Over the past two days, I had the unique opportunity to explore the vibrant city of Sofia, Bulgaria. Despite the fatigue from driving all day, I couldn’t resist the urge to run. Each run brought its own adventure and challenges, reinforcing my love for running and the joy of discovering new places on foot.
Day 1: The Unexpected Encounter
My journey began early, with a long drive from Maribor to Sofia. Despite the fatigue, I couldn’t resist the urge to hit the pavement. After a brief encounter with the Bulgarian police—thankfully, they were quite friendly, understanding my hurry to get to the hotel and go for a run—I reached my hotel late at night. I quickly changed into my Hoka Mach X and set off for a night run.
Technical Details of Run 76/2024 (Intervals):
- Distance: 4.38 km
- Time: 26:32
- Pace: 6:03/km
- Elevation Gain: 35 m
- Weather: 14°C (feels like 14°C), clear skies
Strava Activity: https://www.strava.com/activities/11520127911
The run was short but invigorating. Though the park was charmingly dim-lit, my tired eyes and eagerness to run made it seem darker. I even managed to twist my ankle a bit in a small pothole! But hey, at least it was a funny reminder to watch my step. Despite this, the sight of numerous late-night runners made the experience delightful. It felt like the park was hosting a secret midnight running club, and I was the new member.
This interval training included alternating between different paces: starting with a fast 1k pace, slowing to a 5k pace, then a 10k pace, and repeating. It was a mini-pyramid workout that kept things interesting and challenging.
Day 2: Rediscovering the Beauty of Sofia
The next day, I took a bit of time off to check out the Asics arena and the nearby running tracks. It felt like stepping into a time machine, transported back to the 1970s when the stadium was built. Sofia has a fantastic running community, and it’s a shame these tracks haven’t seen an upgrade in decades.
Despite this, I headed to Sofia’s largest park for a morning run. Having run here a few months ago, I knew it would be an excellent place to immerse myself in the local running culture. The park was bustling with runners, and I couldn’t help but smile and wave as I joined them.
Technical Details of Run 77/2024 (Zone 2 Endurance):
- Distance: 7.58 km
- Time: 48:56
- Pace: 6:27/km
- Elevation Gain: 70 m
- Weather: 13°C, clear skies
Strava Activity: https://www.strava.com/activities/11523636265
This run was longer and allowed me to stretch my legs after the previous day’s shorter effort. The well-maintained paths and the collective energy of fellow runners made the experience truly enjoyable. It felt like the entire city was out to join me, turning a solo run into a community event.
This easy Zone 2 Endurance run focused on maintaining a steady, moderate pace that allows for conversation and promotes aerobic capacity. It’s perfect for building stamina and burning fat efficiently.
Key Takeaways: Running in Sofia
- Unexpected Twists: Sometimes, a late-night run in a new city can turn into an unforgettable experience.
- Focus on Form: Even a small twist of the ankle reminds us to be mindful of our surroundings and running form.
- Community Spirit: Running in Sofia showed me the vibrant and welcoming local running community.
Final Thoughts
These two runs in Sofia were more than just workouts; they were a testament to the spirit of exploration and the joy of running in new environments. I can’t wait to get back there in July, hopefully with my wife and daughter, Sofia. After all, Sofia needs to get to know Sofia! I also hope to join Sofia’s Weekly Saturday Park run and introduce my fast-running friend Boris to the Go4Run community. Does anyone else have similar experiences running in different cities? How do you integrate running into your travels?