Metro Newspaper Feature: A Costa Brava Running Adventure
NomaTrails – Your Guide to the World’s Trails
There are moments in NomaTrails’ story that just make you smile, and the Metro Newspaper feature on our Costa Brava running adventure is definitely one of them. It wasn’t just a great article from one of the UK’s top travel journalists; it was like a crystal ball for Girona, even predicting its future fame with Game of Thrones. When it came out, we were just so proud. It really captured the heart of what we do, the raw, real experiences we chase. You can read the full article right here: Metro Newspaper Feature PDF.
I remember Joe, the journalist, capturing the essence perfectly: “The scene before me – all high body counts and ancient towers – would put Game Of Thrones to shame.” He was talking about Girona, standing in front of that Baroque cathedral. It was spot on. People often think of Girona now because of the show, but Joe saw it years ago, through the lens of a NomaTrails journey. That’s what we offer – a way to see places before they become ‘famous,’ to experience them authentically, on foot. This article, titled “Bravo to the Costa Brava,” truly got our essence.
The Soul of a Costa Brava Running Adventure
I remember that specific trip to the Costa Brava running adventure so clearly. Joe was with us, and he perfectly summed up the feeling of standing at the bottom of a Casteller human tower in Girona: “How did we end up here?” he grunted, with a kid in a crash helmet planting a foot on his shoulder. We both knew the answer, of course: we’d run 56 miles to get there. That’s what a NomaTrails journey is all about – running to experience something truly unexpected and deeply local. It’s not about how fast you go; it’s about where your legs take you, and who you become along the way. We use running just as a mean of transportation, not as a way to improve our fitness level or to get more slim. It’s about exploration, like our ancestors did.
Our friend Albert Diks, from Castell d’Emporda, once told us over dinner how the Costa Brava has this unfair reputation, often associated with, well, “drunk Englishmen on beaches.” He said, “People think it’s not beautiful. People run away.” But we, the NomaTrails crew, we do the opposite. We run *into* it. We traverse the heart of Catalonia, passing through sleepy towns and rolling fields, about 12 miles a day. And let me tell you, the beaches? They’re beautiful, often quiet, and yes, sometimes populated by Catalans enjoying the sun, completely naked. It’s just part of the local vibe, you know? We’ve been running these trails for 12 years now, building deep relationships with the people and the land. This isn’t just a place we visit; this is a place where we know the local school, where we’ve shared meals with families who feel like our own. It’s where we have a deep relationship because, otherwise, it would be fake.
From Porron to Michelin Plates: Unexpected Delights on your Costa Brava Running Adventure
I always tell people, “Pack white trousers, and prepare for some surprises.” That’s my motto. I’m a running geek, originally from Costa Rica, and I’ve spent years getting to know these trails, sometimes even making them myself. You wouldn’t believe how many times I’ve taken my machete to expand a path that was originally just a wild boar trail. That’s how deep our connection is to the land here. This isn’t just about following a marked route; it’s about feeling the earth under your feet, the dust on your skin, the smell of pine and salt in the air.
The tone for that particular week was set early, at a 1,000-year-old farmhouse called Mas Cals. I remember holding up el porron, that traditional glass teapot with a long spout, filled with local wine. “This is how we drink here,” I explained. No glasses, no contact with the spout – just pouring the red wine from as high as you can into your mouth. At , mind you! By the time we hit the trails, winding through pines and cork trees (the lower halves stripped for those delicious Catalan wine stoppers), everyone was in incredibly good spirits. It’s these small, authentic moments that stick with you, long after the sweat has dried. They are the moments that break down barriers and build friendships.
By midday, we’d often reach the Mediterranean, running along paths high above the glittering sea. We’d hardly see a soul, except for those remote beaches. I remember one guy, playing a Spanish guitar, just wearing Ray-Bans. He smiled and nodded as we passed. It’s a quiet, respectful acknowledgment of sharing this incredible place. And then, another surprise: dinner at the Michelin-starred Restaurant Casa Mar in Llafranc. Cured sausage with foie gras, blue cheese, beef cheek – it was one of the best meals I’ve ever eaten. That’s the balance we strive for: hard running, deep cultural immersion, and incredible food. You can learn more about Catalan cuisine and its world-renowned restaurants like El Celler de Can Roca, for example. We often find ourselves in the middle of nowhere, then suddenly, we’re sharing a meal with a family, or enjoying a world-class culinary experience. That’s the NomaTrails way.
Girona’s Human Towers and Lasting Memories from your Costa Brava Running Adventure
When we finally reached Girona, we had more Michelin stars in our memories than blisters on our feet. I remember asking, “Have your white trousers?” as I led the group through the throngs of tourists towards the town hall. We were greeted by one of Catalonia’s largest groups of Castellers, the human tower builders. Handed blue shirts and red sashes, we were thrown right into their carefully mapped pile of bodies. It’s a dizzying, exhilarating experience, feeling the weight and trust of so many people. It’s a living, breathing tradition, and being part of it, even for a moment, connects you to something ancient and powerful. It’s a perfect example of how a NomaTrails Costa Brava running adventure isn’t just about the miles, but about the profound human connections that become stories you’ll tell your grandkids.
After the tower was disassembled, I brought out a tray of beers. “What happens next?” Joe asked. I just grinned, “It’s a surprise.” That’s NomaTrails in a nutshell. We use our legs, our bodies, our lungs, our hearts as a means of transportation, an ancient way to traverse territory. Our goal is to explore, to connect, and to change. These aren’t just running trips; these are experiences that might just transform you. I’ve seen it happen. We had a couple, for instance, who weren’t married to each other when they started one of our trips, but by the next group, they were married to each other! Or many couples who tell us our trips saved their marriage. Some even say, “This baby wouldn’t exist if it wasn’t for you guys!” These are the memories and stories we chase, the real soul of NomaTrails. Just like our running adventures in Costa Rica or our expeditions in Morocco, the Costa Brava truly gets under your skin and changes you.
What to Pack for Your NomaTrails Costa Brava Running Adventure
Beyond your running gear, remember my advice: “Pack white trousers.” Why? For those unexpected moments of cultural immersion, like joining a Casteller group! But seriously, be ready for varied terrain, from coastal paths to inland trails. Lightweight, breathable layers are key. And an open mind, of course, because the biggest surprise is always the unexpected human connection.
- Running Shoes
- Trail shoes suitable for varied terrain, from rocky coast to forest paths.
- Running Apparel
- Lightweight, moisture-wicking layers. Consider a light jacket for cooler mornings or evenings.
- White Trousers
- For cultural events! (Optional, but highly recommended for fun.)
- Swimsuit
- For those refreshing dips in the Mediterranean.
- Small Backpack
- For water, snacks, and personal items during daily runs.
- Sun Protection
- Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are essential for the Catalan sun.
- Open Mind
- The most important item to bring on any NomaTrails journey!
Ready for your NomaTrails Costa Brava Running Adventure?
Join our next trail running adventure in Costa Rica, Morocco, Sicily, or the Pyrenees. These aren’t just trips; they are time travel. They are about waking up at 3 AM in a desert, running for two hours behind me, stopping to see every single star, and then watching the most beautiful sunrise. They are about finding beautiful valleys in the middle of nowhere, five hours away from the tourist buses. They are about meeting incredible human beings who live like people did 500 years ago, and sharing tea with them. That’s the NomaTrails promise, whether you choose the Costa Brava or any other destination.
