The Vault: Running Races in Foreign Places

Since my next international destination run isn't until September, I borrowed this old post from my tumblr, which you can find here. I'm going to get back to tumblr once all my social media is sync'd appropriately to my smartphone. But until then...let's go.

This was written in November 2011, two months after the Diva Half Marathon in San Juan, PR.

Me at La Mina Falls, El Yunque Rainforest

I’m fresh off my first official destination run and I can’t help but share. Where’d it take me? I’m so glad you asked. San Juan, Puerto Rico, where even when it’s raining it is a pleasure to be there.

I couldn’t think of a better thing to do for myself this year than to throw my running gear in a tiny carry-on bag, take a taxi, two trains and two planes to get to the Isla de Encanta just as winter is starting to pop off here in the DMV. Brr!

I was there for the Diva Half Marathon, a phenomenal event for divas like me and the divos that love them. While I didn’t have a divo in tow, I got to meet some of the wonderful women of Black Girls RUN! 

                                  *************** WARNING: Commercial Ahead **************

BGR! is a national organization that aims to fight obesity and diabetes among African-American women by encouraging them to run. We have chapters all over the country. Whether you’re a beginning runner or you’ve been racing for years, check these ladies out in your city at www.blackgirlsrun.com.

                    *******BACK TO YOUR REGULARLY SCHEDULED PROGRAMMING!*********

THE RACE: What can I say about running in Puerto Rico? It was fun. There was sun (rain too) and I got my PR (2:19:53!) in PR! I have no complaints.

We ran a scenic and hilly course around San Juan and Old San Juan. The humidity was crazy, and I fully expected that to be a hindrance for me, but I did my best and it was good enough.

Bling!

To top it off, there were tiaras, feather boas, roses and hunky men to adorn us with our blinged out finisher medals. What more could a diva ask for? Champagne. Check. Massage. Double Check. I think that about covers it.

THE TRIP: Flights to Puerto Rico  are muy affordable in the fall of the year. When I first started looking, rates were as low as $225 out of BWI. I got my ticket for $301 because I waited.

I’m sure if there wasn’t such a large event, like the Diva Half, hotel rates might have been a little less steep. At any rate (pun intended) rates ran between $109 at the Sheraton Hotel and Casino in Old San Juan and $169 at the Caribe Hilton and the Conrad.

You don’t need a passport in Puerto Rico and you can dust off your high school Spanish-language skills in this bilingual island nation. If you are weary of taxis and feel like driving, gather your peeps and rent a Jeep.  A few of my new running amigas and I took a self-guided tour of El Yunque National Rainforest and hiked down to the pool at the bottom of La Mina Falls, a must. (Note to self: Don’t hike in flip-flops. Swimming in jeans is optional.)

If you’re interested in the island’s Afro-Puerto Rican roots, check out my boy David “Bully” Rivera here. He’s a gentleman and he’ll show you the real Puerto Rico and all her glory. 

Until next time. Adios and Happy Running!

-- The Brown-Runner Chick