The 10 most beautiful towns in Catalonia

You will love today’s destination:  Catalonia.  We have listed 10 of the most beautiful towns that you will want on your radar next time you visit this region of Spain.  Seemingly frozen in a bygone era, enjoy their lovely architecture, medieval streets and peaceful countryside. 

(Click the image and a full size version will show up).

# 1 - CADAQUÉS

# 2 - TAÜLL

# 3 - TOSSA DE MAR

# 4 - PALS

# 5 - CASTELLFOLLIT DE LA ROCA

 # 6 - SITGES

# 7 - ARTÍES

# 8 - BEGET

# 9 - SIURANA

# 10 - MONELLS
 

When your loved one is not a runner

For us runners, it sometimes seems like everybody has been bitten by the running bug.  So much so that we often hear stories of people meeting in the trails, falling in love and then running together.  These are the lucky ones.  But what about those who share love but not necessarily the outdoors sports passion?

Is your partner indifferent to your insistence on the benefits of running?  Do you feel guilty when you train and do not spend time with your loved one?  It doesn’t have to be like that.  Actually, having separate interests can enhance your relationship as long as you make some simple adjustments to your routine.


Here are some tips to minimize the impact of your running in your marriage and to find balance between work, family, training, and other responsibilities. 

•    Adapt or die.  Train in the time slots when you are inevitable apart from your other half. Is your partner practicing other sports, going out with work colleagues or running errands?  It shouldn’t be too hard to find hours to get your training done.  Another option is to get up earlier.  In which case, keep your clock alarm discreet so you do not disturb your significant other’s sleeping next to you.

•    Communicate.  Share your excitement.  You don’t run the same route or at the same pace every day.  Sometimes you feel energetic, while other you feel dead tired.  You might talk about the memorable sunrise of that morning, someone you ran into or the bizarre things you encountered on the trails.  Communication is the key.


•    Take your spouse along.  Invite your partner to join you for a walk and refrain from running.  Just walk.  Walking is an often underestimated activity that may be good for runners once in a while.  At a different pace, you’ll appreciate other details. 

•    Stay attractive.  Change your workout clothes as soon as you get back home.  Take a shower after your sweat session and get dressed. 

•    Keep it tidy.  Find a place for your running shoes and gadgets.  Do not invade other people’s space.

•    Show that you care.  Take your loved one to shop and ask for their opinion.  Obviously your other half has an excellent taste and will be able to help you choose the outfit that fits you best.


•    Win-win.  If your spouse drives you to the race start, invite to dinner.  Let your loved one be your crew and biggest fan.  It might sound cheesy, but why not hang your finisher medal around his/her neck.  Your partner will feel needed and important. 

•    “Runcation” (run + vacation).  Enjoy new countries and destinations.  Book your next vacation combining a race or training camp with amazing tours and activities.  All Run and Tour packages welcome non-runners. 

What kind of trail running shoes should I bring to Spain?

Spain has an incredible varied terrain and breathtaking landscapes. If you are thinking about Spain as a trail running destination, be sure to bring the right trail-running shoes with you. Here are some key issues to bear in mind when choosing your shoes:  

WHERE  
Pyrenees: Bergueda and Val d’Aran (Catalonia)
Trail running season in the Pyrenees goes from late May through mid-November, when skiers are all gone, trails are runnable and there is almost no snow. As usual when in altitude, weather can get sometimes tricky and storms are not necessarily restricted to the winter storms.  
DISTANCE  
Ultra. The ultra running events that Run and Tour has prepared for you cover different terrains, from green pasture lands, to boulder-block fields, including thick forests, stream crossing, etc. In such a long distance, do not go too minimal on the cushioning. Your shoes should have plenty of comfort and support. Bear in mind that you will have to tackle significant elevation gain/loss. This can take you up to 48 hours, depending on the race you choose. We highly recommend that you use a second pair of shoes to change halfway through the run. Changing socks and shoes to keep your feet dry and warm is important to avoid blisters. As we climb, we may run into patches of residual snow. Some race organizations recommend the use of crampons, but they are not mandatory.  
Training. Wear comfortable shoes and generous fit. Our Training Camps take you each day into different terrain conditions, running and walking at different speeds; so again, bring two different pairs of shoes in your luggage: the heavy-duty and the lighter ones.  

WHERE  
Northern Spain: Cantabria and the Basque Country Here terrain is very similar to the one in the Pyrenees mountains, except for the altitude and the snow. Instead of that, be prepared for an occasional light rain and drizzle.  
DISTANCE  
Ultra. We recommend waterproof footwear with a very comfortable feel, suited for multiple hours in the trails.  
Racing a marathon or less than 50k. Choose a sole that drains well, with lugs that offer good traction on the full throttle descents. When deciding your shoes, pay attention to the lacing configuration: you’ll want one that stays tied during the entire race. Pick a pair that facilitates good proprioception (stability).  

WHERE The Mediterranean: Costa Blanca in Alicante The Mediterranean climate is relatively more stable and predictable. Winters are mild and you can run here all year round, except maybe a few days of extreme heat in August. The Costa Blanca is the ideal destination to stay fit during the winter months and race in Europe when the rest of the continent is freezing. You can get as much elevation gain/loss as in the Pyrenees, at literally a few minutes from the sea.  
DISTANCE  
Ultra. Look for a shoe that is breathable and enough room so your toes can move freely. You will need lots of comfort during several hours.  
Racing a marathon or less than 50k. Look for a shoe with an impact-protection shield for a better protection against the impact of rocks, roots and stumps. Pick a pair that offers proprioception and extra grip.

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All our trail running destinations are based in important towns with a long tradition of mountain sports. In case you forget or change your mind shoe wise, you won’t have any trouble to find an outdoor clothing store with the item that best suits your needs. All Run and Tour guests have special offers in most of these stores.

Find your ideal trail running destination, winter or summer, here.

3 things you should do in Alicante

Alicante is one of the top destinations in Spain.  Incredible beaches to wander along, mountains that provide beautiful views and tiny villages to discover.  But besides this, there are some things you can do to be off the beaten track, for very little or no money at all.  We propose three activities not to miss when you are visiting this paradisiac spot of the Mediterranean.

1.    Have “churros con chocolate” for breakfast.  This is the typical winter breakfast in Spain.  And unlike other typicalities advertised to foreigners, this is one that Spaniards actually do.  Warning:  if you look at calorie counting, sorry, but this breakfast may not be for you.  But…  If your motto is YOLO and you are convinced that you are totally worth it, then keep reading!  Imagine some very thick tempting hot chocolate in which you dip fried crispy dough rolls, the churros (pronounced ˈChooros ).   The contrast of flavors and textures makes it a sublime way to start your day!  But don’t be fooled:  hot chocolate should be served in a china cup and churros should be freshly fried, still warm and sugar-sprinkled.   Did you sleep in that day?  Churros and chocolate make a perfect afternoon snack too, ideal just before doing what comes next.

2.    Walk barefoot on the beach.  Did you know average temperatures in Alicante are hardly under 60 ºF during winter months?  Regardless of the season, you will always be able to enjoy a nice stroll on the beautiful beaches Alicante has to offer.  Whether you are an early bird or a night owl, just do it.  Imagine yourself getting up early and having the whole beach only for you, or having a night walk under the moon and stars…  Beaches in Alicante are raked and sieved regularly and daily maintained by the Council.  They are also very safe to walk around.  So go all-Tarahumara:  the sand will be a relaxing foot massage.  One cannot help but think of all the people who disembarked in this very same beach, as early as 6,000 B.C.

3.    Try to say it in Spanish.  Remember:  practice makes perfect.  Any chance is a good one to practice your language skills.  For instance, visiting a farmers market to buy some fruits seems like an excellent plan to mingle with locals and read food names in Spanish.  Stall staff is always friendly and with smiles on their faces.  They will advise you on the freshest food in season.  Since they usually don’t speak foreign languages, they will do their best to be understood.  Please do not try this experience in a hair salon.  If your Spanish is not fluent enough, it is advisable to get your hair cut back at home.

At Run and Tour we believe that little things lead to great ones.  Take some time to discover the everyday miracles.  Once in a while, ditch the gadgets and connect with people.  Look the world with your eyes wide open.  Feel.

Please check out here for a tour like this.

Spanish Ultra Trail Championship

(¡Puedes leer la versión en español al final del artículo!)

By Verena Levy

Last weekend (May 17th and 18th) we had the opportunity to attend one of the most celebrated events in the Spanish ultra-running calendar.  The CSP 115 race, part of the Penyagolosa Trails would determine the 2014 mountain ultra distance champions.  This is a national title given by the Spanish Mountain Sports Federation (FEDME).    

The day before the race, runners had fun sharing their thoughts, taking photos and twittered #PenyagolosaTrails in the open square where bibs were picked up.  Castellón typical fair weather helped to make the atmosphere even more festive.  But the next day would be the moment of truth… 

6:00 a.m. start.  Thanks to an excellent race organization 2,000 excited people were ready to enjoy either one of two courses:  CSP 115 or MiM.  In spite of its name, the CSP 115 is a course of 118 km, with 5,439 meters of climbing and 4,227 meters of descending.  The MiM, shorter and faster, has 63 km and 3,045 meters of vertical gain.  At the starting line, there were the elite athletes and ordinary men and women, all dressed in their trail running best and expecting a busy day ahead.

Unfortunately, not all of them would make it to the finish line.  You should never take anything for granted in courses, especially when running this sort of distance.  Early in the course, it was evident that it wasn’t going to be easy.  Anything can happen on race day, as the dropout figures show.    

A tough course… A combination of difficulty, a very runnable first part and heat took its toll.  Even the tarahumaras that came over from Mexico and other runners with desert running experience ran hard the first part and paid for it later.  

While we attended this event, Núria Picas in the other side of the planet, was winning the TNF 100 in Australia.  This is her three consecutive win this season and now she leads the Ultra Trail World Tour Series ranking.  Sofía García, in China that very same weekend, won The Great Wall Marathon.  Congratulations to these two inspiring women!

Back in the CSP 115, Miguel Heras, the 2014 reigning champion, gave us a clinic.  Intelligently, looking really focused, not very verbal, he let the front pack go, hanging out until he found the right time to start closing the gap (around 61 k).  There must have been moments for him to dig deep, we are sure.  Miguel Heras wanted to prove himself that the injuries issues from the previous season, were gone altogether.

We’re very impressed with Miguel win, how he moved into the lead and got his way to the finish.  Miguel crossed the finish line almost in tears.  The demigod turned back into a human, his face showing the struggle to compete against such a sheer number of strong men.  11 hours and 30 minutes it’s all it took him to blast the record.  

In the ladies, winner was the Basque runner Silvia Trigueros, who placed herself comfortably on the lead in the early stages of the race, especially after last year’s winner dropout at 42 k.  Behind her, three other women ran neck and neck to not miss out on podium.   Noelia Camacho, in a Miguel-Heras-situation (but a lot more smiling), gave Silvia a hard time towards the end of the course.  Silvia won by a 3-minute lead.

In conclusion:  exciting time at the Penyagolosa Trails.  Most impressive is not WHO made it the end but HOW they did it.  This championship was not only about being physically fit but mentally set to embrace pain.  

You start an ultra race pretty much sure about who you are.  Guess what.  By the time it’s over, you have found out something about yourself you didn’t know before.  Isn’t that what we are all seeking as runners?

The results:  

CSP 115 General.  Miguel Heras (1st man) and Silvia Trigueros (1st woman).  Juanjo Larrotcha (1st man 45-55 age group) and Noelia Camacho (1st woman 40-50 age group)

MiM General.  Santi García (1st man) and Raquel Martínez (1st woman).

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Por Verena Levy

El fin de semana pasado, 17 y 18 de mayo de 2014, tuvimos la oportunidad de ser testigos de uno de los eventos de ultra trail más importantes del calendario oficial español.  La CSP 115, carrera reina de los Penyagolosa Trails celebrados en la provincia de Castellón, determinaría a los campeones de 2014 de ultra distancia en montaña.  Un título oficial FEDME, deseado por muchos.   Y aunque por reglamento sólo puede recaer sobre un español, el gran nivel de competición propició la participación de corredores de diversos países, simplemente por el placer de medir su fuerza y resistencia junto a los mejores.  
 
Gracias a una organización impecable, dos mil personas ilusionadas se preparaban para disfrutar la CSP 115 (que a pesar del nombre, en realidad tiene 118 km de recorrido;  5.439 metros de desnivel positivo acumulado) y su carrera hermana, la MiM, que es equivalente en distancia a un maratón y medio (63 km y 3.045 m de desnivel positivo).  En la línea de salida, la élite y las caras anónimas esperaban ansiosas poder dar todo de sí, sabiendo que tenían por delante una larga jornada.

El día anterior, en la entrega de dorsales, el ambiente era totalmente festivo.  Las buenas temperaturas de la mediterránea ciudad de Castellón invitaban a ello.  Corredores de todas formas y tamaños se congregaban para hacerse fotos y actualizar su estatus en las redes sociales.  #Penyagolosa sería el trending topic.

Pero la cita importante era al día siguiente.  Y desafortunadamente no todos los que salieran llegarían al final de su destino.  Antes de una carrera no se puede dar nada por sentado y menos cuando se trata de 118 kilómetros.  Prácticamente cualquier cosa puede ocurrir, como demuestra el número de abandonos de esta edición.  Ya desde temprano se hizo evidente que entrar en meta dentro del tiempo reglamentario que establecía la Organización (30 horas), sería un privilegio.

Y es que a la exigencia del recorrido, este año vino a añadirse un día con temperaturas algo más altas de lo deseables para correr.  El paisaje, abierto y típicamente mediterráneo, con extensas zonas de matorral y poca sombra, acusaban más el calor.   Todos se vieron afectados:  desde los tarahumaras venidos desde México hasta corredores con experiencia en carreras extremas por el desierto.  

Mientras esto atendíamos, del otro lado del mundo, en las antípodas, Núria Picas no daba menos de sí y ganaba el TNF100 Australia, en su tercer triunfo importante en lo que lleva de temporada.  Definitivamente lidera el Ultra Trail World Tour Series.  Por su parte, Sofía García (de Castellón, precisamente), se ausentaba de su tierra por un buen motivo:  ese fin de semana se estaba encargando de ganar el Maratón de la Muralla China, en... China.  Así que ya me diréis del estado actual del trail running español...

Miguel Heras, flamante campeón de España, hizo una carrera que convalida por un doctorado.  Inteligente, concentrado en su faena, hablando poco y pensando mucho, no se lanzó de cabeza a liderar el pelotón sino que fue calculando sus condiciones y las de sus competidores, a la espera del momento oportuno para atacar e ir dejando su huella de fuego.  La sabiduría del veterano...  Seguramente también tuvo sus momentos de bajón, porque, ¿quién no los tiene en una carrera tan larga?  Miguel Heras quería demostrarse a sí mismo que las lesiones que le habían amargado temporadas anteriores, ese día en Castellón eran cosa del pasado.

Verle progresar en carrera e ir adelantando posiciones, te deja con la boca abierta.  Hizo una Señora Carrera, así, con mayúsculas, durante 11 horas y media, en que llegó a meta y entonces el héroe se hizo humano, haciéndose evidente en su rostro toda la emoción y la tensión de tener que abrirse paso para adelantar al puñado de excelentes deportistas que por turnos iban liderando algunos kilómetros de carrera.  Abrazo de felicidad exultante y nuevo récord para la CSP 115 firmado elegantemente. 

En las chicas, la ganadora ha sido la corredora vasca Silvia Trigueros que lideró la carrera desde el principio con relativa comodidad, mucho más, supongo desde la retirada en el km 42 de la ganadora del año pasado.  Detrás de ella, las tres siguientes chicas se alternaban los puestos y disputaban poder subir al podio y, quién sabe, incluso proclamarse ganadoras.  Eso debió pensar la andaluza Noelia Camacho que, en un estilo muy parecido al de Miguel Heras, pero mucho más sonriente hay que decir, se empeñó en poner en un aprieto a Silvia, da tal forma que apenas 3 minutos las separan en la línea de meta.

Como resumen:  un espectáculo emocionante.  Más que sorprender quiénes ganaron, sorprende cómo lo hicieron y contra quiénes tuvieron que vérselas.  Las llegadas a meta muestran el triunfo de la concentración, de una cabeza bien puesta, de saber que existe un placer que supera el sufrimiento transitorio.  

Un ultra trail lo empiezas creyendo saber quién eres.  Pero lo acabas descubriendo algo de ti mismo que hasta ayer desconocías.

Clasificación

CSP 115
1º Abosluto.  Miguel Heras (M) y Silvia Trigueros (F)
1º Veterano.  Juanjo Larrotcha (M) y Noelia Camacho (F)

MiM
1º Absoluto.  Santi García (M) y Raquel Martínez (F)

“I love running in places I’ve never been to before”, says Spanish ultrarunner Nύria Picas

This interview first appeared in Ultrarunning.com the days previous to the Ultra-Trail Mt Fuji race in Japan. Since Núria Picas actually won the race, we want to show her profile in this intimate interview about her.

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By Verena Levy

If there was one thing I knew about Nύria Picas, it was that between her job as a firefighter, her family and her training is the fact that she clearly has very little time to attend media interviews. In order to make this easier for her, I did not hesitate for a moment in getting myself to Berga, a small town in Catalonia where she lives. On arrival, I telephoned Nύria to agree on a time for our meeting. She was of course in the middle of a training session; she answered breathlessly “I’ll call you back when I’m done”.

We agreed to meet at the outstanding fitness center where she trains. Lluís Soler would be taking some photographs to accompany the article. Nύria moments later appeared relaxed and smiling, with her partner and along with her children; a pair of lovely twins aged three who were ready for their swimming lesson and lots of running around!   

(Photo: Lluís Soler)

At this time the weather was awful outside; gray and rainy definitely not the best day for an outside photo-shoot. We then decide to go straight to a cozy bar in town to talk. Just to break the ice, I ask her about “La Patum”, the town’s festivity listed as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO.  As she goes on about it, she smiles widely and says:  “La Patum is the time when Nύria Picas the ultrarunner disappears completely.  I enjoy partying; I like traditional celebrations, popular festivals and drinking beer”.  With that stated, there was no doubt about what to order at the bar...

However, I remember seeing pictures of her while racing, looking so serious and meticulous.  That person is totally unrelated to the Nύria in front of me, twiddling childishly with a curl coming out of her ponytail.  During our chat, I realize that there’s this particular Nύria and then a very different one when competing. She explains “I try to have all things under control, mentally set to feed my body properly and being careful to avoid tripping over”.

Just to give you an idea of this prolific athlete; she’s currently considered the equal to ‘Kilian Jornet’ and second to none on the ladies side. Born and raised as a Catalonian, Nύria is also an advocate and proud one.  Now that she is in the spotlight, she still gets to have fun at races but she also misses the peace and silence she enjoyed when nobody was watching.  “After all, I ran my first marathon in the past century.  Some people are just unaware that I’ve been running with a number for the past 20 years!” she says, while waving hello to some people in the bar.  Every local knows who Nύria Picas is, even if it is only been four years since she decided to move to Berga, in order to be closer to the mountains.  She describes this spot as “a luxury outdoor gym”.


“How did you get into this sport?” this question is indeed a pertinent one.

NP:  My parents are both mountaineers and they used to take me hiking and climbing.  Actually, my father took part in a Mt. Makalu, the 5th highest mountain, in the Himalayas expedition in the 70’s.  I was born in this environment.

VL:  That’s not surprising.  A chip off the old block.

NP:  Well, I’m not so sure, because my older brother is not into sports at all.  He prefers the finance world and reading in his office.

VL:  But have you ever been rebellious, by any chance?

NP:  Oh yes.  When I was 15, I just wanted to ride my motorcycle, go to the movies, play table soccer and drink beer with my friends.

VL: No, really?

NP: Oh, yes!  I had my first binge at that age.  Later, when I was 17, I went back to sports and I gave up that entire scene to do potholing, mountain bike and more and more mountain climbing.

This interdisciplinary background throughout her career makes a huge difference, according to Nύria.  “I’m very much a mountaineer.  I run as part of an alpine sport culture, not track and field”, she remarks emphatically.

By the time this is published, Nύria will be in Japan with Anton Krupicka and Joe Grant, her fellow runners at the Buff sponsored team.  They want to survey the course and to acclimate themselves before the Mt. Fuji Ultra Trail (UTMF), on April 25th.

After coming 1st female in Transgrancanaria run last month, Nύria is in good position to win in Japan.  And she is well aware of that.  Nevertheless, when asked about her goal, she is cautious and answers:  “As usual:  slowly, steadily and cold blooded”.

(Photo: Carlos Días-Recio)

Her strong point is her speed when running the ridges downhill.  This woman knows how to run super-fast!  She can also be very tactical, assessing her contenders and planning her strategy whether she is in the lead or a chaser.

VL:  After UTMF you have Transvulcania, Ultra Trail Mont Blanc (UTMB) and Ultrapirineu, nothing more or nothing less.  The above mentioned are one of the most celebrated ultra-events in Europe, with world-class ultrarunners taking part.

“Well, we’ll see...  I’ll only race Transvulcania if I have a good recovery from Mt. Fuji.  They’re only 15 days apart and it’s a little bit rushed.  Ultra races are very demanding and there’s the UTMB at the end of August.  This is definitely my biggest challenge for 2014 and it makes me very excited.  This is the one race that any ultrarunner would like to pull once in a lifetime”, she confesses with shining blue eyes.  In case you have forgotten, Nύria placed 2nd female at 2013 UTMB.

VL:  And what about the US?  When do you plan running across the pond?

NP:  I have been to New York City, but I’ve never ran in America so far.  I can’t wait to go to the States!  Maybe I have the chance to race Speedgoat or The Rut this year, but I’m not sure.  I would say 2015 will be a good time for me to attempt one of the more emblematic races over there.  I’m thinking about Hardrock 100, Western States or Leadville.

VL:  Do you intend to go and smash it?

NP:  As my life and sports is all one, what I want above all is to travel the world, get to know different countries, meet new people and to improve my English.  From then, running and giving everything I have becomes second goal.  Winning depends sometimes on how a race unfolds.

Nύria is 37 years-old, though she is in her finest form at this moment but being as relentless as she is, I think it will be not long before we see her attempting more and more alpine sports, at higher altitudes, very likely using ice axes and crampons.  I picture her being always in good company, whether it is some other adventure with friends or teaching her kids just as her parents taught her.

Before wrapping up our conversation, Nύria takes a last sip of beer and adds: “If I run a good race at UTMB, I might take a vacation” she says with an enigmatic smile.  As we leave the bar, her cell phone rings and she answers in Catalan, her mother tongue.  It is one of the girls she is meeting next.

“Old friends I presume”, I dare to ask.

She answers right away:  “Oh, yes!  They’re the same bunch of people I used to party with when I was 15!”. Nύria laughs naughtily…

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Núria Picas’ track record:

Verena Levy and Núria Picas

1st female at 2014 Transgrancanaria
2nd female at 2013 UTMB
1st female at 2012 Skyseries Ultra Trail World Champion
1st female at 2012 Cavalls del Vent and broke her own race record
1st female at 2012 SkyMarathon, SkyDuathlon and SkyBike World Championship
1st female at 2011 Cavalls del Vent and set female race record
1st female at 2010 Mount Kinabalu Internationa Climbathon