Before my semester in Barcelona, I researched everything I must do while studying abroad. Almost everything I watched and read talked about solo travel. This was something that made me nervous. I had never traveled and stayed in a new place alone. I was open to the idea, but the thought of planning a solo travel weekend while abroad made me anxious. Additionally before moving abroad, I decided to set a fitness goal to stick to while I was away. I knew having a fitness goal would help me develop a solid daily routine when arriving in my new home. I chose training for a half marathon as my goal. I had trained and ran a half marathon before, so the training wasn’t new territory for me, but I knew it would challenge and help me stay grounded during my semester. So, I found a half marathon race in Alicante, Spain scheduled during my semester, and signed up for it. I started my official training in November prior to my arrival abroad. I also decided my trip to Alicante for the half marathon should be a solo trip. I could enjoy the city and relax before my race while completing my half marathon fitness goal at the end of the weekend.

When I arrived in Barcelona, I had a little over a month of my training left. This training did exactly what I hoped it would do — help me develop a solid daily routine quickly. I planned my weeks with my runs in mind and running became the time I could take for myself every day. In February, I traveled to Alicante for my first solo trip and my half marathon race. Over the weekend I visited the Museo de Arte Contemporaneo de Alicante, Museo de Belles Arts Gravina, the famous Explanada promenade and Santa Bárbara Castle. I enjoyed visiting these sites alone because I could take my time with no worry about other people or other commitments until my race. At the end of the weekend, it was time for my half marathon race. I woke up early and had a good breakfast at the hotel. I put on my race outfit and bib number and walked to the race start.

Going to the race start alone was a weird feeling. Looking around me at the starting line, it seemed everyone was with someone else. There were teams, family members, and friends warming up together. Something else I noticed was I seemed to be the one of the only American of the racers. The only English I heard being spoken was of a non-American accent. Once the race started, I was in my zone and put my many months of training to work. I felt good during the race and enjoyed some beautiful beach views during my run. After 13.1 miles, I crossed the finish line feeling tired yet accomplished. I grabbed some of the complimentary post-race snacks and took a seat under the shade to recover. I took lots of time to recuperate and reflect at the race finish. Looking around me, I saw people congratulating their friends and family who finished the race. I felt like an outlier because I didn’t have that. Like being at the race start alone, finishing the race alone and with nobody I knew at the finish line was strange. As strange as it was, I also felt a strong sense of pride. I ran just 13.1 miles! In a beautiful city! I planned a trip to a place I’ve never been to, toured several new sites and completed a tough fitness goal all by myself. Not many people can say they’ve done that in their lives. This trip and experience was one of the highlights of my semester abroad. It taught me about the importance of pushing myself outside my comfort zone and being comfortable with the uncomfortable. It empowered me and increased my confidence. Most importantly, I proved to myself that I truly can accomplish anything I set my mind to.

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Learn more about this blogger’s study abroad program: IES Abroad: Liberal Arts and Business in Barcelona