mom I saw three runners this morning she was shocked. Salamanca has over 150,000 people.
Next time I run somewhere newsworthy!
September 27th, 2009 at 6:53 am
Hi Chris, Wow it does look like a beautiful city or area that you are in…I do like the idea of seeming more like a trend setter rather than one of the norm…Now why were people looking at you ? Maybe it was because you are a cute in shape blonde. As far as the frog picture I did not see it yet but am happy that you saved me all the expense of traveling over there to check it out..The family you are with sound very interesting and if you are able to keep up with what they are saying when they are all heated up in a discussion than you are much more closer to your goal of being a full fledged Spanish speaker…Now you know how it must feel for all the Hatian, Mexican Etc. immigrants who come without a whole lot English who have to then learn our culture and language through total immersion..While the breakfast sounds skimpy the lunches sound wonderful, especialy with a siesta or nap at the end…It really sounds like my kind of place…How is the weather there?…Are coffee houses a big thing?…What kind of food is the mainstay.Keep on doing what you do and most of all enjoy or learn from every moment as it will serve you well in your future…Love Aunt Amber ( Kris)
September 27th, 2009 at 3:00 pm
Hello Chris!
Your blog is fantastic and it’s awesome to see the photos of Madrid and where you are running. The park is so beautiful and is perfectly groomed and maintained. But where are all the people? They must be too busy with their lives to take a few minutes to enjoy nature…..
So, you’re the lone runner over there. Time to start a trend and get those Spaniards on their feet! Maybe you could envision yourself like Forest Gump….just keep running and before long you’ll have a whole posse of followers.
A sidebar – I would really enjoy a Spanish vocab lesson. How about you introduce a new Spanish word or phrase each week along with the interp and meaning? The words could be related to running or anything for that matter. Also, what are your meals like over there – can you find the kinds of foods necessary to fuel your running?
Take care and I look forward to hearing more from Spain!
Kim
September 28th, 2009 at 2:51 pm
Dear Chris:
I appreciate your blog and your sharing of this interesting experience in Spain. I have enjoyed your well-written and insightful text for a while.
Here is a site that I hope can be helpful in finding running trails in Salamanca. http://www.run.com/city.asp?loc=Salamanca+ES
I hope that the group of three runners in your club grow in numbers. Keep up the great work and continue to have fun. Don’t be discouraged that others there don’t understand the joy in your running. Don’t be affected by the Spaniard;s effete ( oops, pardon the pun) response.
Anon,
Mozart4life
October 7th, 2009 at 7:43 pm
Hey Christopher,
it is so interesting to see how others live isn’t it? Fitness is such a part of who you are and sharing it with the world is one of your passions. If more people were out running, perhaps we would have less crime, less drug and alcohol consumption. People developing a mind body connection could change the world. Keep up the great work, enjoy your time in Spain—- and keep using your intellect to challenge us all.
October 8th, 2009 at 9:20 am
Kristin,
Thanks for the comments.
The weather, in my opinion, is similar to Durango. Dry, not too hot (since it isn’t summer time) with the sun always shining. It is pretty great if you like being outdoors.
Cafés are indeed popular here. A lot of people “tomar un café” outside and most cafés that I have seen have seating outside. It is definitely different than in the states.
The food is the Mediterranean Diet, which is obviously much healthier than the standard American diet, and it is obvious reason why Spaniards live longer on average.
Kim,
Thanks! I love the idea of a Spanish lesson. Perhaps I will write some articles about language learning.
My meals are smaller than my meals in America. As a vegetarian, I am unable to eat paella, which is the famous dish here. A lot of people think of Spain as “ham” but really it is “seafood” as far as food goes.
Mozart4Life,
First off, great username. I definitely am not offended. I don’t have to be running with other people to enjoy myself, that is for sure.
Debbie,
Thanks!! Sometimes I think the exact same thing… but alas, if I can help a few people see “the light”, it will be all worth it, now won’t it?