Running Through the Heat: Crete Chronicles

Running in Crete during a heatwave—where temperatures soared above 40°C—was a test of patience, hydration, and mental grit. I set out with a simple goal: keep it easy, stay progressive, and enjoy the landscape. Here’s how the journey unfolded.

🌅 Run 1: Coastal Cruise near Chersonisos

• Distance: 3.12 mi

• Elevation Gain: 187 ft

• Time: 31:40

• Avg Pace: 10:08/mi

• Avg Power: 372 W

• Calories Burned: 478

A short effort along the coast. This run was all about laying a foundation—starting steady and finishing strong. My heart rate peaked higher than it had in 20 days, but the effort felt smooth and controlled. The coastal breeze helped, and the route offered a refreshing contrast to the hills of Colne.

⸻

🌇 Run 2: Evening Tempo Tune-Up

• Distance: 2.00 mi

• Elevation Gain: 30 ft

• Time: 18:00

• Avg Pace: 8:58/mi

• Avg Power: 403 W

• Calories Burned: 287

This was a quick evening run with a clear focus: tempo and control. The flatter route allowed for a faster pace, and I spent most of the time in moderate heart rate zones. It was a satisfying effort—short, sharp, and efficient—perfect for winding down the day while still getting the legs turning over.

⸻

🔥 Run 3: Factor 50 Finish

• Distance: 4.00 mi

• Elevation Gain: 404 ft

• Time: 45:03

• Avg Pace: 11:14/mi

• Avg GAP: 10:02/mi

• Avg Power: 338 W

The third run of the trip was a scorcher—literally. With the sun blazing and the SPF 50 working overtime, I tackled a hilly route from Papou’s Sunset to Lyttos. Despite the heat and elevation, I kept a steady rhythm and pushed through tempo zones with a consistent effort. It was a grind, but a satisfying effort.

⸻

🏃‍♂️ Run 4: Hills of Anissaras

• Distance: 5.21 mi

• Elevation Gain: 692 ft

• Time: 56:22

• Avg Pace: 10:48/mi

• Avg GAP: 9:03/mi

• Avg Power: 343 W

• Relative Effort: 96

This was a fun finish. The route wound through Anissaras, with nearly 700 feet of climbing. I kept the pace relaxed, but the Grade Adjusted Pace showed the real effort behind the numbers. Garmin tagged it with a high relative effort score, and it felt deserved. The heat was intense, but the views and quiet roads made it worthwhile.

⸻

Final Thoughts

Running in Crete wasn’t about chasing speed—it was about adapting, exploring, and staying consistent in extreme conditions. Each run brought something different: hills, heat, tempo, and terrain. But they all shared one thing—resilience. There’s something deeply rewarding about showing up, even when the thermometer says “don’t.”