Connections on the Road

Daily miles: 25.62 | Total miles: 7,470.41

I got up after 7am — on purpose this time! I wanted a relaxed morning and planned to have breakfast at the motel at 7:30am before heading out. It was a calm start, knowing I’d only cover about 25 miles today. While having breakfast, my neighbors joined me, and we had a short, pleasant chat.

After organizing the buggy, I left in just my shirt — warm enough to run comfortably. Like yesterday, I spent much of the run waving to passing cars. Believe it or not, 99% of drivers wave back! It’s exhausting to maintain while pushing the buggy, but it’s also delightful and surprisingly enchanting.

I love observing people’s reactions: some lift their hand or arm slightly, others wave enthusiastically, and some make a fist and cheer wildly. What strikes me is how intuitive it seems to respond — almost automatically. Often, people only realize what they’ve done after passing by. Waving, it seems, is a simple yet universal gesture of connection, often accompanied by a smile or relaxed expression.

Besides this little social experiment, my focus was on thinking and reflecting. I knew I wouldn’t meet many people today, and most interactions are initiated by me anyway. Of course, my energy for engagement fluctuates, and some days I’m more actively connecting than others. But there’s beauty in those moments when connection happens naturally, effortlessly, and unexpectedly.

Upon arriving in Kaniva, I stopped at the store before heading to the motel a little further down the road. The weather was pleasant and warm, though the wind picked up at times. All in all, it was a perfectly enjoyable run, filled with quiet reflection and small gestures of shared humanity.

See you tomorrow — don’t forget to wave goodbye!

Andrea