Week 16
Run – 25 miles
Swim – 650 yards
Week 17
Run – 12 miles
A globe trotting couple of weeks.
Since I am a full week behind I decided to combine the last two weeks. The last day in Easter Island we had a late flight and a late checkout, so I decided to head up one of the local volcanos. This was super hard on my legs. We had been hiking a ton and I wasn’t rested enough to tackle a 1.8 mile climb. Oh well, it was beautiful at the top.
Chile – Rapa Nui (Easter Island) – Rano Kau
We had some bad fish right before our flight and had a rough first night in Tahiti. But a day later I was fit enough to run in the heat and extreme humidity of Papetee. I felt a little lightheaded, but chugged water all afternoon and felt better soon. We made our way out to the neighboring island of Mo’orea and I got in a few early (before sunrise) runs before lounging all day on the beach. It was weird to end up with my biggest week of the trip. It was natural and I was really enjoying myself. One thing that took me by surprise was the “thickness” of the air. My diaphragm was sore during my first few runs after trying to move that thick, heavy, humid air. It marked a big difference from the high, dry air in South America.
French Polynesia – Tahiti – Sunset over Pape’ete
I did get in one “lap” swim and had a good time, till the next day when my shoulders and back were super sore. But it was fun and I definitely miss swimming.
French Polynesia – Mo’orea – View of Lagoon from Camping Nelson
Unfortunately, New Zealand hasn’t been quite so easy. The van travel means we are moving every day and all the remaining daylight hours are used on sightseeing. Once we get more used to this type of travel, fitting in runs will be more natural. One highlight was running along a 2 foot wide trail cut above the Bay of Islands, gorgeous.
New Zealand – The Bay of Islands
Later.
Nomadic Cadence 