Miles, Heat, and Heartfelt Moments

After a night illuminated by the ever-bright street lamp above me, I started my day at 5 a.m., determined to hit the road early. By 6 a.m., I was running back on Highway 7, prepared with plenty of fluids and snacks for the day ahead.

The road stretched out endlessly, and while the first 20 miles passed quickly, today’s run felt emotionally charged. It wasn’t anything dramatic—just waves of emotions finding space during the long, solitary hours. Running can be like that sometimes, opening up parts of your mind and heart you didn’t know needed attention.

Traffic fluctuated—at times sparse, at times intense with clusters of cars and trucks rushing by. The slightly uphill terrain and rough road conditions made pushing my buggy harder, forcing me to focus intently on every step. When the traffic eased, I found myself veering toward the center of the road, only to quickly adjust as vehicles approached. It’s a constant balancing act of safety and efficiency.

The heat, while less severe than yesterday, still demanded focus and endurance. My eyes felt strained from the sun, the effort, and the endless need to scan the road. I considered wearing sunglasses for part of the run—something to tackle tomorrow.

But today wasn’t all about challenges. I met wonderful people along the way:

• A family who stopped for a photo with me, braving the wind together.
• Miguel, who was taking a break behind his truck, enjoying his mate and snacks with a relaxed, quintessentially Argentinian vibe.
• A group of working men, fascinated by my story.
• A truck driver who followed me slowly for over a mile before stopping to chat—turns out he’d just sent a video of me running to his girlfriend!

Finally, I reached the center of Rufino, where I treated myself to an ice-cold drink, some much-needed Wi-Fi, and the simple joy of having arrived after running over 38 miles.

Maxi, a kind soul at the supermarket, helped me find a place to stay—a beautiful, historic hotel built in 1892. Though a bit worn, it exudes charm. The owner, Daniel, spoke English (hallelujah!) and welcomed me warmly. After a shower and a brief chat, I felt incredibly grateful to have found such a haven.

Tonight, I’ll handle my social updates, grab groceries for tomorrow, and finalize my next steps. Then, it’s off to bed—exhausted but fulfilled.

Thank you, Argentina, for your solidarity and generosity. You keep surprising me with your warmth and kindness. Buenas noches.