Staying with What Is

Daily miles: 28.2 | Total miles: 14,543.01

Cold coffee, packing, getting ready. I left just as the sun was about to rise.

From the very beginning, I felt heavy. Sad. I notice it especially on days when I don’t feel like engaging with people, when I don’t want to look up or meet someone’s eyes. That was today.

The route from El Burgo de Osma to Vadocondes slowly unfolds in a beautiful transition. Moving west, the landscape shifts from the rugged, high-altitude limestone plains of Soria into the softer, rolling viticultural heart of the Ribera del Duero. Open cereal fields and juniper groves give way to wide stretches of vineyards, layered across ancient river terraces. The Duero River winds its way through it all, framed by hilltop fortresses and quiet villages. There is something striking in this contrast—the raw, almost austere plateau blending into a more cultivated, structured beauty.

At some point, Alejandro stopped while working on road construction safety. He warned me about the road ahead and explained how to continue safely. It made me smile. Compared to many of the roads I’ve been on, this one didn’t feel particularly dangerous, but I truly appreciated his care and attention.

When I finally arrived at the house where I had booked a room, I felt exhausted. My body hurt, and my mind had very little capacity left. I sent a message, and a woman named Conchy opened the door. We didn’t share a common language, but somehow we understood each other. She patiently showed me how everything worked—the doors, the locks, the keys—and then the rooms I could use.

Perfect.

Although I have to admit, I often wish I could skip the whole keys-and-locks part. I love places where everything just flows without them. But that’s another story.

I organized my things, took a shower, and for dinner, I treated myself. I could use the microwave, so I warmed up a plate of quinoa with lentils. Something simple—but it made my heart smile, even if just for a moment. Just like your messages do.

In a way, I sometimes wish I could always share something light, something positive with you. But I’m also incredibly grateful that I’m now able to feel more honestly, to stay with what is there, and to express it as it is.

That might be one of the most important parts of this journey.

Because the run will end one day—but the work on myself will continue.

Thank you for being here with me. It truly means a lot. Andrea