Out of the Fog and Into the Light

Daily miles 33.07 | Total miles 10,183.88

I got up at 6:30 a.m., made my coffee, packed my things, and by 7:45 I was ready to run. Even inside the hotel garage, while organizing my buggy, I could already feel the cold. The moment I stepped outside, I walked straight into winter: thick fog, frost everywhere, barely any visibility, and that kind of cold that sinks straight into your bones. But I knew patience would pay off — the day had gorgeous potential.

Running out of town, the world was muted and grey, wrapped in fog. Soon I found myself climbing a mountain — at times extremely steep. Breathe. Push the buggy. Move forward. Very simple.

And then something magical happened:

I climbed out of the fog and into the sunshine.

One moment the world was cold and hidden, the next it opened into warmth and clarity. From the top, the view was breathtaking — the fog still lying low like a soft blanket while the mountain tops floated above it like gentle, rolling waves.

Of course, after the climb comes the descent — steep, slippery, slow. I carefully inched my way down without losing control of the buggy.

I then passed small villages, construction sites, massive bridges, and long stretches of elevated bicycle path until I was back along the Nakdong River. Somewhere along the way I met Axel, a young French cyclist on a journey from France all the way to Japan. He warned me about another big climb ahead, so I savored the flat terrain while I could.

The next climb was not through the forest but on a road with traffic, though thankfully with a sidewalk most of the way. Hard work again, but the reward at the top was pure joy: another sweeping view, another moment of “This is why I’m here.”

The descent was steep and winding, so again: slow, careful, focused.

Soon I found myself running along another elevated path, fields stretching out on one side and the endless flow of river water on the other. From above, I watched people working in the fields — sometimes waving, sometimes bowing. The bridges here are immense. I saw another snake today — small, but still funny to spot.

Then I met a wonderful cycling couple from England, Ian and Kirsty. We shared a great conversation, big smiles, wonderful energy. Moments like these stay with me.

But I still had 17 miles to go, and it was already after noon.

Later, I met Daniel and his poodle. He spoke English, which made for a refreshing little exchange. The paths today were unbelievably beautiful — often completely quiet, just me surrounded by scenery that felt almost unreal. Around 2 p.m. the wind picked up. At one point on a bridge, it felt like walking through a wind tunnel — intense but unforgettable.

The water today painted incredible images with the sand and sky. On my final bridge, I saw a heart symbol with the number for a crisis hotline. The message emphasized that every person is precious — that past and future miracles are part of every life. A moving reminder at the perfect moment.

One last small hill, and then I could see Guji and Daegu in the distance. I met three elderly women sitting comfortably on their walkers and one on a little chair — chatting, enjoying their day. I had to stop. I told them what I’m doing, and even with language barriers, I felt understood. Their joy made me happy too.

The final stretch was lit by the sunset behind me. I kept stopping just to look at it. A perfect ending light.

In Guji, I stopped at a convenience store to get food for tonight and tomorrow. Yunji helped me at the cashier, and Sunae came over to ask if I needed a spoon. I explained my run, and she was so impressed. She wished me safe travels and gifted me a chocolate bar — very appropriate for a Swiss runner.

At the hotel I had to negotiate a bit, but I got room 705. And again: the slippers, the shared toothpaste, and the bathtub that drains into the bathroom floor — I had to smile. But I have a heater and a heated mattress, and it is winter after all.

What a day. Starting in icy fog, climbing into sunshine, crossing immense bridges, meeting kind souls, and ending with a warm room on the 7th floor.

Thanks for checking in. Andrea