Divina Pastora 10K - October 28, 2012

This past weekend, Luke and I ran our first European 10K. Since Luke had to work this weekend, we didn't think that he'd be able to run or even go to the race with me. However, the day before he decided that he could wait until after the race and go in a little later. (That's the cool thing about working on Sundays. You don't have to be there by 9. ;)) Anyway, by the time he tried to officially sign up for the race, it was already full, but he was a champ and still got up early, went out in the cold and ran it with me.  And I'm so glad he did. Going out there alone wouldn't have been as fun. 

Ready to run.

Crowds of people at the starting line. We crossed when the official clock was around 2 minutes.

It was cold, only around 38 degrees, but sunny, clear and perfect running weather. The course started in Retiro, the big park near our apartment. It took us up one of the main streets, Paseo de la Castellana, before turning around and doing a large loop around Retiro, up a pretty good size hill near the 8K mark and back into the park to cross the finish line. I finished as number 1,564 out of 3,026 runners, with an average pace of 7:57 per mile according to my Garmin. I feel like I maybe could have run the first half a little harder but overall  was really pleased with my results, and it was good to have some saved energy for the hill at the end and a strong push across the finish line. 

Post race party pic.

The races here are a lot cheaper than in the states (Only 12 euros for this one!), and it was really cool to see our city quiet and empty on a beautiful Sunday morning. I'm definitely looking forward to more races in Madrid and maybe even some other European cities!

Work Out Wrap-Up #4

Hmmm. So probably no one cares, but I kind of like to do these work out wrap-up posts to keep me accountable to myself (and to have something to point to if I realize that my jeans aren't fitting and can't figure out why!) Since training for and running the Cowtown half marathon last February, I've kept a pretty consistent log of my workouts, minus our first 2 weeks in Spain and the month of August, though I don't always blog it.  

So far here in Spain, I've been really happy with my gym. It's more expensive than what we had to pay for L.A. Fitness in Dallas, but it's worth it. It's really nice to work out in a female only environment (except for the trainers), and there's a great schedule of classes that includes Body Pump, which I've been trying to fit in twice a week. Since finally purchasing a swim cap, I've also taken advantage of the indoor pool a couple of times. Before the cooler Fall days arrived, I was going to the gym more. The last couple of weeks, though, have been so nice that I've favored a run through Retiro, a big nice park only about 1 km from our apartment, over treadmill monotony.

 

Keeping up with a regular exercise schedule over here has been really important to me. It gives me something to do every day, even when I have nothing else on the agenda, and keeps me from sitting in the apartment by myself all day. (Not to mention, it allows me to enjoy our vacations and weekends while still being able to fit in my bridesmaids dress for Anna's wedding come March!) Whether running through the park full of people or taking part in a group class at the gym, it helps make me feel a part of the city and life beyond my apartment. Also, the classes are totally helping me with Spanish! I understand so much more than I did during my first class and have had the occasional opportunity to interact one on one with the instructors.  

The entrance to my gym, O2 Wellness Center on Calle de Ramon de la Cruz.

My favorite straight stretch to run up in Retiro. You can kind of see some of the fall color here.

And with that, I'm off to the gym for 1:30 yoga class, only my 2nd one in Spain so far! I was actually sore the day after my first time, but the stretching felt so good. I'm hoping it will help rest and stretch my legs before the race on Sunday! Work hard. Play hard. Peace out.