05/11/2024
GREECE
I’ve just returned from Greece, from the island of Hydra, and I’m still trying to capture the essence of this experience—dense and profound.
It’s been a few years since my last visit to Greece, and the cultural richness of this country struck me anew, as ancient and profound as Italy’s, but even older. Greece feels like the birthplace of wisdom. Athens left me awe-struck; looking up at the Acropolis, I felt something almost religious, as if the goddesses still linger there.
And then there was Hydra. A magnificent island, with its deep blue, warm sea, and welcoming, sunlit people. They radiate warmth, like so many in the South. Every time I’m on an island, I feel a special sense of well-being, surrounded by the sea’s embrace.
Race Report: Naturally, I switched to competition mode but aimed to keep my expectations in check. This was a 40k swimrun with 2k of D+. The sun was hot, the water was warm, and the swimming segments were spectacular. Ae**us, god of the wind, blessed us with calm, and Poseidon kept the sea tranquil. We navigated up and down magnificent trails with breathtaking views that I couldn’t get enough of.
I shared this adventure with my partner, , with whom I’ve run many kilometers and completed at least one previous race. We make a good team. It was a wonderful surprise at the finish line to learn we came in second in the women’s category!
The results showed that the first-place team beat us by only three minutes—a bittersweet but exhilarating result. Still, everyone who participated is truly a winner, aren’t they?
I was also moved by the experiences of those tackling swimrun for the first time: the people from .global and girls. You all filled my heart with joy.
And then there’s the , to whom I owe so much of this experience.
is a leader who brings people together, motivates, and instills confidence.
What else can I say?
A piece of my heart is still in Greece, even as I’ve returned to my routines: work, gym training, and chilly swims in my lake, now at just 10 degrees. Coming home and embracing my family is priceless, and so is holding onto these memories.