Another Day Filled with Kindness

Today marked day 14 of my run around the world, and it was a day that again showcased the warmth and generosity of people. Starting the morning in Luján, I fueled up with a big breakfast at the hotel—just what I needed for the 30-mile journey ahead.

The route was a mixed bag, beginning on a cyclist path before transitioning to a sand road, then gravel, and finally a smooth concrete road that was a breeze to run on. The changing terrain kept things interesting, though some parts were more challenging than others.

Sometime during the morning, I arrived at Carlos Keen, a small village that instantly stole my heart. It was here that I met Fernando, the local fruit store owner. We clicked right away, and before I left, he handed me a massive bag of fresh fruit. His generosity was heartwarming, and it didn’t stop there. I also chatted with a gardener and a maintenance worker, both of whom were incredibly kind and welcoming. Carlos Keen had a charm about it, not just in its quiet streets but in the people who called it home.

As I continued running, I encountered countless cyclists and car drivers, many of whom stopped to take pictures, wave, honk, or simply smile. Their enthusiasm and support were a huge boost, especially during the tougher stretches. The positive energy they radiated reminded me of the interconnectedness of this journey—how every wave and honk feels like a little push forward.

After leaving Villa Ruiz and its long, straight street, I hit a more rugged path of sand and rocks. Running became impossible, so I paused for a break under the shade of a tree. I lay down on a bench to rest and ended up chatting with Olga, the owner of the nearby house. She was lovely, and our conversation left me feeling refreshed. Or so I thought—until the rocky surface made pushing my buggy feel like a full-body workout.

Despite the challenges, the kindness of strangers kept lifting my spirits. At mile 22, I noticed my buggy’s right tire had gone flat again, making the journey even harder. Luckily, I had spare tubes with me. I managed to pump the tire enough to get to a gas station, where three incredibly helpful men—Carlos, Mauro, and Daniel—changed the tube in no time. Their kindness turned what could have been a frustrating setback into a moment of gratitude.

With my buggy back in action, I tackled the final stretch of the day. The last mile was along Highway 7, which was a bit nerve-wracking, but I made it to my destination: Moray, a beautiful glamping site in San Andrés de Giles.

The couple who run Moray, Algostina, Nacho, and Augustin, welcomed me with open arms. They offered me a spot to set up my tent, access to their shower, and charging points for my devices. They even brought me water and refused to let me pay for the stay. Their generosity made my first night of camping in Argentina feel safe, comfortable, and truly special.

As I prepare to sleep under the open sky for the first time on this journey, I feel a deep sense of gratitude. Today was filled with so many wonderful encounters, reminding me that the world is indeed a friendly place. All you have to do is ask for help, and more often than not, people will show up for you in amazing ways.

Here’s to more days like this—full of kindness, connection, and the beauty of running through the world.