By David Freeze

Last week, the Julian family shared the beginning of a weeklong European running vacation. Rebekah, Scott, Hope, Eli and Noah make up Rowan’s premier running family. Here is the conclusion.

Italy was the last country visited, beginning with the small town of Marenello, where the family found a bike trail that ran behind some farms and a golf course, then stayed along the river the entire way. The trail had a nice surface of small gravel, was mostly flat and under trees on a super-hot afternoon. They began running around 5:30 p.m. and saw many cyclists, some lady walkers and a few runners this time who offered nods of acceptance. This trail went for miles and had connectors as well for other areas of the city. They loved this trail so much we decided to do it again the next morning.

The last stop of the trip was Seina in the countryside. Close to their lodging, most roads were narrow with few cyclists on them and no shoulder or curb, but with some stone walls.

Rebekah said, “I found a tourist app about the dirt roads and cyclists touring the countryside. Locals told us if there is no sign or gate, then it’s OK to use the road. The area was hilly, perfect for hill workouts. Eli found a dirt road, so all ran together late morning for this adventure as part of our last day. We parked on the dirt road and were shocked when Italian cyclists flew by with race numbers on. A local gentleman at the entrance to the road said, “Park where you want and it’s OK to use.” Their dirt roads are finer gravel than our dirt roads, but have a few big flat rocks implanted in them for traction. They are also wider with plenty of room to pass. We all started our run with the Italian cyclists.”

The cyclists had motorcycles following, and a stop for their water and health check along the way. The boys and Scott went out on their own, so Hope and Rebekah decided to stay together and make it a hill workout day. They ran out about a mile, did their stretching and started the hill sprints (about a 200-meter hill). They could run the hill faster than the cyclists could bike, often passing them going up the hill but then were of course passed going down. Rebekah used this to make the workout harder, pushing to catch the next cyclists up the hill.

Rebekah added, “It kept me focused and going. Unfortunately, we saw a cyclist have a terrible crash and an ambulance picked him up. Other cyclists stayed around his belongings until his team got there. Cyclists, an estimated 400-500, of all ages and levels passed us during our workout. We had amazing views at the top, especially as we were running near a local farm with horses and a Great Pyrenees dog protecting the livestock. All this was one of the highlights and the most unexpected adventure of our trip.”

Rebekah concluded, “I share all this as good information to others on how to travel, still exercise and see the local traditions among awesome adventures. Just put a few light clothes and your running shoes in the suitcase. Our running adventures were free, and we got some personal highlights that paying a big tour company could never provide. These countries really are proud of the trail system they have created for cyclists primarily but allow runners and walkers to use them as well. They have connected small cities, allowed running long distances while not in heavy traffic, thus providing a daily activity all can use. Many hopes for your adventures ahead on your exercise experience while on vacation!”

The next race locally is the familiar Teens With A Mission 5K and Super Hero Fun Run at First Presbyterian Church on Friday evening, April 26, at 7 p.m. It is Salisbury’s only evening race, and all proceeds benefit their youth mission trips.

Look for this and other events at www.salisburyrowanrunners.org.