Wind, Borders, and Persistence

Daily miles: 31.13 | Total miles: 12,711.23

I woke up warm after a good night of sleep—always a small gift on the road. After coffee, packing, and a few quiet morning moments, I stepped outside just after 7:00 a.m. The forecast had warned about strong winds and possible afternoon rain. The sky was overcast and the air already carried a restless movement as I ran out of the village and back onto the main road.

The coastal road opened quickly into beautiful views, especially as the route climbed and climbed. The sun tried to push through, painting soft light into layers of cloud that made the landscape feel dramatic and alive. Days like this remind me how much the sky shapes the rhythm of a run.

Further ahead, I saw in the distance the newly built bridge that allows cars to remain on the main coastal route without passing through Bosnia and Herzegovina. However, pedestrians are not allowed to cross it, which meant I had two border crossings ahead of me.

At mile 13, I crossed from Croatia into Bosnia and Herzegovina and stopped for a coffee. These short pauses often feel symbolic—small resets between landscapes, cultures, and languages. After a few more miles, I crossed back into Croatia again.

At this second crossing, for the first time on this journey, the officer asked to check all of my belongings. It turned into an unexpected moment to reorganize and rediscover the small world I carry with me every day. Everything has its place, and every item has earned its spot.

The final stretch followed a section of road under construction and was mostly downhill—always welcome after a long day of climbing. By the time I reached Opuzen, fatigue had settled deeply into my body.

I went grocery shopping and then called the person from whom I had rented a room. That’s when the evening took an unexpected turn. Three times I booked a room, and three times it didn’t work out. Each call required new energy I barely had left. On the fourth attempt, I called a place directly—and finally, yes, I had a room.

Sometimes the hardest miles come after the running is done.

Tonight I am very tired, but grateful once again that things worked out in the end.

Thanks for checking in, Andrea