Back to Where It All Began

Daily Miles: ~32 miles | Total Miles: 5660.73

This morning I set my alarm for 4:30am — knowing full well I wouldn’t get up any earlier than that. After another night under the stars and on a thin mat, I went through the usual morning rhythm: cold coffee, a bagel, breaking camp, getting everything packed and ready. By 6am, I was back on Highway 126.

The sky was grey and hazy, the air cooler than in days past. Mist clung to the filbert trees — their rows so familiar and beautiful in the quiet morning light. My breath came easily. My excitement bubbled. I was running to Eugene. A city I’ve come and gone from many times. But never like this. Never on foot. Never from Florida.

The McKenzie River ran beside me for much of the way, and I watched children being sent off to school — another reminder of life’s steady pulse. I shared my excitement with whoever I could: “I’m three days from the Pacific!” And I meant it with my whole heart.

Running past Leaburg Lake, I spotted fishermen and saw fish leaping from the surface in the distance. The road was narrow, and some drivers were less than kind, but I kept on. At mile 9, I passed a farm I’ve always loved — an organic place where you can pick blueberries and buy fresh produce. Unfortunately, I was too early. No pastries for the worldrunner today.

At mile 16, I met up with Don. We regrouped briefly to plan our route into town, and then I was back on my way. Springfield came and went — the real-life home of The Simpsons, by the way — and about three miles before downtown Eugene, I took a little detour. I had to run on the Pre Trail. I’ve run that trail countless times before. It felt full circle to include it in my world run.

Back on the path along the Willamette River, I made another spontaneous turn: this time through the University of Oregon campus. It’s been exactly ten years since I graduated from UO, and the memories came rushing back. I stopped by the Global Scholars office, excitedly telling them about the run, and to my great surprise — Lindsay, an old friend, is now the director of the program. I had a long, lovely conversation with her and Erin before heading off again.

Then came a very special stop: Hayward Field — the heart of track and field in the U.S., and one of the most iconic places for runners. Eugene isn’t just any college town — it’s TrackTown, USA. The NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships were happening right as I arrived, and the energy was electric. Athletes, coaches, adrenaline. I managed to tell a few of them, “You’re the fast runners… but I’m running the world.” They laughed — and we all understood the shared love of the sport. These incredible athletes continue to inspire me.

Running a bit behind schedule now, I picked up the pace and flew through the last stretch to the park blocks downtown. I knew two friends would be there waiting — and they were. Food, water, laughter, conversation, a noisy city energy around 8th and Oak. And then… a demonstration formed and the square filled with voices.

After 6pm, it was time to transition again: a bus ride, a friend’s house, dinner, social media updates, a shower — and now, writing this when I should be sleeping.

But how could I not reflect on this day?

Coming back to Eugene like this — on foot, after thousands of miles, through deserts and mountains, through pain and joy — is something I could never have imagined ten years ago. But here we are.

From Florida to Eugene — TrackTown, USA. Let’s go to the coast. Together.