La Dolce Vita on the Run

Daily miles: 39.81 | Total miles: 13,107.01

I woke up—again probably with not quite enough sleep—but in the most wonderfully warm room. I made a cold coffee, even managed a short shower, packed my things, and when I stepped out of my room, I could already smell breakfast in the air.

Federica is an angel.

I slid open the kitchen door and there it was—an arrangement on the table that could only be described as love in the form of breakfast. La dolce vita: food, company, support. What a beautiful way to begin a long day. Bacio a destra, bacio a sinistra. Grazie, mille grazie, Federica.

I knew I couldn’t eat even a third of it. She had to leave, so I said goodbye, took a few bites, and just as I was trying to take it all in, Edi and Fulvio knocked on the door. Mama mia! I quickly found a bag to pack all the delicious leftovers for the road. Then Silvina arrived for a short video and interview. It was all a bit much within the first hour of being awake and trying to gather myself—but it was beautiful to feel such genuine support.

We left around 7:20 a.m., climbing steeply back up to the bicycle route and then running about five miles downhill toward Trieste. What a joy to run with Edi and Fulvio. Fulvio became my personal tour guide, sharing historical and contemporary insights along the way. As we reached the harbor, he explained some of the Austrian history that shaped the city—context that felt especially meaningful to me.

We ran along the waterfront, which in summer is packed with thousands of people. Today it was cool and relatively empty, and I was grateful for that. At Piazza Unità d'Italia—considered the largest sea-facing square in Europe—Silvina waited again for photos and a farewell. Paola, Edi’s wife, joined us a bit later too. How wonderful. We took pictures, including one with the “Mula de Trieste,” the girl of Trieste.

Edi and Fulvio continued with me all the way to Castello di Miramare. We had planned to take a back road out of the park, but construction forced us to retrace our steps. Eventually, it was time to say goodbye, and I continued on alone.

It almost felt strange to run solo again. That’s how quickly we adapt to change.

A few miles later, I checked my route and saw a message from Alessia. She had organized yet another place for me to stay—slightly farther than I had originally planned. But why not? Saving money and going somewhere unexpected often leads to something special. Sometimes meaning is simply what we choose to see in the miles.

It was a long run. The final stretch led me over gravel, grass, mud, and yes—cow manure—but eventually I made it back onto solid road. I passed through a small town where murals covered nearly every building. So cool. And then, finally, I saw the farmhouse Alessia had arranged.

I checked in with Pia, met Spritz the dog, went up to the kitchen, and met Alisa and her husband Alessandro. We had a great chat, and later I met Fabio and Chiara. Once again, I found myself surrounded by warmth and kindness.

It has been a fantastic day.

Mille grazie to all of you who made it so special. I appreciate your support more than you know.

Thanks for checking in.

A domani, Andrea