Goodbyes and Good Vibrations

Daily Miles: 28.77 | Total Miles: 13,524.02

I slept really well and got up shortly after 6 a.m. Yesterday we had decided that we would have breakfast together in the hotel and that I would start my run a bit later. Of course—why rush when we could spend a little more time together?

We went down in the elevator, all still a bit tired but happy to share those last moments before parting again. I joked that it would really help to have a heart pacemaker at moments like this. I always get nervous when people leave again after I’ve just gotten used to having them around. My stomach felt completely twisted, and for a brief moment I almost wished they hadn’t come so we wouldn’t have to go through the goodbye again. But of course that wasn’t really true. I had enjoyed every single minute we spent together.

After breakfast we packed and stepped outside the hotel. Here we go—the moment had come. Time to say goodbye again. My stomach felt nervous and excited all at once. A few words, a few more, and we all knew we would be alright and stay in touch. So all good. Bye. And off I went.

They passed me once more in the car and stopped again, but this time I just ran by. We joked, waved, and then they took a different turn.

It was still cool when I started running, but the weather looked promising. After about 10 miles I stopped because Jakobo and Sara were cheering me on from the other side of the road. I asked them how they knew about me. They laughed and said they had passed me earlier and read it on my shirt. They were so enthusiastic and supportive. I love when people can be so giving unconditionally—just because. Great vibes.

I needed to use the bathroom, so I walked into the café right beside where I had met them. A group of friends sat around a table and seemed curious about my run. I ordered a coffee and a croissant, which they ended up paying for. We had a great conversation. I mostly talked with Carlo, who told me a little about himself. What I loved most was hearing him speak about his belief in giving and receiving good vibrations. You could really feel it. The whole group was very generous. They offered me food—mostly fish and meat—but Carlo explained to them that I’m vegetarian.

It was a short but very positive moment. Very enjoyable, very uplifting, and very motivating for the miles ahead.

I waved goodbye and continued down the road. My legs and mind felt a bit tired, but the sun began to warm my body. Running isn’t always easy, but moving forward is always possible. It’s amazing how it can be done in so many different headspaces.

At one point I crossed the Po River again on a massive bridge. There was a pedestrian sidewalk, and hundreds of spiderwebs stretched from the railing to the inner structure. I ran straight through them. The brown water flowed below, and I thought about how when I was younger I probably would have been afraid to do that. But really, they’re just thin little threads—sticky perhaps—but harmless. The sun was shining warmly, and I felt great.

Another 12 miles to go. Step by step, forward.

Eventually I made it to Tortona, where I had already booked a room downtown in the historic center. Cobblestones, very narrow alleys, tall doors, tall windows, high ceilings, old brick walls—it’s a beautiful place.

I wanted to cook dinner, but then I realized I couldn’t light the gas stove. No lighter, no matches. I had to laugh and immediately thought about my time as a smoker. Back then a lighter was always part of survival equipment.

So I went outside and asked people if they had a lighter. I hadn’t done that for a long time. Eventually I found a friendly smoker who carried multiple lighters and happily gave me one for free. That made me smile.

Back in the apartment I cooked some eggs and made a salad with burrata mozzarella, eggs, and nuts. Perfect.

Now I’m tired, and it’s time to sleep.

See you tomorrow, Andrea