Running Through Heat and Hospitality

Daily miles: 40.92 | Total miles: 10,677.94

I got up at 5:40 this morning. Coffee, packing, and then I was on the road. The day already felt like it would be a hot one. I began running, and after only half a mile I stopped for a “good day on the road” coffee. And of course, a nice conversation followed before I headed onto the highway.

Not long after, a car pulled over and three men got out. Mohan, Radesh, and Krishna were waiting for me and took some pictures. It turns out Mohan is the founder of Run Addicts, so we had a lovely chat before I continued.

Throughout the day I passed so many people, and the way they greet me is wonderful. Schoolchildren often love trying a few sentences in English. Motorbike riders slow down to look at the buggy; some stop and ask what I’m doing. The scenery around me was fabulous today—lakes, palm trees, fields—but with the extreme heat, I stayed very focused on the road, the traffic, and the constant stream of people.

Then something unexpected: the same man I met yesterday pulled over again and gave me water and a bottle of Fanta. Another man joined, fascinated by my journey. And about ten miles before my destination, I met two young men and others who worked at a beautiful roadside stand. People stop because they’re curious, friendly, and open. Sometimes I’d rather just keep running, but I’m here to talk to people, so I remind myself to embrace these moments.

When I reached Yadiyur, I tried finding a room—twice—and failed. So I decided to continue a bit further to a place that also had a restaurant. (In India, restaurants are often called “hotels,” and if a sign mentions “rooms,” you know they have accommodations.)

The place is nice—more expensive than anywhere I’ve stayed so far—but comfortable. I wanted to change my front tire but couldn’t, so I asked for help. Then, right in front of my room, I met a man whose daughter and son-in-law ended up helping me. They even took the parts with them and will have everything reassembled. I’m a bit worried about the tire… whether it will fit, whether it will work. Too many questions in my tired mind. I guess I’ll find out tomorrow.

Thanks for checking in.

See you tomorrow, Andrea