A Day of Mindset Shifts and Korean Kindness
Daily miles: 39.17 | Total miles: 10,257.58
My alarm rang much too early. Not enough sleep, not enough energy, and absolutely no desire to get up. But I knew I had a long day ahead of me, and I also knew the ice-cold morning would eventually turn into a beautiful day. So—move. These are the days when the real work begins, when mindset is the only fuel that matters.
I had to organize the buggy outside because of the stairs, and even then I just wished I could crawl back into bed. But I started moving, ran back to the bicycle path, breathed steadily, pulled my gloves on, and tried not to feel the cold too much. A soft steam hovered above the river, and the sky carried a faint red glow. It was beautiful—but I was still tired.
After about two miles, I met my first supporter of the day. I told him what I’m doing and he said, “You are number one.” It made me smile, but moments later my mind jumped ahead to the miles still waiting for me.
Mindset shift.
Can I do it?
For how long?
Two kind women lifted my spirits next. Then the path stretched on endlessly—stunning views, a tired mind, a tired body.
Mindset shift.
Can I do it?
For how long?
I met a wonderful lady with a setup similar to mine—pushing a buggy without a child. Her smile and her energy were exactly what I needed. Still, the tiredness sat heavy.
Mindset shift.
The kindness kept coming. Everyone—truly everyone—I passed offered something: a thumbs up, a wave, a bow, a sound, supportive words. Over and over again. Korea’s heart is everywhere.
Soon the path turned golden under a thick layer of yellow leaves. A man with a motorbike waved me down. His name was John.
“You are a strong woman. I am a strong man!”
I didn’t exactly feel strong, but he made me laugh, and we took a few pictures.
Minutes later he pulled up again, stopped, and said, “Korean style.” I didn’t understand until he handed me money—with the warmest energy. Perfect timing. Exactly when I needed the energy.
Next came Degu, enjoying a picnic by the path. He invited me to join, but I needed to keep going. He handed me two bananas instead—my perfect breakfast for tomorrow, especially since I suspected I wouldn’t pass any shops. Again: perfect timing.
Still the tired thoughts returned, but the frequency of support was so high that it kept pulling me forward.
Then I met Denis from Slovenia, a cyclist living in Korea. He praised my run, and tears filled his eyes as he told me how meaningful he found it. I still had about eight miles to go.
Mindset shift.
Can I do it?
For how long?
Pak and his son cycled with me for a bit, asking questions, full of enthusiasm. A couple of minutes later they waited for me again, and he placed something in my pocket.
“Korean style,” I said.
I am constantly amazed by this country.
As the sun began to set, everything turned gold. Four miles to go.
Mindset shift.
A blue truck pulled over, and the man inside motioned me over. He opened the backseat and handed me drinks and food. It was exactly what I needed, even though he couldn’t have known. The kindness here is astonishing.
With two miles left, I heard someone speaking into a phone on speaker. We started talking. He asked where I’m from. Then he said he could yodel. So I gave him a little Swiss yodel—and he took over and could actually yodel! What an unexpected, joyful finish to a very challenging day.
Dozens of mindset shifts. Dozens of moments where I thought, Just move.
And I made it. Again. Thanks to the love and support of so many strangers.
My motel was tucked behind a row of food stands—three motels, but only one had flashing, colorful lights. I couldn’t find the reception, only a garage. Turns out it’s a drive-in motel. How does that even work?
After a bit of confusion, a man appeared. He thought I had a baby in the buggy. I got garage spot 209. You roll the buggy in, close the blind, then climb steep stairs to the room. He met me again at the top, we negotiated the price, and here I am.
Another interesting place. Warm, a bed, a shower, and lots of shared items if needed. The walls full of expressions, the lighting very… creative. I love it. And I am tired.
Thanks for checking in. Andrea