In My Own Alignment

Daily miles: 35.49 | Total miles: 14,133.12

I got up before 7am. I was tired, but at the same time excited to run under the Spanish sun. Cold coffee, packing, and just after 8am I was ready to go. Back on the main road, a few jumps for joy, some deep breaths—and a good start. I just felt great. Sunday. Cool air, not much traffic, a beautiful day ahead. Passing a truck parking lot, I thought to myself: I think I’m lucky—they’re probably not allowed to drive today. And yes, that was the case. Great running conditions, a great mindset. Run, smile, enjoy.

All around me, rapeseed fields were in full bloom—intense yellow, just the way I love it and just the way I know it from home. Where I live, they bloom every year as well. A beautiful reminder of the seasons, of what’s to come. I love summer.

At some point, I decided to run through Figueres. After a steady uphill, I turned toward the center and suddenly found myself in front of an incredible building, the name of the town displayed in front of it. People were taking photos, buses arriving, visitors everywhere. Someone offered to take a picture of me—why not. Mira was already there, so we took one together.

As I was about to leave, I asked her what the building was—the Dalí Theatre-Museum. And in that moment, it hit me. Again, one of those moments where I realize there are things I feel I should know—but don’t. Salvador Dalí. Of course. And still, that familiar thought: I should know more about this.

But today, I decided something. I won’t let that feeling take over anymore. Yes, maybe I don’t know. Yes, maybe I feel uncultured in that moment. But why judge myself for it? There is so much knowledge out there—and so much I already carry in my own way. If I want to live aligned with what matters to me, why stress about something that doesn’t really impact my life right now? I did look him up briefly. Surrealism—yes, I understand the rough idea. But truly understand it? Not really. And that’s okay. Sometimes it’s completely fine to admit: I don’t know.

Maybe later in life, I’ll understand the depth and importance of his work. For now, it was simply a beautiful encounter—a reminder that knowledge is always there, waiting, if and when we are ready. I stayed a little longer, took in the atmosphere, ran around some of the building, and then ran on. Figueres is a beautiful town, and soon I found my way back to the main road.

Running felt incredible. The idea of alignment stayed with me, giving me so much to think about. Around mile 20, I passed through a town and realized how thirsty I was—the heat had picked up. Luckily, a supermarket was open. I went in, bought a Gatorade, and while packing my things outside, Sorin approached me, handed me some money, and wished me well. We took a picture. Again, I was reminded of the kindness of people.

Then came a long hill. I was sweating, but it felt good. At the top, I checked where I would sleep—and suddenly, a spot opened up in a hostel that hadn’t been available earlier. I booked it right there on the side of the road and kept going. Fourteen miles to go. Very hot now. Rolling hills ahead. And still, I felt strong.

Around mile 26, my intestines—which had been bothering me a bit earlier—suddenly made themselves very clear. It wasn’t a dull discomfort anymore, but an urgent, very acute need to find a bush. Well… there was only one small road to the right, no traffic, and just as I disappeared behind the bush, a car turned in as well. What are the chances? A little later, another round. This time I was lucky again to find a spot exactly when I needed it. I think every runner has experienced something like that at some point. For a moment, I felt a bit weakened—but hey, Andrea, focus and breathe. Just a small sidenote to keep things honest.

Because of Eric, the world walker from Catalonia, quite a few people recognize me and cheer me on. I really enjoy the energy here—the encouragement along the road.

Arriving at the hostel took a bit of patience—codes, key box, online check-in, finding my bed, getting organized. I kept conversations short but had some nice exchanges. Dinner, a shower, and now I feel settled.

I think I know the plan for tomorrow.

Thanks for checking in, Andrea