Madrid Spain, you have always been my favorite. This time you are bringing the Rock ‘n’ Roll Half and Full Marathon to your beautiful city. I am extremely excited to seeing you again in an entire different way. But first, I must walk your city streets, gardens and enjoy some of your great Sangria. You had some of the most beautiful landscapes and rose gardens my eyes had ever seen, accented with small boutiques, people walking or siting have a cappuccino or wine, and small duos playing rhythmic Spanish hymns. It was time to get to the EXPO. Pick up my race packet and any other info I needed about race day. Expected outing was projected to be
approximately 30,000 participants. HOLY COW!!! I have never seen or even been a part of anything of this size. Well, except when I went to a RED SOX game. When your night came to life, you were just as stunning, if not more, than you were during the day. Streets felt so alive, restaurants, shops, lights and people everywhere, as if you had just woken up from a good days rest. But!! For me its time to call it an early night. Another big race for me in the morning.
Well it is race day! It is early, chilly with a slight drizzle. Not really feeling your weather but I’m sure this is all part of your plan to keep everyone entertained and cool for the run. With 28,000 runners, this should be interesting. Keeping everyone interested is exactly what you did. Running through your hills, city streets, and Rock ‘n’ Roll playing at about every 5Ks, really made this an exciting time. Listening to “JUMP” from Van Halen at one point and “HEARTS ON FIRE” by John Cafferty at the next. The bands you picked for this venue, new what music to play and keep all the runner motivated. Your statues, gardens, monuments, captivating. 28,000 
motivated runners, this is so WICKED COOL!! Never been a part of something so big. It truly won me over. Except the last 2 miles. NOW! Why did you make the last 2 miles an uphill climb? Thought you knew, those are the worst. The finish made it worth the climb though. On top of it being such an amazing race, I also beat my last 1/2 Marathon time. GRACIAS!!! Time to recover!
As I try to recover, I can’t help but to walk your streets just one more time. Enjoy some good Spanish coffee and breakfast. See you for a second time and other sites I didn’t get to previously. MADRID!!! You are magnificent. Now its just a matter of time. Really, I’m walking and waiting for lunch. I can’t wait for my taste buds to devour your delicious PAELLA! Just saying Paella makes me hungry. España! Your Paella was worth the wait. It’s no wonder it’s your national food. AMAZING!!! And to wash it down with some of the best Sangria. OK! I had a pitcher of your Sangria. A glass was just not going to be enough. España! You are by far my favorite. So many beautiful european countries, but you have won me over time and time again. unfortunately its time for me to say good night and good-bye. Thank you for such an amazing experience. A TOAST! TO ESPAÑA, BUENAS NOCHES!!