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.