From the Hills to the Sea — Perth, I Made It!

Daily miles: 24.49 | Total miles: 9,348.91

My alarm rang at 4 a.m. — too early, so I gave myself another 15 minutes before getting up for this big day: my last day of running in Australia. Coffee, packing, organizing my gear and my thoughts — there’s always so much to think about.

I decided to wear Jesper Olsen’s vest, the one Michael gave me in Melbourne. Jesper finished his world run exactly 20 years ago this year — a fitting tribute. Getting the buggy up the stairs and over the grass wasn’t easy, but eventually, I rolled out into a beautiful morning, full of anticipation and reflection.

The first stretch was along the shoulder of the Great Eastern Highway — until the shoulder disappeared and I found myself running on the road in the early morning traffic. The adrenaline was flowing, my legs moving, and yes… some traffic definitely got backed up because of me. But if you want to run around the world, you can’t expect every mile to be easy or safe.

After a couple of miles, I spotted a sidewalk on the other side and crossed over — just as a police officer on a bike, lights flashing, pulled up beside me. We had a “little chat.” Once he found out what I was doing, all was fine. No drama, no problem — just curiosity. We took a picture together, and I continued on the sidewalk.

At mile 7, Cearon stood on the roadside, cheering, asking about my run, and handed me some money. Thank you! A few miles later, I stopped at a café to soak in the morning. I sat down with Max, and we had a wonderful conversation. Then Jules and Brooke, who worked there, came over to ask about my run. Blue sky, sunshine, great chats — what a way to start my last day in Australia.

I kept running, smiling at everyone who passed, telling them I had come all the way from Brisbane. Some didn’t quite know what to say — but Jenny did, and she smiled back. A few miles later, I met Brett, another runner, and we ran a few miles together. His steady pace reminded me how much a pacemaker can help. Thanks, Brett.

Perth in full spring bloom was stunning — lush green, bright flowers, the air filled with their scent. About six miles before the beach, I developed a cough that felt almost like an allergic reaction. I stopped at a café, bought a cold milk drink to soothe my throat, and after a while, it eased.

About 2.5 miles before City Beach, Alex — another runner — stopped to ask about my journey. We ended up running together all the way to the finish. His calm, grounded energy was the perfect company for my final stretch.

We reached City Beach — the waves crashing, people swimming, the vibrant rhythm of life all around. We sat on a bench facing the ocean, and Alex helped me put words to what I was feeling — gratitude, relief, pride, disbelief. A third continental crossing completed. Immense.

After sitting quietly for a while, I left the buggy by the bench and walked down to the beach to film my reel. Two reels, actually — and as always, it’s easier to plan them than to execute them after 24 miles of running. But that’s the process: imperfect, real, and good enough.

I met Ed, dressed as Superwoman, and we had a cheerful chat — thanks, Ed! Then I wandered to a café, ordered a smoothie, and started working on my socials.

About an hour later, my friends Jan and Ron arrived. How lucky am I? I’ve known them only a short while, yet I knew from the start that I would be in the best hands. And yes — they picked me up, fed me, gave me a home, helped me, spoiled me, and most importantly, made me feel that I belonged. Their kindness and hospitality were overwhelming.

It’s late now. I had a wonderful evening. Thanks for checking in. Andrea