Hills, Heartbeats, and Pacific Light

Daily Miles: 36.47 | Total Miles 5,957.51

I got up at 4:30am, made a coffee, packed my buggy, and stepped back out onto the road by 5:30am. The world was still asleep, pitch dark once again. My headlamp was facing forward, and I ran on the right side of the road, toward the traffic. As with all these early mornings in New Zealand, darkness demands full attention.

Around 7am, a police officer pulled over and kindly suggested that I should wait to run until daylight. I understood the concern, but standing still in the cold didn’t feel like an option. With experience and caution on my side, I ran on. By 8am, the sky began to transform. To my left, it turned a deep pink, layered with soft, puffy clouds. It was magical.

Even though the terrain came with its fair share of climbs—some so steep I had to walk—I felt really good. And it was slightly warmer than the days before, which helped. The hills revealed one beautiful vista after another, but the narrow shoulders and the rhythm of my run made it hard to stop. At mile 11, hunger got the better of me, and I paused for an apple croissant—well deserved and well enjoyed.

At mile 17, I reached the Pacific Ocean. The coastal stretch was too stunning not to pause. The waves crashed in, the breeze wrapped around me, and for a few minutes I let myself soak it all in. From there, I ran straight through to Palmerston where I stopped for groceries, grabbed an egg sandwich, and treated myself to a cappuccino at a local bakery. The sun was out. Palmerston felt warm and cheerful. It was one of those moments I wished could last a little longer.

I shed my jacket and ran the final 9 miles to Waikouaiti, where I had booked my room in advance. I'm now sitting in the living room, catching up on social media—grateful for the quiet, the comfort, and the warmth, even though my hosts haven’t arrived yet.

Soon I’ll shower, cook some rice and lentils, and sleep like a baby—ready for the final stretch to Dunedin. Today, I felt strong. I felt lucky. And above all, I felt thankful. Thank you for being with me. Your support and love carry me forward every day.

Dream Big Too.