Hot and hilly

[Yesletsgo]

After 10 or so days with no running (for fun and not so fun reasons) today was the day. We're in Greece and this morning was warm (20+C) and sunny. Lots of hills here too, unlike where we live. I set NRC for 3km as I felt putting it to 5km was setting me up to fail.

When I got dressed I discovered I'd forgotten to pack my running shirt. I was going to run in my Batman t-shirt but it felt too warm before I even set off. I had to raid my sister's wardrobe for a vest top. The one I found is lovely, all ditsy print and macrame, not my usual running style (and long too so I had to tuck it in my shorts!)

The place where we are staying is on a very steep hill, going uphill in second gear in the car is a challenge to give you an inkling of its steepness. Careful walk down to the main road, downhill slopes are trying for my arthritic knee. After a few minutes we reached a less sloped road so set off running.

The sun felt hot to these autumnal British limbs so I headed for the shade of the eucalyptus and pines along the roadside. It's all slopes, gradual up and downhills on the road following the sea which surrounds the island, stunningly beautiful.

About 2km along we reached a small beach. When we were here in March we'd carry on for a further 0.5km then turn home to get to 5km. There's now a wide stream leading down to the sea, too deep to cross, so we had to go back. It was really warm by now and the gentle downhill was a slog uphill. I confess, I walked a few times.

At 3.8 km we were nearly back to the bottom of the steep hill, so we ran a little further (on the flat-ish) then turned back to reach 4 km beside the steps down to a bathing area. I hate cold water but today it didn't bother me. I was so hot I expected it to sizzle as I walked in, wearing shorts and sports bra. It was the sort of temperature that when someone onshore asks if it's cold you say 'no, it's lovely' 😂

Of course, we hadn't brought towels so I just dried my feet on my sister's shirt (she won't mind lol) and put my shoes and socks back. If anyone was bothered by my lack of attire too bad.

On checking, both NRC and Strava gave me a Halloween run badge. Woo hoo! I'm back!!

[dijep Graduate10]

 What a beautiful place to run, it looks stunning in your photo. And your run description really made me feel that I was tagging along with you.

I bet it was glorious going for that dip at the end.

Enjoy the rest of your break.