Running routes in Coz?

[socialist77]

Are there any good running routes for a long run in Cozumel? I'll be down soon for the first time next week, and I'm in the middle of training for a marathon (first time as well!). Are there any good areas, preferably close to town as I'll be staying there, to do a 14 mile run? Anything not on pavement with mile markers would be perfect, but I'm holding my breath for this.

I checked out a couple running websites without much luck. One person did state it wasn't too terribly safe to run along Cozumel's roads and the best place to run is along the western sidewalk in town. But my assumption, maybe wrong, is that this isn't all that long. Any advice would be appreciated -- thanks in advance!

 

[cheesehead]

You should be able to get the mileage you want on Melgar Blvd. A 14 mile loop should be very doable by going up into the north hotel zone and down south towards the Caleta.

 

[OSUcowboyinSPFD]

Malgar avenue is nice and wide. In the early morning there is not much activity. I run from the Coz Palace to the northern edge of town (Calle 10, or in front of the forum shops), to the southeastern edge of the square and back to Melgar and home. I have never figured the distance, but I guesstimate it to be 2.6-2.8 miles. For me, that is plenty. I would think you could make at least 10-15 miles out of Melgar avenue, but good luck. It will be all on pavement, though.

 

[robint]

Are there any good running routes for a long run in Cozumel? I'll be down soon for the first time next week, and I'm in the middle of training for a marathon (first time as well!). Are there any good areas, preferably close to town as I'll be staying there, to do a 14 mile run? Anything not on pavement with mile markers would be perfect, but I'm holding my breath for this.

I checked out a couple running websites without much luck. One person did state it wasn't too terribly safe to run along Cozumel's roads and the best place to run is along the western sidewalk in town. But my assumption, maybe wrong, is that this isn't all that long. Any advice would be appreciated -- thanks in advance!

I hope you realize that running and scuba don't mix! It doesn't allow for proper off-gassing of the nitrogen your body has absorbed and is a risk for DCS. :no
From DAN website: Nitrogen absorption and elimination is largely a matter of temperature and circulation. Gas exchange works very well at a constant temperature. After diving, when body tissues have taken up nitrogen, activities such as running, weight lifting or a heavy workload can “shake up the soda,” so to speak. If you’re planning to exercise after a diving day, it’s advisable to rest after your dive(s). Rest allows tissue nitrogen levels to drop and reduces the likelihood that bubbles will be generated in the tissues.
You should always start off a dive well rested, with muscles that are cooled down and not calling for more oxygen and increased blood flow.

 

[socialist77]

I hope you realize that running and scuba don't mix!

Yep -- thanks though! Current thinking, as far as I can tell, is to wait 6 hours post and 4 hours pre dive, though the pre-dive margin might be too conservative. See:

Scientists Debunk Fin Claims - Undercurrent, January 2004

and

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/ask-dr-decompression/119989-nitrox-excercise-how-long-wait.html

If you've got anything more recent than this, I'm all eyes. FYI I'm saving the long run for a day off from diving And thanks for the running route suggestions!

 

[deborahdelamar]

You can run Melgar northward and keep going to the Country Club -- the street is quiet & wide and there's even a little hill past the army base -- but you should run against traffic because it whizzes there. Another "U" can be added by heading east when you hit Airport Blvd. and running to the airport and back to Melgar. You'll probably see other runners using these routes and you can ask them for more options to lengthen the route.

 

[Coz Sally]

If you are diving in the mornings and running in the afternoon/evenings be prepared for HEAT. It's summer in Cozumel and the temps are high with ridiculous humidity. It's now 9:30am, with 86 degrees and a heat index of 99. And I thought this morning felt cooler than any other morning this month! Be careful out there!

Sally Hurwitch
www.barefootincozumel.com