Just Doing the Work

Daily miles: 30.01 | Total miles: 11,448.96

I got up after not enough sleep. Still, the routine helped—getting ready, packing up, and leaving the van just after 7am. The morning atmosphere was gentle and calm as I ran through Chalkidona. Many cafés were already open, and the smell of freshly brewed coffee drifted through the streets. In most places I pass through, the Christmas and New Year decorations are still up, quietly lingering.

The road led me past many run-down or abandoned houses. I expected a lot of dogs in that area, but it wasn’t too bad. The sunrise was beautiful, and it warmed up faster than I expected—only to cool down again not long after. I kept running and met my sister at mile 11. That’s when it started to drizzle, so I put on my rain jacket.

Shortly after, I missed a turn and ran down the wrong road for a while before realizing my mistake and correcting my course. Once I was back on track, I tried to settle into the run, but it was just hard. One of those days where everything feels heavy and all I really wanted was to get it done.

The village where we parked for the night feels very old, small, and sleepy. In the evening, I watched an Orthodox priest going from door to door, unsure exactly of the ritual but sensing its quiet significance. Once again, I was grateful to have my sister with me. After the run, we simply sat together—fresh fruit, a protein shake, laughter. Then a shower and a simple, nourishing dinner: potatoes, cucumber and carrot salad, olives, a hard-boiled egg, tzatziki, Kiri, and tea and coffee. Very nice.

Some days are just about doing the work. Today was one of them. I didn’t take many pictures, so instead I’ll share four older photos with quotes that a friend, Donna, from Okolona sent me. I love them, and they feel like the right place to say thank you again to everyone who shows me love and support—through words, gestures, and presence. It means more than I can say.

Be well, Andrea