Finding Flow After the Climb

Daily Miles: 32.15 | Total Miles: 13,588.06

I started the day with a hot coffee, then carried my things down, crossed the road, opened the shop door, and began organizing the buggy. With my rain jacket on in the drizzling, cool morning air, I set off. Before leaving town, I stopped at a bakery to get something for later—just a small moment of preparation for the day ahead.

Running out of town felt easier than yesterday, which gave me a good start. But it didn’t take long before the road turned upward. The climb began and stayed with me for miles—steady rather than steep, the kind that requires patience more than strength. The sun came and went behind the clouds, and during the uphill I could take off my jacket for a while. Still, there was that wind—the kind you feel deep in your body. And yet, strangely, it’s also the kind that makes you feel most alive.

With very little traffic and a smooth, even road, I was able to keep running for most of the climb, which helped a lot. Around mile 19, I reached Sassello, where there were still patches of snow visible. Apparently, it had snowed just a few days ago. On the main piazza, a small market was being taken down, and I met Andrea and Paolo there. I then went into a café to warm up, recharge my phone, and book a room. Inside, I met Leo and Robert, who kindly invited me for a cappuccino. I found a nice room about 13 miles ahead for a good price, which felt like a small win for the day.

Around 1pm, I continued my run, thinking it would now be downhill—but I was wrong. The next four miles climbed again, this time a bit steeper, before finally giving way.

After mile 23, everything changed. The road opened into a long descent, and I found myself flowing down hairpin curves in the best of moods. The air was cold, the wind still present, and there was a light drizzle now and then, but the sun kept breaking through in moments. Running alongside a river, it all came together—it was just beautiful. About four miles before reaching my destination, I met Sven and Moritz, a father and son traveling by bicycle. They were coming the opposite way and stopped for a chat. It always makes me happy to talk to fellow world travelers, and they were on their way home to Hamburg.

Downhill always requires focus, making sure not to trip or lose control, but today it felt smooth and strong. As I came into town, I was still running at a good pace and could merge easily with the traffic. When I arrived at the house, Stefano came out to greet me. The buggy is now downstairs beside the stairs.

I went out to get some food and kept it simple with vegetables, hummus, and eggs. It’s late again, so I’ll head to sleep now.

Thank you for checking in. Andrea