Cadence, Curiosity, and a Bit of Fear
Daily miles: 25.02 | Total miles: 6750.12
My alarm rang at 6am. I got up right away, packed my things, carried everything downstairs, and pushed the buggy outside the pub. A few steps down, and I loaded it up. Cool air again, but not cold.
I had called a hotel yesterday to check if they had a room for tonight. They did, so I knew it would be another shorter day. A bit of breathing space. Time to get a few things organized for the next stretch to Melbourne. Still, I sometimes feel nervous about what’s ahead—certain days, the weather, the unknowns. I try to remind myself: I can always change the plan. “No worries, mate. No worries, darling. No worries, lovely. It’s alright.” As they say here.
The day started with an uphill. I settled into a good warm-up pace. I told myself: enjoy the run, enjoy the scenery, enjoy the time. It was cloudy and cool. My shirt was quickly soaked from sweat under my sweater. But without the sweater, the wind cuts right through the wet shirt. I just kept running.
About 7 miles in, I reached the highway. Today was also a bit of a trial—to see if I could run on it without being stopped. It worked out fine. Up and down, more sweat, steady pace. Legs turning well. Body felt good. Mind open. Maybe I gripped the buggy too tight at times. But overall, it was a smooth run.
I thought again how lucky I am to be out here. Even when it’s overwhelming or scary or uncomfortable—I’m out here. I do love to explore. And while many places look similar, I still find something in each stretch. I know people sometimes say I should stop to see certain things. But I often answer: this is a running project, not sightseeing. If I come back one day, I’ll see more. But right now, it’s about the running.
It got warmer. More downhill. More sweat. I knew I’d get a shower soon. I stopped at a shopping center, got some food, then crossed the road to my hotel. People there told me they’d seen me running on the highway. After check-in: shower, quiet time, and my usual dinner—rice, beans, salad, and rice pudding for dessert.
Early sleep tonight. See you tomorrow.