Human Connection and Banana Smoothies

Daily miles: 32.87 | Total miles: 9876.65

I got up at 6:00 a.m. — coffee, shower, packing — and was out the door by 7:30. The morning felt calm and bright, with people already on their way to work and school — cars, bicycles, and walkers filling the streets. I followed Route 2 for most of the day, running toward Fukuyama.

Once again, there were many bridges to cross, lakes to pass, and small commercial towns along the way. In the distance, I saw mountains rising against the blue sky, palm trees, fruit trees and flowers adding color to the day. There were hills, too — enough to make the run feel alive and full of variety.

Just before entering Fukuyama city, I came down a hill and noticed a man sitting on the back steps of a restaurant, wearing a white chef’s outfit and smoking. He lifted his hand to greet me as I ran by. I’d been thinking earlier that I wanted to make more contact with people — so I stopped, turned around, and ran back to him.

I introduced myself, and he told me his name was Takashi. We sat together on the steps, chatting. I explained what I was doing and showed him my route on the map — where I’d run so far. It was such a simple, warm moment of connection. Then he said one word: “Drink.”

He invited me inside. I walked around to the front of the restaurant and entered — and was instantly delighted. It was a beautiful, peaceful place. A woman handed me a menu, all in Japanese, with only a few pictures. Among them were smoothies — and so I chose a banana smoothie. When language fails, pictures save the day!

I sat there quietly, soaking in the atmosphere, watching people eat and drink around me, feeling grateful for this unexpected pause in my day. Before leaving, I thanked them many times — truly touched by their kindness.

Back on the road, I ran through Fukuyama feeling energized. The afternoon sun grew warmer, shadows stretched longer, and the bicycle lanes were smooth and wide — perfect for running, with only a few school kids passing by.

A few miles before my destination, I stopped to buy some food as the sun began to set low on the horizon, making me squint and smile at the golden light. My body felt good — strong, steady, alive.

When I arrived, a man named Katsumori opened the door to a beautiful guesthouse. Inside were cozy dorm-style beds, each with a little privacy divider. At first, I was the only one there, but later two other women arrived — Hannah from Australia and a Japanese woman. It’s a women-only guesthouse — my first one so far.

Now I’m sitting at a wooden table, surrounded by warmth, quiet, and care. Everything here feels peaceful and well made.

That was my day — full of motion, bridges, and lovely moments of human connection. Thanks for checking in. Andrea