A Cold, Golden Start to the Year

Daily miles: 26.26 | Total miles: 11,295.37

I used the snooze button far too often this morning, and when I finally looked at the time, it was already 7am. Oh well — Happy New Year. I checked the ceiling window to see if it had snowed overnight, since it lightly snowed before midnight. I was still awake when the fireworks started, but I fell asleep soon after.

In the morning, I could feel how cold it was outside. I got ready for my first cold run of the year. When I stepped out around 8am, it was already light, about minus one degree Celsius, not many people on the streets. Blue sky, and the sun painted the morning in golden tones.

I walked out of the parking lot and through town on cobblestone sidewalks. Just a few meters in, while trying to loosen up my legs and warm up a bit, a dog started barking very loudly and followed me. Not overly aggressive, but it felt like I was being chased out of town — especially when a second dog joined and they followed me all the way to the edge. I think the whole town woke up to that barking.

Still, walking through the old town was beautiful, and I enjoyed this New Year’s morning in a Greek town — ice-cold, sunny, and quiet. I felt alive.

Once I reached the edge of town and left those dogs behind, I thought I could finally start running. But then other dogs appeared near abandoned buildings, loud and territorial. Rock in hand, I stayed alert and prepared. When I finally settled into running, the icy air hit my lungs, and I was reminded once again how extraordinary this journey is.

At mile 8, my sister drove by and we shared a coffee. Then I ran on for another 10 miles until we met again. There isn’t much happening on the road at the moment — no people to talk to, no cars stopping — just me, the road, and the many small roadside churches lining the way.

When I stopped the second time at the van, we had a really nice conversation. I felt cozy and warm and honestly would have loved to just sit there and talk longer. But I had to keep going. The wind picked up, it was cold, so I put my hood up to soften the noise and settled into the rhythm again. This journey is here to be savored, I reminded myself — even when circumstances are uncomfortable. Still, I would have liked to just sit with my sister and talk a bit more.

It was a shorter day. After 26 and some miles, we arrived at the camping ground by the beach we had planned for the night. Electricity meant all devices could be charged, and there was a shower — though the shower was outdoors, with cold air and, as it turned out, cold water too. Funny, right? The beautiful view more than made up for it.

We had a great dinner: broccoli, pasta, and salad. A wonderful, sunny first day of the year.

Thanks for checking in, Andrea