Where the Ocean Puts Everything in Place

Daily Miles: 33.80 | Total Miles: 13,621.86

My alarm rang, and I felt ready—ready for a day along the coast. A salty day. I like it. The usual routine followed: hot coffee, packing, carrying everything downstairs, organizing the buggy in front of the house. And then, off I was—finding the ocean and settling into its rhythm.

It didn’t take long. Less than a mile in, I had to stop. Just stand there. Once again completely enchanted—overwhelmed, captivated—by the beauty of the ocean and its endlessly rolling waves. What a sight. I never get enough of it.

As the sun rose, the light softened everything, and my smile became constant. There’s something about the vastness of the ocean—the way it makes me feel so small, almost insignificant in the greater scheme of the universe. And yet, in that very feeling, I sense my place more clearly. It puts everything into perspective. It frees me. It relaxes me. And maybe most of all, it reminds me how simple life can be, even though we so often make it complicated.

The road followed the coastline for most of the day. There were a few tunnels along the way, and for most of them I put my headtorch on, just to make sure the cars could see me. It’s always a balance—between being fully present in the beauty and staying aware of what’s around me.

Around mile 17, I stopped at a small beach café for a coffee. The atmosphere was relaxed and creative, with so many little details to take in while I recharged my phone and myself. I had met Andrea briefly earlier, but it was only when I left that we spoke a bit longer. He had such a good spirit, perfectly matching the vibe of the place. When he heard about my journey, he looked at me, shook his head slightly, and said, “numero uno… numero uno.” I smiled.

The views stayed with me all day. Around every curve, a new perspective opened up—each one more beautiful than the last. The running felt good: light, steady, flowing. The sun warmed my body, and my mind felt clear and free.

Along the way, I met Paola, who asked me for directions. I couldn’t really help, but we shared a moment anyway. Shortly after, I met two cyclists, Bernd and Manfred from Germany. We talked briefly in the warmth of the day, my body moving, sweating—just the way I like it.

I ran on, passing fields filled with potted plants and flowers, colors stretching out beside the road. And behind every turn, another view opened up, reminding me again and again how beautiful this stretch of the world is.

Arriving in Alassio, I checked into a hotel where Laura at the reception welcomed me. She seemed impressed by the journey and told me she mostly sits and isn’t very sporty. I smiled and told her I might do the same after this run.

Later, I went down to the beachfront, taking it all in. Sitting there quietly, watching the water, feeling the clarity that comes with simply being present. No rush, no noise—just the steady rhythm of the sea.

I know how lucky I am.

Thanks for checking in, Andrea