11 km , midday , Athens Greece , summertime
Today, in the scorching heat of Athens, Greece, I embarked on a challenging long run that left me feeling like I had melted under the relentless sun. With a carefree mindset and no expectations, I set out to see if I could run for a solid hour straight. My goal for the day was simple: run and then enjoy a day at the beach with my girlfriends. Little did I know that the midday sun and the bustling Athenian tourism would make it an unforgettable experience.
Starting off slowly, I set up my music and I made my way downhill from my apartment towards the national gardens. The beautiful views were overshadowed by the overwhelming tourist crowds. As I started the uphill towards acropolis it got even worse, making it impossible to run in a straight line.
It was like trying to navigate through a maze of vacationers daydreaming and casually enjoying while I was trying to run like flash Gordon. But hey, I saw it as an opportunity to practice my agility, weaving in and out like an Olympic slalom skier. These abrupt changes of direction were eventually a really good practice for my ankles.
As time went on, the scorching sun intensified my thirst. Music couldn’t distract me from the fact that every minute felt like an eternity. The taste of salt on my lips reminded me of the sweat pouring off my body. Sweaty, salty and out of breath, (read for desperate😅) I spotted a tavern along my route and mustered up the energy to ask for water. Luckily, a kind waiter handed me a bottle, saving me from the brink of dehydration.
With half the bottle quenching my parched throat, I pushed on, relying on the remaining water to fuel my determination. It was a battle against the elements and my own exhaustion, but I refused to give up. With each step, I became more convinced that I could conquer any challenge that came my way, including the daunting task of carrying water during the upcoming Olympus marathon. I had managed to run 1 hour and 15 mins with a break.
This long run taught me the value of perseverance and adaptability in the face of adversity. Drenched in sweat and a sense of accomplishment, I knew I was one step closer to conquering the eagles peak (kopsi ton aeton) at the Olympus marathon. It’s not just about the destination; it’s about the personal growth and determination that come with every step of the journey.
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