Grateful Miles to Parma

Daily Miles: 33.82 | Total Miles: 13,373.77

My alarm rang at 6 a.m., and I pressed the snooze button once. At 6:10 I got up—and just at that moment Julia appeared around the corner, already asking if I would like coffee or tea. A wonderful Italian coffee soon appeared, and Julia began preparing pancakes. She had made the batter the night before using her own mother yeast.

Sometimes it is difficult for me to fully grasp how much people do for me on this journey. All I can really say is that I appreciate it deeply. Being cared for in such thoughtful ways is something very special. Yes, when I think about it—and even while writing these words—it brings tears to my eyes.

Thank you, Julia, for such a kind and delicious breakfast this morning. What an incredible way to start the day. Grazie.

Before I left, Julia went down to the basement to bring up my laundry that she had dried there overnight. So I didn’t just begin the day with a wonderful breakfast in my stomach—I also started the run with freshly washed clothes. On a journey like this, that is a big deal.

Julia accompanied me outside to send me off, and I felt deeply inspired by having had the chance to meet Julia and Pierro and hear a little about their fascinating lives.

I left Modena on a bicycle path and soon found myself on small, relatively quiet side roads. It was cool and overcast—perfect running weather. I greeted people, waved, smiled, just the way I like it.

I didn’t stop much today, so there were not many pictures, but the running was steady and strong.

Just before reaching Reggio Emilia, I passed a small shop displaying fruits and vegetables beautifully outside. I noticed large Kanzi apples, and suddenly I had the strongest desire to eat one. It’s not often that I crave an apple while running, but that one looked so delicious that I simply had to stop, buy it, and eat it right away.

It was a big apple—and absolutely perfect.

I ran through Reggio Emilia and looked for a café where I could recharge my phone while enjoying a cappuccino. Eventually I found one and added a chocolate pastry to the coffee. A small but very welcome break.

About twenty miles were still ahead.

The day had become a little warmer, but much of the route offered a very accessible bicycle path, which made for comfortable running. And I think I was simply in a very good mindset. Being around passionate running coaches like Julia and Pierro can definitely kindle a spark.

After leaving Reggio Emilia, I stopped only once more to take a picture when I saw a shop with fruits and vegetables stacked in an impressively high and steep display. Quite something to see.

When I run, I try to greet everyone I meet. These days I often tell people that I am doing a “giro del mondo.” It sounds beautiful to my ears—and people seem to enjoy hearing it as well. Good vibes all around.

A few miles before Parma, a light drizzle began to fall. It felt perfect. As I entered the historic center of Parma, the rain grew a little stronger and my phone navigation started acting strangely, so I didn’t take many pictures—but imagine the immense pleasure I felt after such a good run, arriving in a historic place of such beauty. The feeling was almost impossible to express.

What I do feel—consistently and deeply—is gratitude for people like Elisa, Alessia, Julia, and many others who help make this time in Bella Italia so special for me.

I take none of this for granted.

Experiencing such kindness and support makes me immensely happy. After all, there may be nothing better in life than sharing, caring, loving, and simply being.

When I arrived at the Airbnb, I sent Elisa a message. She was already on her way. While I parked the buggy, found the apartment, and unlocked the door, she arrived with warm greetings and baci. She even helped me carry my backpack upstairs.

Elisa is a CrossFit trainer, a physiotherapist, and surely many other things as well. What a privilege to meet her.

She showed me the apartment, and once again I felt overwhelmed by such generosity. Elisa had even bought groceries for me and stopped by before going to work.

Elisa, you are absolutely incredible. Thank you for your kindness and generosity in letting me stay here. Grazie. Mille grazie.

After she left, I had a coffee and later a tea. Eventually I cooked some gnocchi with pesto and ate a salad.

Yes, I am completely spoiled—and I am very aware of it.

Thank you, Bella Italia.

Tonight I will fall asleep deeply grateful and look forward to tomorrow’s run.

Be well, Andrea