Into the Heart of Tamil Nadu

Daily miles: 32.66 | Total miles: 10,490.09

I got up at 5:30am — coffee, packing, getting serious. During the night I woke up a couple of times because of thunder and the sound of pouring rain. Well, we said we would start no matter the weather. At 6:30am we met in front of our rooms — a bit nervous, but eager to begin. We packed the buggy outside the hotel. Two staff members kindly helped and then sent us off with warm wishes.

It was drizzling and already warm. Those first steps — as they are in every new country — were slightly intimidating: running after a break, running with someone, running in India. But soon we settled into a good pace for me — pushing the buggy, navigating, observing, absorbing.

After a couple of miles, the drizzle turned into a full downpour. But it felt amazing. I felt fully alive — happy about the run, grateful for my company, and deeply thankful to be in India. Completely soaked and completely content, I looked around at the lush countryside: tropical, wet, intensely colourful.

We paused when we saw a group of boys doing sports training along the service road. They gathered around us for a photo — the exchange was brief but beautiful.

Eventually the rain eased, and we ran in dry (yet humid) conditions for most of the day, until a light drizzle returned toward the end. We stopped here and there for coffee, bananas, cookies, and water. Several people slowed down on motorbikes wanting to peek into my buggy; others started conversations; others asked for pictures.

We saw many cows, goats, and countless stray dogs. But as everywhere — observe their behavior and adjust; they all somehow find their place in the flow of life.

I must have said Vanakkam a hundred times today — greeting people with the local hello — and each time it was received with warm smiles. The traffic through some towns was dense and intense, but running still felt quite safe. Jay ran behind me, creating space and a buffer.

There was so much to take in today — visually and audibly. The honking isn’t aggression — it’s communication, a rhythm, a system of movement. The diversity of life here is immense.

When we reached the town where we hoped to stay, Jay asked around and we ran one more mile to reach a place that doubled as a restaurant with rooms above. We had a snack downstairs after the run, then checked into our rooms — simple, clean, and perfect.

In the evening Jay and I met again for dinner — the food again absolutely delicious. I really love the cuisine here.

I am now extremely tired — but happy.

Thanks for checking in. Andrea