I haven't done much running this week, mainly because we've been doing long walks instead. There are 8 signposted treks on the island and we've done three of them in the last 5 days.
The hiking website promised a pine forest on route 8 so Wednesday was 140+m up a hill through woodland and then scrambling down a very steep, unstable rocky road (maybe a firebreak) attempting a shortcut, 4km in total. Very beautiful, autumn crocuses and cyclamen beside the path plus amazing views out to sea and best of all we could buy an ice cream at the top! Turns out that this was actually walk 9, they put the wrong map beside the description but no complaints.
On Thursday, after studying the map, we found route 8. It started off very promising, a heavy scent of thyme and pine, but turned out to be a dirt road with rubbish dumped down the hillside at regular intervals, very disappointing. We covered 10.5km with a total ascent of 249m. Unfortunately, the downhill section was at the beginning, so the ascent was on the way back
A shorter walk on Friday, route 7, 130m climbing, taking in 35 ancient chapels over 2km, again with stunning views. All this left my calves as stiff as boards. My foam roller is back in England so no relief available.
On Saturday it was chilly and overcast, only one degree warmer than back home and we both ached so did nothing more strenuous than walking from the car to the bakery for some spinach pies.
Today was different. Sunny but not too hot. Perfect for 5km on our usual route along the road following the beach...and only 44m ascent We dropped our towels at the swimming place and set off. I doubted that I'd go in the water, I only swim when it's boiling hot.
To cut a long story short, by the time we reached 5km the weather may not have warmed up but I certainly had. The water is getting colder but I'm getting very brave at not standing at the edge complaining. I tell myself I need to make the most of this, next week it's back to the reality of the Essex coastline in winter!