A Magical Morning Along the Nakdong 

Miles Today: 27.45 | Total Miles: 10,150.81

I woke up tired this morning — no surprise after yesterday’s late-night battle with uploading everything I needed. Some global firewall issue kept me working until after midnight. But despite the fatigue, I was excited for my second full day in Korea. The forecast promised slightly warmer temperatures, and that alone felt like a gift. I was out on the road before 8 a.m.

And what a morning it was. Cold, yes — but nothing like yesterday. The air was crisp, clean, and absolutely gorgeous. The moment I stepped onto the bicycle path ahead of me, I felt myself relax into a wonderful mood. It was one of those mornings that makes you slow down, even when you’re supposed to be running 30 miles. I stopped often… to look around, to breathe in the magic, to admire the scenery, to sing, dance, stretch, smile — and of course, to run.

The theme of “crossing rivers” continues here in Korea. Today I ran along the mighty Nakdong River — the longest river in South Korea — and it is truly majestic. The bridges tower above, impressive and bold, and the dedicated bicycle trail is fantastic. Once again, progress was slow because I kept finding moments that demanded to be savored.

The countryside feels quiet, with very few young people around. Instead, I see many elderly Koreans — walking slowly with their walkers, tending fields, working with their hands. So much manual labor still happens here, and watching these scenes unfold as I run by is genuinely beautiful.

There was one steep climb today (of course!), but as always, the views made every step worth it.

A little later, I met three cyclists. I told them about my world run, we took a picture together, and they taught me the gesture they made — a finger heart created by pressing thumb and index finger together. I love it. These tiny moments of connection keep me going.

About six miles from the finish, I rolled past a group having a picnic. They called me over and offered me tea, but I told them I had to keep moving. We took some photos, and I jogged on. Two minutes later… I felt the stroller pulling oddly. Flat front tire.

Perfect.

The sun was shining, the scenery was unreal, and I still had time — so I reinflated it, crossed a bridge, then found a good spot to make the repair. A man pulled up in a car and watched, amazed that I fixed it myself. His happiness was contagious, and suddenly what could have been a stressful moment became a joyful one.

The final stretch to Namji-Ri involved some road-running adrenaline because the sidewalk was under repair — never a dull moment out here.

Once I arrived, it was time for my first real Korean supermarket experience. It felt like wandering through a wonderland of surprises. Today I finally used Google Lens a few times, and what a relief that was.

Then I headed to the motel I’d picked. From the outside, it looked… interesting. Two tall buildings labeled “Theme Motel.” I stood there, staring up, probably with my mouth open, unsure if stepping inside was a good idea. Then a woman — whose name I instantly forgot, unfortunately — came out and invited me in.

Inside? What an experience. Narrow staircases, a tiny elevator, indoor smoking, people asking where I’m from… and a very funky vibe. In my room, I found slippers for different areas, shared toothpaste in the bathroom, and when I turned on the shower, the bathtub drainage flowed straight out onto the floor beneath it. My feet were soaked before I even got into the tub.

The decorations? Let’s just say… memorable. The pillows and towels say “Love Holic Motel.” There are heart-shaped chairs. Lots of colors. Quite the ambiance.

I ate, showered, took care of some work, and now I’m exhausted — but happy.

Thanks for checking in. See you tomorrow. Andrea