A Morning Dream Through Venice
Daily miles: 30.14 | Total miles: 13,211.04
After a short night but very good sleep, I woke up feeling ready for the day ahead. Coffee, packing, organizing the buggy, and then it was time to say goodbye to the family. I had stayed in such a wonderful room at @emma.simply.rooms in Mestre. Annapaola had even prepared some food for me to take along — such kindness first thing in the morning.
At 7:15 a.m., Leo arrived. We took a couple of pictures and then we were off. Claudio joined us on his bicycle for a short stretch before turning right while Leo and I continued left. It felt wonderful to simply run, guided by Leo, enjoying the quiet and dreamlike morning.
Our first obstacle appeared sooner than expected: an underpass beneath the train tracks with a long flight of stairs. We unloaded the heavy gear and carried the buggy up together. A small challenge, but part of the adventure.
We then continued toward the Ponte della Libertà, the nearly 4 km bridge that connects the mainland with the historic city of Venice. As we ran along, I looked out over the Venetian Lagoon, shimmering in the early light. Leo smiled and said, “The lagoon can be smelled.” And he was right — the air carried that unmistakable scent of salt water and sea breeze.
After about two miles we reached the famous Venezia Sign. We ran in, turned right, passed the university, and soon arrived at the Ponte dell'Accademia, spanning the beautiful Grand Canal.
Stairs everywhere. With the buggy, not an option. I asked in a nearby café if I could leave it there for a moment. Leo and I then continued running without it toward Piazza San Marco, passing the magnificent St. Mark's Basilica, and continuing until we reached the iconic Bridge of Sighs.
A short stop near the gondola mooring station, a quick look around, taking in the beauty of the quiet morning — and then we turned back the same way we had come.
Back at the café where I had left the buggy, we enjoyed a cappuccino and a croissant before continuing. Leo accompanied me all the way back to Mestre. At the intersection where I turned left and he turned right, we said goodbye. He had run about 16 miles with me.
Great miles. I very much enjoyed his company.
It had been such a beautiful morning — sunshine, blue skies, and already very warm. One of those mornings where everything simply feels right.
The run continued smoothly. I stopped briefly for another coffee to figure out where I might sleep tonight, and then continued along a bicycle route before merging onto the Riviera del Brenta, running parallel to a canal. This scenic road is lined with historic Venetian villas, quiet witnesses of centuries of life along the water.
The warmth of spring was in the air. I could feel it in every step. I had a big smile on my face and simply enjoyed being out there, moving forward.
By the time I reached the hotel in Stra, I knew exactly what I needed — just a little time to relax and recover.
Thank you for checking in. And once again, thank you to everyone who helps me along the way. Your kindness and support mean more than words can say. It is very much appreciated.
Be well, Andrea