Fields, Rivers, and Small Acts of Kindness

Daily miles: 26.01 | Total miles: 9631.29

I got up at 5:50 am — the usual routine. Breakfast was in the lobby by 6:30. It still amazes me how different the meals here are from what I’m used to. I had croissants, a coffee, and that was it.

By just after 7 am, I was out the door, running across the park with the Mirai Tower in sight, enjoying the cool, beautiful morning. After seeing the city from above yesterday, it was hard to imagine I’d leave the dense city so quickly — but after about six miles, the scenery began to open up. Fields appeared, gardens stretched out, and houses became fewer.

Running out of Nagoya wasn’t simple, though. There were plenty of stoplights, detours, and stretches of heavy morning traffic where I had to find a safe route for me and the buggy. Still, it was a glorious morning — filled with the lingering joy of yesterday’s moments.

I noticed so many fruit trees along the way: persimmons (kaki), oranges, figs — and today, for the very first time, I saw a pomegranate tree! That made me stop for a moment.

Around mile 12, two cars pulled over by a field, and five women jumped out, ready for a day of work. One of them greeted me, and soon we were all smiling and laughing. They pointed to my arm, gesturing how strong I must be. I laughed and pointed right back — you’re the strong ones, working in the fields. I said, “Women power!” and they all cheered. It was such an honest, joyful moment — one of those small encounters that fills my heart with joy.

I passed rivers, gardens, and a greenhouse full of Christmas cacti. I love those plants — I used to have so many. They’re so easy to propagate, and I always find it mind-blowing how they bloom perfectly for Christmas and Easter. How do they know?

Crossing the grand Kiso River, I met Wakita, a cyclist. We had a short chat, and before he rode off, he handed me a small piece of Japanese chocolate for the road — another simple, kind gesture that meant a lot.

The rest of the run followed the Nagara River before I made my way into Ogaki. I stopped for some shopping, then checked into my hotel. The first room was too small for the buggy, so I went back to the front desk to ask if they had one just a bit wider — and they did. Perfect. I have to climb a bit to reach the toilet, but that’s alright.

Good weather, a beautiful run, and a day of small, human moments. Dinner soon — and rest.

See you tomorrow, Andrea