Clarity in the Flow

Daily miles: 33.86 | Total miles: 14,297.75

I really needed that sleep. I was still tired when I got up, but I felt much better than yesterday. I didn’t have coffee right away because they had told me the day before that breakfast was included and would start at 7am. So I packed, carried all my things downstairs, and then had an amazing breakfast—though for quite a while, still no coffee. When I finally had my espresso, with my belly full of carbs, it felt just right.

I still had to carry the buggy downstairs, and a hotel guest helped me with that. I said goodbye to the friendly receptionist and set off. It was a beautiful morning, and I knew I would be running along the parallel road to the highway, passing through small and larger towns, deciding later where and how I would sleep. I just love running in these warm temperatures—it feels perfect.

At mile 13, I stopped to get some cold drinks for the road. It was thirsty weather. Other than that, I kept moving, only stopping a few times to take pictures. Mostly, I was just in a good, present flow. Running felt natural, simple, almost effortless in its rhythm.

At mile 26, I stopped at a café to figure out the plan. A black coffee, one and a half liters of ice-cold water, recharging my phone, booking a hotel about seven miles ahead, calling my mother for a good exchange of thoughts, sitting inside in the cool, using the restroom, checking where to get groceries—it was one of those very systematic pit stops. A moment to reset mentally and prepare for the last stretch in the warm Catalonian afternoon.

When I arrived at the hotel, which also has a restaurant and a bar, Benito started talking to me while I was still catching my breath, wiping the sweat from my face, and reaching for water. I added some vitamins to it, exactly what I needed. While I was drinking, he asked me to take a picture with his dog—I forgot his name—but I received a big kiss. A warm welcome. Thank you, little Schätzi.

I checked in, maneuvered the buggy into the room on the first floor—elevators are always their own little adventure—and then went out to get some groceries. Back in the room, I took a shower and had dinner. At the time, it felt like a really good meal compared to some of the last days. Looking at the picture later, I wasn’t so sure anymore—but that’s the funny thing about perception.

Overall, it was a great day. One of those days where things feel a bit clearer, even if just for a moment, and that clarity shifts how everything else is experienced.

I love running.

Thanks for checking in, Andrea