Cold and Fully Alive

Daily Miles: 26.03 | Total Miles: 13,715.80

I slept okay—some coughing, a runny nose, and a slightly heavy head. My alarm rang at 6 a.m. I dressed quietly in the room, packed my things, and went downstairs to organize the buggy. It had rained during the night, and it was still drizzling.

While packing, I met George from LA. We talked for a bit while I got ready. I had a hot coffee before leaving, then stepped out into the cold. I started without my jacket, but after just a few steps, I knew better and put it on.

A few steps further, I passed a boulangerie. Of course, I had to stop for a Sunday morning croissant. It wasn’t the best, but it was enough. Then I was ready to run.

I made my way toward the ocean and reached it quickly. The promenade was already alive—cyclists, runners, and walkers moving in both directions along wide, divided lanes. From the start, it rained. First lightly, then steadily. Puddles formed everywhere, impossible to avoid, and within a short time my feet were completely soaked.

While moving, I wasn’t cold, but I could feel my body working. And I like that—feeling my body being pushed. It gives me a sense of what’s possible. I truly believe there is far more potential in all of us than we realize. This journey, this experiment of the World Run, allows me to experience that firsthand—not by going beyond my limits in big leaps, but by gently pushing them, step by step, a little further each day.

Somewhere along the way, I passed through Antibes and stopped for a coffee. It was a nice café where I could recharge my phone and find shelter for a while. I hung up my jacket, hoping it would dry a little. Sitting there with a hot coffee, slightly shivering, sneezing, but at the same time feeling deeply alive—it’s a strange but beautiful contrast.

The longer I’m on this journey, the clearer it becomes that it was inevitable. That I would end up doing something like this. It feels like a natural continuation of how I’ve lived my life so far. The idea of “Dream Big Too” has always been about being true to yourself—but how is that done? I believe it starts with knowing yourself. Only then can you begin to imagine your own path—and create it.

After the break, I climbed a hill before returning to the ocean path that led me toward Cannes. The rain softened again, and I focused on moving forward, hoping to reach my place early.

But once I was back by the water, I realized there were no food options nearby. So I had to turn around and run back a bit. There, Emil had a small store where I bought some essentials. Muhamed was standing outside, and we talked for a while. He was curious about my journey, and I was simply happy to connect—even though I was starting to feel very cold.

With food secured, I headed back to the coast. About another hour of running before turning inland toward my accommodation. By the time I arrived in Mandelieu-la-Napoule, I felt exhausted.

But the place was perfect—simple, affordable, and exactly what I needed.

The bathtub was the first thing I noticed. I filled it immediately with hot water. I made some tea, laid out all my wet clothes to dry, and recharged everything for tomorrow. Dinner was simple: risotto with beans.

Now I’m here, finishing this, still with a runny nose and a scratchy throat.

Thanks for checking in, Andrea