Chilled by the Wind, Warmed by Generosity

Running against the wind… again – but a little stronger today.

This morning started very early – not because of running, but because of a few tasks I needed to take care of back home in Switzerland. With the 8-hour time difference, timing was key. Once that was sorted, I packed up and treated myself to a rare delight: breakfast in the hotel lobby. A cozy, decorated space, a toasted bagel, a piece of bread, and—if you believe it—a hot coffee. I sat for a while, soaking in the calm, the warmth, the moment.

Then I said goodbye to Kasia, who had generously donated last night's room, and stepped outside with the buggy. I made a conscious decision to go light—just my shirt and vest—but was hit instantly by the chill of that northwest wind. No turning back now. A couple quick photos and off I went—head down, moving forward, no pause, no doubt.

Highway 34 stretched ahead, still a slight but steady uphill. The cold wind cut through everything, drying out my eyes and making me wish I'd put on my sunglasses from the start. But I couldn’t stop—not just because of the cold, but because I’ve made it a principle not to stop on an incline. Stopping would have made it worse.

Today I was focused—more than yesterday. Determined to run stronger. Still, the pace told the truth: wind and hills were holding me back. And yet, it was different. My legs, my mind, my body—they were all cooperating today. I wasn’t just surviving it, I was actually pushing through. And yes, sometimes it feels a bit ridiculous: pushing a heavy buggy uphill, into the wind, trying to find rhythm and momentum. But you keep going. You laugh at it. You remember—this is part of it. Just don’t get injured. Just keep moving. Just maybe, enjoy a little of it too.

When I finally arrived in Akron, I still had a lot to do—but I was happy. I managed the run well and even handled the afternoon’s tasks with more calm than I would’ve expected. That in itself is a small win. We grow through these small tests of patience.

At the grocery store, a kind woman struck up a conversation. I shared my journey with her and asked if she had a hotel recommendation. She offered something even better: a spare bed at her home. Just like that. Kindness, again. So much kindness.

I only bought lunch, knowing we'd go out for dinner together. I ran over to their home—a beautiful place with what they call a "sunroom" (I'd call it a wintergarden). Bright, green, warm, and full of plants. A dream space to write, to think, to breathe.

And now I’m off—shower time! Then dinner with Margie, Gene, and their daughter Angie. What a way to end a day. I’m so grateful to meet such open-hearted people every day.

This journey truly is about much more than running.

Thanks for following along, Andrea