Running, Strength Training, and Yoga While Traveling in Spain and France

My partner and I recently spent a few weeks in Spain and France. We visited Madrid, Barcelona, and a beach town in Spain called Sitges. From there, we took the train to Marseille, France. I packed protein powder in individual packs and gummy creatine with the intent to keep my daily habits strong. I also brought my foldable Manduka thin yoga mat, which fits perfectly in my carry-on. Armed with my mat and my essential supplements, I felt ready to sustain my healthy routines while on our European adventure. It did not go as planned …

Fitness Goals While Traveling

My initial plan was ambitious: one outdoor run in every town (four total), yoga in Sitges, and weightlifting at gyms in our accommodations. But travel has a way of humbling even the best intentions. Jet lag, “travel tummy,” and Spain’s near 100-degree heat quickly reminded me that flexibility is just as important as discipline.

Sangria, croquetas, caracoles, mussels, patatas, an 8-hour time difference, and near 100-degree heat in Spain made it challenging to work out outside

Madrid: Finding a 5 Euro Gym

In Madrid, I found a public gym that charged only 5 euros for a day pass. It was modern but cramped, so I couldn’t follow my training program exactly. Instead, I improvised a full-body workout, hitting every major muscle group with whatever equipment was available. The space was crowded, mostly with men in their 20s–40s, and I thought about how intimidating that environment could be for someone new to fitness. It reminded me why I do what I do: to help people walk into any gym with confidence.

Confidence Comes From Knowledge

Confidence comes from knowledge. When you know which exercises to do and why, you enter a gym with purpose. Even when I had to substitute one tricep exercise for another due to equipment availability, I wasn’t overwhelmed—I had a plan. That’s the power of preparation: it shifts your focus from worrying about what others think to simply executing what you came to do. You have more than intention; you have a plan.

Barcelona and Sitges: Yoga Wins Over Running

Barcelona was next. I wanted to run outdoors, but the heat and a decadent tasting-menu dinner during our first night in Barcelona sidelined my plans. No workouts in Barcelona for me.

In Sitges, I hoped for better conditions, but the heat and humidity were relentless. I decided an indoor workout could be just what I needed, and I managed to find a local gym since our accommodations did not have one. The nearest gym was small and had limited equipment, AND they wanted 20 euros plus a 3-euro towel rental for a single day. I kindly said thank you, left, and I opted for yoga on the beach instead. Yoga in a Speedo on a beach can be so freeing :)

Marseille: Releasing Expectations

The train to Marseille was a complete disaster. Our first train was over an hour late, meaning that we would miss our connection. While on the train, we had to change plans and purchase different tickets, and get off at a different stop (Montpellier) to make it to our destination that night. Limited air conditioning and non-working Wi-Fi while frantically navigating the train system in France did not help the situation. Of course, the second train we booked last-minute was also over an hour late.

While waiting for our delayed train at the station in Montpellier, a young French man got into a physical fight with a person who appeared to be living on the streets. The fight was broken up by another man. A little later, we witnessed French police officers hassle random folks in the square, asking to look in their bags and staring us down. So far, not a great impression.

When we finally made it to our destination, I was exhausted and sweaty. The next day was our first full day in France, and while this accommodation had a gym space, I did not use it, and I decided not to feel bad about it. Sometimes, things don’t go as planned, and yoga has taught me to “release that sh*it.” Instead, Bryan and I walked around and ate our way through Marseille. Delicious tuna, tangine mussels, tartare, pain au chocolat, wine, croissant, pizza with different kinds of cheeses… I would say it was a wise choice.

in Marseille, France

Returning to Madrid: Rediscovering Running

We ended our trip back in Madrid. After 12 days of travel, it almost felt like home. The hotel had a great gym, and cooler weather finally allowed me to run outside. That run reminded me why running has always been my passion. You don’t need a gym, a mat, or a towel rental fee. You just need decent weather and curiosity to explore. Running is my therapy, my anchor, my home, no matter where I am.

I love to run. It has shaped me physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. It grounds me.

Strength Training for Runners: Start Here

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