Day 5 – Augusta to Catania to Giarre (91km)

I’m delighted to say that despite a recovery day, we are still ahead of schedule, clocking 91km with 11 runners and reaching 731km this week – two thirds of the way to Palermo!

We’re half way through the week and we’ve all been in need of a break. When Brynn (Megen and Jason’s daughter) was cheering us on yesterday and welcoming us to Sampieri, she pointed out a beautiful beach there (near Ken). It gave many of us the inspiration to take a needed sand and sea recovery day. With so many beach options along the way we could spread out or hang out. Some possibilities along the Ionian coast on our planned route included Costa Saracena, Agnone (Augusta), and Santa Maria la Scala (Acireale) to name a few.

A few keeners headed on to Catania, hoping to take in a race. Maggie located the race, earning herself her first Italian medal from the secret location. Jenny came along right behind her to get the last Catania race shirt. Good going ladies! The gang had to sample the local cuisine before finishing their day in Giarre. The menu included rame di Napoli (soft chocolate cookies), minne di Sant’Agata (pastry filled with ricotta, dark chocolate and dried fruit, iced with a cherry on top), pistachios, and prickly pears.

Today’s runners included Teresa (3k), Andrea (4k), Leslie Ann (4k), Andy (10.1k), Danny (yes, another 30k!), Jackie (10k), Steve E (5k), Maggie (7k), Jenny (4k), Robin (7k) and Claude (7k).

Way to go STARR. We’ll hopefully see many of you tomorrow evening for speed work, walking or running.