Just One of Those Days

Daily Miles: 31.89 | Total Miles: 13,555.91

I got up at 6 a.m. and felt tired. I had to make decisions, and it felt difficult. I often think that one of the hardest parts of this journey is making all these decisions. There are days when I feel a sense of ambiguity, and that’s usually when I’ve had little sleep and lack clarity.

I had a coffee, packed my things, and kept going back and forth in my mind—where to go, which place to book, which route to take. I did make decisions, but not in the way I normally do or the way I like to. So I started late. Then I had a difficult time getting out of town. A road I was supposed to take was closed. I ended up on gravel. One thing after another.

But you know what—it’s all about perception. And even though I deeply appreciate being out here on this once-in-a-lifetime journey, days like this happen.

I couldn’t really get into running, so I walked most of the first 10 miles.

At some point in the morning, I passed a house where a man was working in the garden. He probably doesn’t see many people pass by, so he came out and called after me. Paolo was very happy to see me. He didn’t fully understand what I was doing, but he clearly loved the idea of it. His support made me smile.

I continued on, still walking.

Around mile 13, I stopped for a coffee and to recharge my phone. Sitting at the bar and simply observing what was going on around me helped shift my mindset. When I stepped back outside, I felt ready to run a little, and yes—more or less that worked.

Most of the day I passed through very small towns and spent long stretches on quiet roads all by myself.

At one point, a white van appeared out of nowhere and stopped beside me. Andrea, the driver, and Janni, sitting next to him, were excited to see me. Janni read what was written on my shirt and had such a genuine, warm smile that it immediately made me smile too. Then he pulled out his wallet and gave me 10 euros, saying I should go for a coffee.

Moments like this always touch me deeply. I can’t fully explain why, but it makes me wonder what makes a person so naturally generous. Janni didn’t seem to have much, and maybe that’s exactly what made it even more meaningful.

Later on, even a garbage truck driver kept showing his support with a big thumbs up. Every time we crossed paths, he gestured again and made me smile.

The afternoon turned warm, and the last miles felt difficult again. But step by step, I kept moving forward.

After 4 p.m., I reached a supermarket, bought some groceries, and then walked to the apartment in Acqui Terme that I had booked earlier that morning. Since I had specifically asked for a place for the buggy, the host arranged for me to park it overnight in his shop across the street.

When I arrived, I called him, and he sent Mohamed, a neighbor, to help me figure everything out with the keys and the shop door. I then carried all my things upstairs. Mamma mia—third floor. Mohamed offered to help, but I told him I had to do it myself.

Now I’ve eaten something, and I’ll take a shower soon.

Let’s see what tomorrow brings. Maybe it will feel easier to just go, go, go again. No pressure, no worries—just seeing what the day will be like.

Good night, and thanks for checking in.

Be well, Andrea