9,000 Miles — Coolgardie and Beyond

Daily miles: 16.5 | Total miles: 9001.18

My alarm rang at 5:30 this morning. The sky was already light, and during the night, the moon had kept the world around me softly illuminated. I slept beautifully on the gentle ground — it felt almost like being on a mattress. When I woke up, I realized much of my gear was damp and the outer tent completely drenched. But I smiled, knowing that today I would cross another incredible milestone: 9,000 miles.

For the first mile, I wore my jacket, but the sun quickly warmed the air. I knew I had a short running day ahead, so I took my time, enjoying the calm rhythm of the morning. By just before noon, I reached Coolgardie, a small historic town that felt like a pause button after long days on the road.

I went shopping for supplies for the next three days, then checked into a hotel — not the cheapest option, but exactly what I needed. I had the space to spread out my things, dry my tent and gear, and finally, wash my hair again. It’s funny how something as simple as clean hair can make me feel newly born.

Coolgardie is quiet and filled with traces of its gold rush history. Later, I’ll probably take a walk through town and visit the grocery store again to gather a few more essentials before I head back into the emptier stretches of road. The next section, from here to Southern Cross, will be another long and remote run — three full days with nothing in between. But I’m ready.

Each day, each mile, brings me closer to Perth, yet I still try to focus only on the next step, the next sunrise.

Thank you all so much for being here with me, for reading, supporting, and cheering from near and far. It truly means the world to know you’re alongside me on this journey.

Be well, Andrea