Written by Dia C, High School/Pre-College Student Correspondent for Cuba, Summer 2019
Today I woke up @ 7:00 AM to go on a run with my instructor for about 30 minutes. I went on the jog to stay fit but also to do some sight-seeing. I contemplated putting in earbuds and listening to music while running as I would at a gym, but decided not to so I could immerse myself in the surrounding sights of urban Cuba (also to be safe). I ran for a total of ~3 miles within the 30 minutes in the hot & humid sunrise.
I ran down along the Malecón path near the shore and soaked up some sun. Along the way back it took some time to get used to not having the right-of-way as a passerby in Cuba. Also, as I ran, I got many stares from Cubans along the way.
I am glad I am still able to meet my fitness routines with the flexibility and freedom I have in the program. This was my first run in Cuba, however in the privacy in my room I have been doing calisthenic routines for my arms and abs (like planks, push-ups, squats, etc.). I have been doing this because there unfortunately is no weight-lifting gym. There was, however, an outdoor gym along the route I ran this morning.
It did not have weights, but it also didn’t look frequented by many people which I love when going to a gym so I don’t have to wait to use a machine or equipment. I hope to try this outdoor gym sometime and I am enjoying meeting my fitness goals in the sun! Except for the heat- it makes exercising much clammier and sweatier.