jdando
09-23-2007, 06:52 AM
On my travels around the world I like to hang with the locals and do what the locals do. Whenever possible I try to run a race, because this is what I do at home and why not try to do it on my journey.
As usual logistics are somewhat problematic, I speak enough Spanish to get by, but am no-way fluent. Since I do not have a car, I figured train or bus or a taxi as a last resort. After a chat with the hotel concierge that was less than helpful I had to walk to the bus station to get a clue. The information person spoke no English, but basically said bus 625 at stand#5.
A little searching on the internet got me squared away with the Intercity bus company rather than the local bus company.
Race day;
got up on time, packed my backpack and the adventure began! Metro line#3 to Moncloa station, change to bus #625. Luckily there were two other runners there with the same plan. Only problem they spoke no English. Turns out they were from Argentina and Paraguay. All lived and worked in Madrid. A 25 minute bus ride are we arrived at the Polideportivo de Las Rozas(soccer stadium). Got registered/chipped and off to the races.
Ramon, Luis y yo
http://www.mercurymarauder.net/showcase/files/3/1/0/2/3runners.jpg
The first grass I have seen in a week
http://www.mercurymarauder.net/showcase/files/3/1/0/2/field.jpg
All done, gave it all I had. Checked with the locals and asked if it was okay to run with out a shirt, it was.
http://www.mercurymarauder.net/showcase/files/3/1/0/2/finishjd.jpg
After some water I felt much better; Ramon finished quite a bit ahead of me
http://www.mercurymarauder.net/showcase/files/3/1/0/2/ramonjdfinish.jpg
The only bargin in Madrid! For 6 Euros, shirt, cap, backpack, water and a medal
http://www.mercurymarauder.net/showcase/files/3/1/0/2/swag.jpg
Now I am enjoying a nice sunny Sunday hanging out at the Starbucks since everything else is closed.
http://www.mercurymarauder.net/showcase/files/3/1/0/2/starbucks.jpg
Hasta luego amigos!
jeremy
As usual logistics are somewhat problematic, I speak enough Spanish to get by, but am no-way fluent. Since I do not have a car, I figured train or bus or a taxi as a last resort. After a chat with the hotel concierge that was less than helpful I had to walk to the bus station to get a clue. The information person spoke no English, but basically said bus 625 at stand#5.
A little searching on the internet got me squared away with the Intercity bus company rather than the local bus company.
Race day;
got up on time, packed my backpack and the adventure began! Metro line#3 to Moncloa station, change to bus #625. Luckily there were two other runners there with the same plan. Only problem they spoke no English. Turns out they were from Argentina and Paraguay. All lived and worked in Madrid. A 25 minute bus ride are we arrived at the Polideportivo de Las Rozas(soccer stadium). Got registered/chipped and off to the races.
Ramon, Luis y yo
http://www.mercurymarauder.net/showcase/files/3/1/0/2/3runners.jpg
The first grass I have seen in a week
http://www.mercurymarauder.net/showcase/files/3/1/0/2/field.jpg
All done, gave it all I had. Checked with the locals and asked if it was okay to run with out a shirt, it was.
http://www.mercurymarauder.net/showcase/files/3/1/0/2/finishjd.jpg
After some water I felt much better; Ramon finished quite a bit ahead of me
http://www.mercurymarauder.net/showcase/files/3/1/0/2/ramonjdfinish.jpg
The only bargin in Madrid! For 6 Euros, shirt, cap, backpack, water and a medal
http://www.mercurymarauder.net/showcase/files/3/1/0/2/swag.jpg
Now I am enjoying a nice sunny Sunday hanging out at the Starbucks since everything else is closed.
http://www.mercurymarauder.net/showcase/files/3/1/0/2/starbucks.jpg
Hasta luego amigos!
jeremy