Climbing Hills

The crew, minus one

All around Tepic, there are multiple hills. In fact, Tepic itself is built mostly between the hills, but up the sides of some. Some of these cerros have houses built on them (makes for some very steep streets), some have crops, and some have been converted into paths for hiking or running! So far, I have experienced two cerros; Cerro de la Cruz and Cerro de San Juan. They're a very different experience compared to my beloved mountains. When reaching the summit of a mountain in Canada, you note the awesome view, the crisp mountain air, and the noticeable absence of trees (by this time you're way above the tree line). In comparison when hiking here, even when you've made it to the top you're still surrounded by lush plants. It's pretty cool going up a hiking trail and seeing enormous flowers and how lush the flora is the entire way up. I also got laughed at for getting excited about the huge, colourful butterflies on the path (hey, they're much more exciting here!). It's such a completely different climate compared to Canada. And man, the humidity takes a bit of getting used to. Imagine breathing with a warm moist cloth over your mouth as you run, and you've got how I feel on a hot day.

Anyways, four days after the last hill running endeavour I just recently got back full range of motion in my legs. For a solid three days, walking down stairs was a really uncomfortable experience. I went up San Juan with one of my friends from school, and a few of her friends. All of whom are hardcore track athletes. We ran part of the way up, alternating between jogging and walking (although at some points it was so steep I'm not sure there was much of a difference), and then ran the entire way down. I knew that I was going to be a bit sore after this hill running business (running in a flat circle just can't compare), but perhaps pacing myself with competitive track athletes wasn't the wisest choice. However, no regrets, it was absolutely worth it! The Cerro's path is composed of uneven cobblestones on the bottom half, and then partially eroded dirt trails on the top half. It was awesome. It reminded me a bit of Canadian trails, but obviously the forestation was quite different.  It became a much more comfortable run when we got high enough that we were in the clouds- the sun was brutal! Then it turned into an awesome misty forest, reminiscent of a horror movie scene. I have no idea how far it is, but it took about an hour and a half  to get up it, and we were booking it.  The view at the top was amazing, you could see the entire city and all the hills around it.  I will absolutely be back (when my legs work properly again).

Sarah and I looking over Tepic (or some of it, and then mostly a cloud)

Made it! 

Cerro de la Cruz is a much gentler hill to run up. There's a cobblestone road leading around the hill, with a sidewalk. It's about 2 km up, but it's not very steep.  Then at the top, you climb up a set of stairs, and there's a Jesus. (Think Rio de Janeiro, only a wee bit smaller). Anyways, it's a pretty fun thing to climb on, and a good landmark to take note of! I've been up it three times now, once with my family, once with family and exchange students, and then once more for spanish class.  Although not quite as good of a view as Cerro de San Juan, it's still a pretty great perspective of the city!

Claiming it (a generally cocky photo)

Sarah and I, plus the great view!