Run Club Chronicles: Overland Running Provisions
The Run Club Chronicles
Nestled in the heart of Girona, Spain, Overland Running Provisions is a boutique running store with a vibrant community spirit. Known for its curated selection of high-quality gear, Overland caters to runners of all levels who seek both performance and adventure. More than just a store, it’s a hub for Girona’s running enthusiasts, hosting trail runs, full moon gatherings, and community events that connect like-minded individuals on and off the trails.
Overland Running Provisions is not your average run club. It’s an extraordinary community for trail enthusiasts who seek to push their limits. Covering impressive distances on the most breathtaking trails, Overland offers an immersive running experience. Curious about the drive behind Overland Running Provisions, we reached out to learn more about their mission and inspiration. Through a series of questions, we dove into the “why” that fuels this running community, uncovering the passion and purpose that make Overland more than just a store—it’s a way of living for those who live to explore.
First of all, how did Overland Running Provisions start, and how would you describe the running club?
Overland was officially established in October 2022. However, the shop was simply the excuse to create a meeting point for the running community that was already active before. After all, having a running shop was one of our dreams, but the real dream was building a strong community of runners around it. Creating the shop was the perfect excuse to make it happen.
Our running community is open to everyone. It doesn’t matter your level, your pace, or even if you live in Girona or not. Many people just join us for a day while they’re visiting the city or here for work. All our members are advocates for sport, nature, and good vibes. Beyond the runs, our community is a group of friends who meet to do something they love and enjoy other moments together.
Can you share your favorite story/event(s) experienced with Overland Running Provisions?
We've experienced plenty of special events and good stories, for sure, but for us, one of the most special events we hold monthly is the Full Moon Run. We have been organizing these runs since the shop was established, and they are one of the social runs that draw the most people, offering so much more than just a run. Every month, when there's a full moon, we go for an easy 10k loop to Sant Miquel's Castle (one of the best viewpoints in Girona) and then gather together for focaccia and natural wine—sometimes at the shop and sometimes at a restaurant in the town center.
How do you support new runners who are just starting their running journey?
We invite everyone to join us, as everybody is welcome. We always advise new runners to focus on one main point: enjoy. Enjoy the process of training, meeting new people, and staying connected with nature. After all, our internal slogan is that, while running, we want to connect people with each other, with nature, and with themselves.
How do you keep the club’s community spirit strong and supportive?
We think that the weekly runs help a lot to create a strong community and build good ties between runners. Additionally, special events like the Full Moon Runs, shoe tests, and others help maintain the essence of sharing great experiences together.
What advice do you give to members looking to improve their running performance?
Although it may seem counterintuitive for someone trying to push harder, our advice is the same as what we tell to new runners: the most important thing is to enjoy what you’re doing and appreciate every step you take. Without that enjoyment, improvement in performance won’t come, because you won’t trust your efforts or yourself. So, if someone is looking to improve, it’s helpful for them to take a moment to remind themselves whether they’re truly enjoying what they’re doing.
How do you stay motivated, especially during the off-season or in challenging weather?
In fact, we don’t change our routine during the off-season. The only secret is loving what you do and staying consistent with training. We believe running in a group helps keep everyone motivated and ensures that no one abandons the path toward their personal goals. On the other hand, Girona doesn’t get too cold in the winter, but on those difficult days, we plan runs an hour later so people can still join without regretting the cold.
What upcoming events, races, or goals is Overland Running Provisions most excited about?
This weekend (17th of November), we have a very special event in our hometown, because a race is held here. It’s called Transgavarres, and it goes from the coast to Girona, where it finishes. The track, which is 50k with almost 2000m of elevation gain, crosses the Gavarres Massif, the mountains that surround Girona. For us, this race is really special because it’s held in our backyard and goes through the paths we run every day. After the race, we will celebrate with a party at the shop with pizzas and drinks to spend some quality time together after the running.
