Not Quite a Rest Day — Prepping for New Zealand and Beyond

Daily Miles: 0 | Total Miles: 5,729.37

Rest day? I’m not so sure. After working late into the night yesterday, I allowed myself to sleep in again — until 8:30am. A real treat. I brewed a strong coffee in my old espresso maker and sat for a quiet moment before the day picked up speed. Then, the planning began.

It’s Eugene — and in Eugene, people show up. Within the first few hours, I managed to line up two of my most important appointments. A huge relief.

The rest of the day was packed with logistics: paying bills, applying for my New Zealand entry document, organizing documents, and sorting out the many little tasks that always seem to multiply the moment you sit down.

A major item on my to-do list: buggy maintenance. I brought it to a local bike shop called Bicycle Way of Life, where Chris — a brilliant and kind mechanic — gave it a much-needed tune-up. Bearings replaced, wheels aligned, new front tire and tube installed, brakes and suspension adjusted. With the right tools, a good workspace, and some grease, everything felt smooth again. Thank you, Chris. You’re a lifesaver.

Before my next appointment, I stopped to visit my old friend James — old because we’ve known each other a long time, and old because, well, he is. When I first got to his house, everything looked so tidy I feared something had happened. But after knocking and waiting, there he was. Still the same James. Still full of stories. I wish we had more time.

Then, a quick stop at one of my favorite places — Sundance, an organic grocery store. Great produce, lovely people. And outside, I met a musician named Hook. We clicked immediately — one of those moments where a stranger doesn’t feel like a stranger at all. Thanks for the yoghurt, Hook Boogie!

Next up: podiatry. My feet are doing surprisingly well — especially for what they’ve been through. I take care of them daily: creams, nail trimming, filing down calluses. Sure, a couple of nails are traumatized, but nothing hurts, and I want to keep it that way. Thank you, Mr. McKinnley, for the chat (and the unexpected whiskey wisdom) while filing my feet.

Then it was shopping time — hydration and summer foods. It’s warm, and I’m loving it. I also squeezed in laundry, charged all my devices, and started organizing my things for departure. My new transport bag for the buggy arrived, so now comes the folding, fitting, and (hopefully) zipping.

I booked a place for my first night in Christchurch, contacted some stops along my New Zealand route, and even booked my flight to Brisbane. One less thing to worry about when I land. I still need to pack, eat dinner, and hopefully sleep well. Tomorrow, I fly out of Eugene just after noon.

And yes, it’s official — I’m heading to New Zealand. A short visit this time (it’s winter after all), but an important one to fulfill the World Runners Association’s antipodal point rule. Then, on to Australia, where the next major chapter of this journey begins.

I first visited New Zealand in 2007–2008 for six months. I loved it. This time, it’s just a few days, but I know I’ll be back again.

Before I close out today, I want to thank Jerry, another old friend — not just in years, but in the consistency and loyalty that define true friendship. Thank you for giving me a place to stay, for lending your car, for helping me feel at home, and most importantly, for always being there. Your support is one of the biggest reasons I believe this run is possible. Sometimes all it takes is one person to believe in your dream and help you stay on the path. You’ve been that person for me. I hope I can be that for someone else now.

Thanks to all of you for following along. Tomorrow, a flight. Soon — more running.

Take care and stay close,

Andrea