Today was a target pace run for 15 mins (and an optional extra 5 mins) with 15 min warm up / cool down. The target pace was 7:28 - 7:48 and I ran the first interval (15 mins) at 7:30 and the second (5 mins) at 7:38. I was pretty pleased with this but Garmin gave me a 62% (average) execution score 🤔 …
Río Bacal, Jayena - Sendero de los Arrieros - Mirador de la Encina - Poza del Romance
Brilliant hiking route over some new ground for me/us. Incredible that so much varied and interesting walking terrain is available within an hours drive of home near Granada. Must have done over 100 routes so far.
Here's some photos from the "non-river" part of yesterday trip (see previous post)
Spring is in the air and so starts our Andalucia river walking season. Yesterday, we found a 6 km long stretch of river, a bit overgrown after the winter, but full of color, challenges and interest. Glorious scenery with 20+ enforced crossings of the river with rock pools galore to cool off in. A fabulous day!
The road into Lanjarón from the Alpujarras with the prominent long valley of the Río Lanjarón that leads up to the snow capped peak of the Cerro de Caballo. At 3009 metres asl this is Europe's most south westerly 3000+ metre peak.
Some rather stunning wrought ironwork on an untended building. There really should be greater powers to intervene to protect architectural gems like this.
This is a route I’ve been meaning to run for some time now. It’s largely “out and back” which I’m not really a fan of, but having driven out to the convent (La Gañanía en La Almoraima) for lunch yesterday, I was struck by how pretty it was.
Cardio is definitely improving, which is great to see. Target VO₂ max is 50, currently at 47.
I’m wondering if I might finally be leaving behind whatever it was that has messed with my energy levels (aftermath of flu / Covid?) but it’s taken weeks. So, if that is the case, it’s good news!
#Spain’s Catalonia Is Spending $2.6 Billion to Survive Without Rain
#Catalonia, home to Barcelona, is building desalination plants. #Andalusia in the south is reducing water pressure "in an attempt to reduce consumption by 20%. If no rain falls next spring, it will require tanker ships to deliver water over the summer."
"#Andalucia’s reservoir levels are operating at just 22.21% of their capacity – #Malaga’s reservoirs are only 15.75% full, whilst #Almeria’s reserves have fallen to below 9%, the lowest level of any province in #Spain."
Today in Labor History January 8, 1933: Anarchist uprisings began in Barcelona, Madrid and Valencia. While the northern uprisings were quickly suppressed, another anarchist uprising broke out in the Andalusian town of Casas Viejas on January 11, led by members of the anarchosyndicalist CNT union. The Civil Guards ultimately quashed it, too, slaughtering 24 people. For more on the Casas Viejas incident, read the detailed history in, “The Anarchists of Casas Viejas,” by Jerome R Mintz.
Today in Labor History January 8, 1892: 500-600 anarchist peasants led a revolt in Andalusia, taking over the town of Jerez and demanding the release of prisoners and economic relief. The authorities quickly quashed the uprising, killing three. They captured and tortured the leaders, executing four of them on February 10. They sentenced another 14 to life imprisonment. The Cadiz labor movement had to go underground because the general repression was so severe. But the Cadiz anarchist movement continued, culminating with the 1933 uprising at Casas Viejas, and subsequent massacre by soldiers. The press condemned the government’s response. Protests erupted in many parts of Spain and other parts of Europe. Activists clashed with police at Spanish consulates throughout Europe. Anarchists set off numerous bombs in retaliation. Anarchist Paulí Pallàs tried to assassinate Catalonia Captain General Arsenio Martínez Campos for his role in the Jerez uprising's repression and executions. Pallas was executed for this. Jerome Mintz wrote about this history in his classic, “The Anarchists of Casas Viejas,” (1982).
Sampled the delights of the new Via Ferrata at Cadiar today. A grade K3 and a grade K4 available. Wire bridge, tyrolean, pendulum and some steep, airy ladders perched in space. All very entertaining.