Closing the Year on the Move

Daily miles: 29.05 | Total miles: 11,269.11

I got up just after 6am. Cold coffee, packing, the usual rhythm. I left the van just after 7am — and came straight back in again when I realized I needed different shoes. The ones I had put on were causing some pain on the outside of my left ankle. A small but important adjustment. Then I stepped out again.

It was cold, but not too bad. I started running out of town, and during the first three miles, many dogs came running after me. Almost every house seems to have two or three dogs in front, and when they see or hear a runner, they rush onto the road barking wildly. I used my usual techniques: staying as calm as possible, facing them without staring into their eyes, holding a rock in my hand, extending my arms, and whistling to keep them back.

After three miles, I turned onto the road that would take me all the way to Xanthi — about 25 miles. The road was relatively narrow, so I had to stay focused on running at the outer edge without tripping. I ran through beautiful mountains and crossed a stunning river. It stayed cold, and around mile six a wind picked up, so I put my hood up.

At mile 11, my sister appeared. A short break and some chatting before I headed out again for the next nine miles to meet her for a coffee. The sun came out and started to warm things up, and I could finally take off my jacket. I fully enjoyed running these last miles of the year and found myself thinking about the next six months of this journey.

At mile 20, I stopped for a coffee with my sister — hot coffee and hot milk, Indian-style — then ran on. Nothing particularly spectacular along the way, except for the many small roadside shrines: Proskynitaria (προσκυνητάρια) or Ekklisakia (εκκλησάκια), “little churches,” which are such a meaningful part of Greek Orthodox culture and line the roads here.

When I arrived at the parking lot where we’re camping tonight, my sister greeted me with a protein shake, some crackers, and pineapple. Life is good with help. Thank you.

I showered, then we went out to find something to eat. Ice-cold temperatures, a Christmas market in town, loud music in places, lots of cars — New Year’s celebrations in the air. We ended up at a small place where I could recharge my devices, had a small calzone pizza, and crêpes for dessert. Back “home” in the van, we made a coffee, and that was it.

Happy New Year, everyone. May you all have a wonderful 2026. Thank you for your support. Let’s savor the third and final part of this journey.

All the best, Andrea