Warmth After the Rain

Daily miles: 29.93 | Total miles: 12,741.16

I woke up after a good night of sleep while another thunderstorm moved through during the night—lightning flashing, and strong winds outside. I felt deeply grateful to be warm inside, wrapped in a cozy blanket, with nothing to worry about except the miles ahead.

Cold coffee, packing, and just after 7 a.m. I was back on the road.

The forecast predicted rain later in the day, and the puddles left behind from the night already hinted at what was coming. I wondered how far I could go before the next wave arrived.

Early on, I crossed a side branch of the Neretva River, its calm surface perfectly mirroring the soft morning sky. For a while I followed the river, then crossed it and moved inland, passing lakes, smaller rivers, and wide stretches of water that reflected the shifting light. The landscape felt rich and alive, layered with movement and stillness at the same time.

About halfway through the day, I returned to the coast. The views were stunning, but the sky grew heavier and darker. It didn’t take long—soon the rain arrived.

Within minutes I was completely drenched and cold.

At mile 20, I had a planned stop at a supermarket to recharge my phone, get a hot coffee, and buy groceries for the evening. There was no shelter for the buggy and stairs led up to the entrance, so I parked it underneath a nearby bus stop. Inside, I asked a kind woman if I could recharge my phone and warm up for a few minutes. Those short 15 minutes made such a difference. It’s always amazing how quickly the body recovers when given just a little warmth.

When I stepped back outside, it was still raining—but the sun had started to break through at the same time. One of those beautiful contradictions that often appear out here.

A few miles later, just before reaching the town where I had booked my stay, I finally stopped for some photos. The coastal views were breathtaking—houses built into steep hills, layers of blue water stretching endlessly outward.

When I arrived, Igor was already waiting outside. I could store the buggy safely in the garage, and then began the familiar routine of carrying everything up the stairs—twice.

On my first trip up, Igor introduced me to his 80-year-old mother, Tiha. From the very first moment, there was warmth, kindness, and connection—kisses, hugs, and a gentle, motherly stroke across my face. She immediately asked if I was hungry or wanted coffee. I smiled and said that after running, I can always eat.

By the time I carried my backpack up on the second trip, she had already prepared everything.

A bowl of spinach pasta with beans covered in foil. Half a loaf of her homemade bread wrapped carefully in a towel. Instant coffee. A glass of sugar. Fresh lemonade. Apples and chocolate waiting on the table.

Pure care. Pure love.

After hours of running through cold rain, there is nothing more comforting than that kind of human warmth.

By then, the weather had completely changed again. Calm. Clear. Beautiful.

I stepped out onto the balcony and stood still. The view opened wide over the coastline, and I felt overwhelmed—in the best possible way. Love. Tranquility. Clarity. Beauty. Peace.

Throughout the day, tears had come and gone while running—quiet moments of gratitude that appeared without explanation.

I showered, ate the delicious food, and as always, finished my work for the day with a full heart.

Thanks for checking in. Be well, Andrea