About cycling & running in AlmeríaAlmería Training Notes
Running: Almería runners keep things coastal when the legs need rhythm and the head needs space. Locals use Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park for trail days, beach miles, and that dry Alboran Sea air. Playa de Los Genoveses gives a proper out-and-back feel, and Monsul beach keeps the loop honest before San Jose and the headland. Almería Run Club keeps the local calendar moving. Carrera Popular Universidad de Almería - 10km, Carrera Popular Universidad de Almería - 5km, Carrera de la Mujer, and Carrera Pescadería Virgen del Carmen are the anchor race names to know.
Cycling: Almería riding starts easy by the Gulf of Almería, then gets serious once the road points north or west. Locals use the Carboneras and Agua Amarga coastal loop when they want 68km with 1140m of gain and sea views in the legs. Sierra de Los Filabres holds the big work, with Alto de Velefique from Tabernas giving 58km and 1430m of gain, and Calar Alto giving 58km and 1539m. Puerto de La Virgen, Sierra Bedar, and Antas make strong gran fondo terrain. Skoda Titan Desert and Triatlon Ciudad de Almería Olimpico sit as the anchor event names.
Season: Almería rewards base miles in December, January, February, March, April, May, June, September, October, and November. Locals treat July and August with respect, because inland and lower elevation areas of Andalusia can get extremely hot while the coast and mountains stay more workable. September and October still feel hot in lower elevations, so early starts matter for intervals, Z2, and long rides. Winter changes the mood more than the plan, because flatter Andalusia rides well in December, January, and February, while cold nights make layers useful before sunny miles.
