I’ve run through New York’s Central Park, jogged past the huge lotus flower pond in Bangkok’s Benjasiri Park, and trotted many miles along the shoreline between Santa Monica and Venice Beach. Heck, I’ve even gone for a short jog in Death Valley, clocked several miles in Da Nang’s My Khe neighborhood, and pounded the pavement in Camp’s Bay, South Africa, with the Atlantic roaring beside me.

So when Charlotte suggested a 5k morning run up the hill to the sacred temple of the Acropolis and then beyond into Koukaki, I didn’t hesitate – though I did send up a quick prayer to the Greek gods, begging them to grant my back the strength and stamina to survive today’s run.

And what do you know? Zeus & Co must have been feeling generous this morning – and a glorious, sweat-drenched 5K jog through ancient Athens is now part of my running history.