Community, Dawn Miles, and Open Hearts

Daily miles: 31.62 | Total miles: 10,864.54

I got up at 5 am and was ready to run by 5:50 am. Chayan was already there, and then—one by one—other runners joined us. Pictures, a few little ceremonies, smiles all around, and suddenly we were off together. The Mangalore Runners Club and me, running through the early, dawn-tinted morning hours. That felt really special.

After about 5 km, I was on my own again. The road rolled gently with a few hills, and the heat slowly started to rise. I met people along the way and, as always, I loved what they shared with me—curiosity, encouragement, warmth.

I passed a sugarcane juice stand where a boy I had spoken to earlier invited me to have a drink. I said no at first, but he convinced me to give it a try. At the same time, Chayan and his boss stopped to greet me. Pictures were taken, the juice was delicious, and then I was off again, straight into the heat.

More encounters followed until I reached a coconut stand. A young man said, “Sit and have a coconut.” I replied that I had to go, but he insisted. It was hot, and honestly, I could really use the hydration. So I sat, drank, and felt deeply grateful.

When I arrived at the spot where I was soon to be picked up by Dr Shobha and Sunil from the Manipal Runners, there were so many people interested in my run. I simply sat down on a chair, totally relaxed, and waited. When they arrived, we loaded the buggy and drove to the Manipal Institute of Technology.

At the canteen, I was completely spoiled with good food. We then met the director and his wife, I gave a short interview, and on the way out we even met a runner from the Bangalore Run Addicts. After that, they showed me my room in the university hostel—vacation time, so no students around. Quiet and spacious.

I had about two hours to organize, shower, and catch my breath. Then Dr Shobha picked me up again. We first had a bite to eat with two of her friends, and later went to a party where I met even more warm, friendly people.

It’s 11 pm now. I should rest.

Thanks for checking in, and thank you to the runners in India for your incredible support.

See you tomorrow, Andrea