Soph’s Scribbles

After months of training for George, we headed for Valencia to the 2025 marathon! After a delayed flight, we arrived in Alicante late Friday and headed straight to the Travelodge to crash out.

It was an early start on Saturday morning to catch the bus to Valencia. The bus was a short 2 hour journey, and very luxurious. the seats were so comfy and we had plenty of snacks (bread rolls and sweets as part of the carb load ) to keep us going!

Once we touched down in Valencia, we checked into the apartment. Me and George got the bunk bed room which was fun. After unpacking, the boys went for a shake out run while me and Holly explored the city, on a decathlon mission to get some shades for the run. It was sooo hot and sunny, around 24 degrees. We then headed to the supermarket to continue the carb loading, making some yummy tuna pasta for pre marathon dinner.

The Sunday was an early start for the long awaited marathon! Me and Rosie were team spectators, chasing around the boys. We headed for K 25 to cheer them on and managed to see them (and they see us!). We were amazed by how many quick runners there were, it was a great watch and thrilling atmosphere, dare I say inspired me to do a marathon?! We walked through the park and enjoyed the sun, it was sooo hot by the time they had finished, reaching 26 degrees. We then made our way to 500m to finish line. I was so super proud of George, who ran it in 2.49 (a massive PB) and the others who all got PB’s too.

After meeting back up with the boys afterwards, we walked (poor George’s toes were ruined so more like a hobble) to cheer on Holly who was still running at K 40. We then headed back to the apartment for a much needed shower!

After some chill time, we headed out for some yummy local tapas (some of the best Patatas bravas we have ever had) and some beers. We then met the others at the doggy style bar (🙈) to continue the post marathon celebrations. This was near the beach so we got to watch the sunset by the sea, followed by a great big Paella at La Pepica. We had the meat paella which was Rabbit and Chicken accompanied by some white sangria which was Delish. The food / post run coma hit and we headed back to crash after another drink.

On the Monday we started the day by checking out and heading to the Old Town for a traditional brekkie of churros, bread and a sort of hazelnut milkshake which was questionable. We then had a mooch round and ended up back on the beers at Cafe De Horras for some Aqua De Valencia (the local drink, in other words a shit mix of alcohol with some orange juice lol). After feeling a bit waved, we then stopped for some more tapas to sober us up, before saying bye to Matt and Holly who were heading home. We were super glad to be extending the holiday, and checked into our lovely guesthouse the Burgemont House.

We revisited the marathon finish line, admiring the architecture of the Opera House and the Museum. It felt almost dystopian and very futuristic! We then stopped for a cheeky Spanish Maccie dees (would be rude not too)! After showering and touching base back at the guesthouse, we then headed to Spritzertia for a cheeky aperol spritz, followed by a pizza feast ( the only ones in the restaurant at 8pm!!). We were wiped out and finished the day with some MAFS in bed.

A new day was greeted with more sunshine! We decided to hire some bikes, which we set off on our adventures riding down the park. This was such a gorgeous green space and went on for miles! We stopped at the park to enjoy a can of beer in the sun, soaking up some much needed rays. We then continued to the beach, where we had a nice chill by the sea. Getting a bit chilly, we decided to cycle to the Science museum which we went inside to have a noisy. There was a great display on space and mars which was super interesting.

After a full day on the bikes, we retuned them and then got ready for some dinner. We headed for a drink at a local Mexican bar, and then decided we wanted some steak! We went to the loveliest local restaurant called La Santa which was a hidden gem. We had a complete feast, enjoying some padron peppers, Patatas bravas, cod tacos and fillet Steak. We were so happy and full!

Wednesday marked our final day in Valencia. We checked out and headed for the Central market to begin the day with a coffee, pastry and some fruit. We then browsed round the local shops and headed to the train station to make our way back to Alicante. The train was very luxurious, much nicer than home!

After a speedy ride, we arrived in Alicante and headed for some food. We decided we fancied Mexican and found a restaurant serving yummy tacos and quesadillas. After having a mooch we headed to catch our flight home. What a lovely long weekend! Filled with great people, PB’s, food, drinks and exercise in a gorgeous city!