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Travel Alone and Enjoy Life in The Fast Lane

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Hurry up, Get set! I´m crossing the world to reach 80 stadiums

WORLD IN THE FAST LANE: I know what I needs to do, and I´m on a special mission: Around the World to run fast and visit 80 sport stadiums. At the same time, to tell my followers how it is to travel alone and visit the word. I don´t know where I am going, but I´m on my way in the fast lane. Get set! Meet me with friends in Rapido Amigos, the fast runners around the world.

On the run. Travel-reporter Gudmund Lindbaek in Cebu Stadium
On the run. Travel-reporter Gudmund Lindbaek in Cebu Stadium.

In year 2021 I began training to be a faster version of myself. I set off to train like Usain Bolt and the world best sprinters. One year on I had my debut running 100 meters in a competition without any success story to publish.

But my mission continues and remain on the track traveling from country to country. My travel package contains of training, running and create stories with advice and inspiration in King Goya online travel magazine and on social media.

Here are key links

King Goya Travel Magazine
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As journalist and photographer, I have always been on the road around the world and met the most interesting people. From fishermen in the dark and frozen Arctic, to kings and pop-stars, and not to forget famous Ronny Biggs. The famous train robber who escaped in Rio de Janeiro, before heading back to London where he died. I am Norwegian, recently moved from London to Malaga in Spain.

I click, we click or simply Uclick. A new self portrait studio in Cebu
I click, we click or simply Uclick. A new self portrait studio in Cebu City makes selfie on higher level. Picture by @ucliskstudiocebucity

I travel alone

Taking on the world alone is a liberating, life-changing activity you can do as a tourist or traveler, or simply as a change of lifestyle.

Travelling has given a big confidence boost. Mostly travelling alone and never with fear of loneliness. This is not a scary activity. The last years, I never toured with anybody, I am safe and happy in my own company. And always things to do, shooting pictures and videos, meet locals, create interesting travel stories and never forget to train. Now, as a relatively newborn veteran sprinter any journey is another story.

Benefits of solo travel is to meet people from all corners and meeting locals is even more important. This is a real variant of self-indulgent, about achieving my own goals.

Diaon and Artjoy are winners from Cebu Marathon. Front from left: Simoun, Rheamae, Jinky, and Kate.
Diaon and Artjoy are winners from Cebu Marathon. Front from left: Simoun, Rheamae, Jinky, and Kate.

Camp in Cebu

I am definitely on my own when training and compete on the track by running 100m and 200m. On my second camp in Philippines and Cebu City I trained with coach Arvin Loberanis. He is my link to the local community and Arvin teach me a lot about the people of this big Cebu Island.

Whether I travel alone or with friends and family, solo travel can be a social experience. My own experience is simply travel alone without being lonely. The Latin word for travel solo is “solitary wanderer”. We are simply a group opposite to everyone who travels on charter holiday, often to the same place year after year.

Watch Sardine Run in Moalboal, Cebu Island
Watch Sardine Run in Moalboal, Cebu Island

Not a Backpacker

“Do what I want, when I want”, is the great benefits being a solo traveler.
I`m not a typical backpacker and not settle for miserable living conditions. I must have a good bed and access to make some food myself. I am so far from being backpacker that I almost never meet a backpacker or a typical travel blogger.

Det hjelper med en god trener. Jeg fant Arvin på stadion i Cebu City.
TOP COACH: I found coach Arvin at the stadium in Cebu City.

Learn about yourself

Traveling on your own also gives the opportunity to learn and grow. Yes, some things are better shared, but you can enjoy on your own. You don´t need company to enjoy clouds move in slow motion, or a sunset when the sun and the sea meet.

My advice to other: “You’ll never know if you don’t go”

Running students: Breakfast with students from Cebu City
Running students: Breakfast with students from Cebu City

 Run the World

 As for me, running is the extra activity. Run to be in shape, stay healthy and run to be a faster version of myself was a choice I made in 2020. My first competition ever was indeed the Word Championship for Veterans. My result on 100m in Finland was so bad that anyone with a bit of common sense would have given up on the sprint project before it actually started.

Masters Games

 Giving up was not my option and in 2023 I continue to participate in smaller competitions for veterans, but also in Masters Game, Norwegian Masters, and the European Masters Athletic Championship in Pescara, Italy. I also have added 200m to my delayed sports career.

World Masters Games is an international multi-sport event held every four year and has developed into the largest of its kind. World Masters is like Olympic Games for Veterans.

 Train, Run, Travel

 I am on my own journey to train and run at 80 track & fields stadiums around the world. This global race has started and so far travel alone makes me happy.

This is a meaningful journey like any other. But also like crossing the world in the fast lane – and always feeling a bit behind schedule.

With a view to Cebu City skyline - with local track & field stars Cristel, left, and Kristine.

With a view to Cebu City skyline – with local track & field stars Cristel, left, and Kristine.

Visit Cebu City

Cebu City is the main city on Cebu Island and the oldest city in Philippines. The city has about 1 million inhabitants. Here you will find historical sites, luxury resorts, shopping malls and the nightlife.

Airport: The airport is located on Mactan island, connected the city with three bridges. The distance between Mactan-Cebu International Airport and Cebu City is 10-12 km.

Best to visit: From January to April is the dry season and most pleasant period to visit.

Why Cebu City?: This is a gateway to the Philippines with easy access to many of the best islands. Cebu is an alternative to Manila. Next to the city you can do diving, swim with sardines and visit white sand beaches and crystal clear waters.

Best City Tour: Visit Plaza Independencia, Fort San Pedro, Magellan´s Cross and Basilica del Sto Nino Museum. Or go swimming with the whale sharks.

Resorts: The best resorts are located on Mactan island. Such as Plantation Bay Resort and Spa, Shangri-La Mactan, and Dusit Thani, just 7km from the airport.

  • Sunset at Shangri-la resort located in Macan.Sunset at Shangri-la resort located on island Mactan, a short ride from Cebu City.

    Some more Ideas

      • Here are some ideas for those planning to travel alone. Travel by train, a perfect place to meet people not in hurry. Go to coffee shops, learn to talk to strangers and meet people on day tours. Update family and friends back home of your travel plans and try not to arrive at a destination late at night.The best countries to travel alone in Europe is some Greek islands, The Netherlands, England, Spain and Scandinavia. More than 70% of solo travelers saying they visited Australia, a country considered a safe place to travel alone.
    • Women of Amsterdam that matters: Berber, Anouschka or Katjalisa.
      Women of Amsterdam that matters: Berber, Anouschka or Katjalisa.

    Inspiration for Change

    Searching for a change, in Amsterdam we found three women providing practical tools to create something different. You decide the topic and whether to take the tour walking, biking or by boat. Just ask Berber, Anouschka or Katjalisa in the company Tours That Matter and they will try to make any crazy proposals come alive.

  • My journey continues. I must go on adventures, run alone and find out where I belong. I don´t travel to escape life, but for life not to escape me – and to reach all the 80 stadiums before I reach the final finish line.

HELP! I STRANDED ON PARADISE ISLAND

 

 

Gudmund Lindbaek
Gudmund Lindbaek
Journalist founded King Goya a few years back. Meeting people, local food and engaging stories are my passion. I plan for ambitious once-in-a-lifetime trips. My delight is the prospect of Future Travels: Longer, Slower, Farther! I just want a tiny slice of adventure to be alive, and then excited to return home.

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