10,000 Miles of Running

Daily miles: 33.78 | Total miles: 10,000.73

I got up at 5:30 a.m. — the usual routine — except today wasn’t just another day. Today was the day I would break the 10,000-mile mark of my world run. I carried that thought with quiet pride, a smile in my heart (and maybe on my face too).

But when I stepped outside my little box room, the cold hit me hard. My smile may have frozen right then and there. I took a deep breath and reminded myself: it will get warmer eventually. Frosty mornings can be painfully cold — but also breathtakingly beautiful. The frost on the fields shimmered like silver, the air crisp and still. Every direction looked magical, but it was too cold to stop for long. Just look at the photos, and I think you’ll see what I mean.

After about five miles through small towns and peaceful countryside, I faced my first uphill climb of the day — not as steep as yesterday’s, but still a solid push. The view looking back was stunning. The path wound through green, misty tunnels, the air filled with the smell of wet soil, bamboo, and moss. At the top, the Shunan City sign greeted me — a good reminder that I was making progress, even at a slow climb.

On the way down, I met two lovely women. We didn’t share a language, but we shared smiles, laughter, and flowers. When one woman mentioned cosmos, I told her my sister also loves and grows them — and just like that, we found a connection. A beautiful start to the day.

A little later, I met another wonderful woman, Junko (I hope I spelled that right). Again, we talked as if we understood each other perfectly — gestures, smiles, energy. When I waved goodbye and ran on, she surprised me by stopping her car a few minutes later to hand me a bag with two mandarins and some Japanese rice crackers. I couldn’t believe it. My heart was full — that small act of kindness made my day absolutely perfect.

I ran past countless traditional Japanese houses, beautifully tended gardens, and people working in their fields. Eventually, I followed Route 2, passing through Kudamatsu and seeing Shunan to my left. About ten miles before Hofu, the route turned upward again — another wild climb into Japan’s lush green hills. The path was damp, shaded, and filled with life. On the other side, the panorama opened wide — rolling hills, golden light, and an elderly woman tending a small fire in the grass. I stopped for a moment just to take it all in.

By then, my legs were heavy, the miles from recent days catching up with me. I dreamed of a massage — but sometimes dreams have to be enough.

Rejoining Route 2, I ran straight into a massive construction site. Everything was blocked off — but there was no other way through. So, I carefully maneuvered past barriers and workers, who looked more surprised than annoyed. Once through, the view opened again: the sea glimmering in the late afternoon sun, golden light reflecting off the water. It felt like a reward.

Two tunnels later (thankfully with sidewalks this time), I left Route 2 and entered Hofu. My 10,000th mile was spent running through quiet neighborhoods, surrounded by schoolchildren on bicycles and on foot — laughter, chatter, life everywhere around me. What a perfect setting for such a milestone.

I stopped for groceries, then ran the final stretch to my hotel — tired, happy, and deeply grateful.

10,000 miles run.

Unbelievable.

Thank you for being part of this journey. Let’s keep going — together. Andrea