Letting the Day Be What It Is

Daily miles: 34.99 | Total miles: 11,240.06

I got up, had coffee, put on my new shirt, and was off just after 7am. It was already brighter than expected because of the time zone change yesterday — something I had completely forgotten about. It also wasn’t as cold, which felt like a small gift.

I started running out of Alexandroupoli, my head a bit foggy. I trusted it would clear, as it often does. Soon I could take off my jacket, and the path began to climb. Olive trees, green hills, and wide open views surrounded me — beautiful, calm, grounding. Meanwhile, my sister washed some of our clothes this morning. Thank you. These quiet acts of care matter more than words.

When she showed up around mile 13, I felt tired. Not injured, not unwell — just not really up for running. And today, I allowed that feeling to exist. It’s still all mindset, yes, but I didn’t try to force myself into a different emotional state. I acknowledged it and kept moving.

The sky looked dark in the afternoon, heavy like rain might come, but it never did. I just kept going. Forward is still forward.

There were a lot of dogs along the way. Honestly, it feels a bit like a plague here. Many live out in the fields on their own, some of them very big. When I pass, they come running toward me. I had my rock in my hand many times today. I’m always relieved when dogs are behind fences or on leashes while barking wildly — but that isn’t always the case. Some follow me for a stretch, others wait on the road ahead and grow more aggressive the closer I come. It requires constant awareness and energy.

Despite that, I enjoyed the time to reflect on this year. I liked passing through the small villages — apart from the dogs — and letting thoughts come and go without pushing them away.

When I arrived in Komotini, it was already dark and getting cold. I found the van, had a snack, then a great dinner. Now I’m deeply tired and ready to sleep.

Thanks for checking in. Andrea