Three Countries, One Warm Welcome

Daily miles: 27.12 | Total miles: 13,067.2

I got up just after 6 a.m., had a hot coffee, packed my things, and was on the road early. What an incredible day—I have to say that right away.

It was cool and overcast at the start, but the first mile and a half climbed steeply uphill, so the temperature quickly felt perfect. Once warmed up, I already reached the border. Wow—leaving Croatia after several beautiful days running along the coast. It was time to enter Slovenia.

Nothing spectacular at the crossing—an officer checked my passport and waved me through. Just like that, I was running into Slovenia, knowing I would only cross it for about 18 miles (29 km). Even better, I already knew that some people would pick me up at the border and run with me into Trieste.

After entering Slovenia and checking my messages, I saw that Alessia, her father, and a friend were coming to meet me—and that they had even organized a place for me to stay. That felt like pure luxury. What could be better than being welcomed into a country and accompanied for the first miles?

While running through Slovenia, I passed a restaurant and spoke first with a man carrying a ladder, then introduced myself to Damjan, who kindly offered me water. I asked for a coffee, and although the restaurant was technically closed, he welcomed me in and made one for me anyway. Inside, I met his wife, Snezana, and we shared a wonderful conversation at the bar. Moments like these make the journey so rich.

I then continued toward the border to meet my Italian friends a few miles before entering Italy. What a welcome! They guided me off the main road onto an old railway trail that is now a scenic route into Trieste, with beautiful views overlooking the city.

Fulvio, Edi, and Alessia ran with me for the final stretch. Alessia—an ambassador for the ASICS community and an incredibly engaged and inspiring woman—had organized so much along the way. I felt very lucky to share those miles with such great company.

She had organized an Airbnb stay with Federica and Marco at “Le Lavendere,” an incredibly beautiful and stylish room they generously offered for free. On top of that, Alessia arrived with two shopping bags full of food for me—and even arranged for a journalist to interview me.

Alessia, thank you so much. I should hire you as my personal assistant—just joking! But truly, thank you for connecting me with so many runners and for making this arrival so special.

Federica and Marco made sure I felt completely taken care of, and I ended the day feeling deeply grateful.

Mille grazie, Italia, for such a warm welcome.

Thanks for checking in, and see you tomorrow. Andrea