Doing My Best Is Enough

Daily miles: 23.21 Total miles: 14,715.5

I was incredibly tired and slept very deeply, with vivid dreams. I got up much later than usual, but it felt right. Even so, I still felt tired. Knowing it would be a shorter day helped.

I took a shower to wake up, though I remained in a kind of dreamlike fog. Eventually, I started just before 9am. I think I’m a bit tired of walking, but it’s what I need to do until I feel fully recovered. At least today, I sensed it’s getting better. Still, there’s a kind of inner push and pull. I try to keep it gentle and relaxed, but it’s there. A good practice in patience, kindness, and calm with myself.

It was drizzling in the morning—cool, but never really wet or cold. Perfect conditions for a shorter, steady day.

About halfway through, I realized I wouldn’t pass a supermarket before reaching the hotel, which is about 2 km outside of La Bañeza. I checked again—maybe a gas station or a small shop—but it seemed unlikely. I still had a can of beans, two yogurts, and some almonds, so I kept going.

Then, in La Torre del Valle, I suddenly found myself in what felt like a completely different world. I came across traditional underground structures—bodegas or cuevas. I had never seen anything like it before. Built into the hills, with chimney-like shapes rising from the ground, they looked almost unreal. Some seemed like storage, others almost like they could still be lived in. My imagination ran freely. It was a fascinating moment.

In many of the small towns, I noticed houses with boarded-up doors and windows. It’s hard to tell which are abandoned and which are still in use. There’s a quietness to these places that makes you wonder.

When I reached Valcabado del Páramo, I walked through the town and found what looked like a small shop—but it turned out to be the medical center. Pili was sitting outside. I asked her for water and about a café, and she kindly showed me a fountain with potable water and pointed me in the right direction.

In front of the café, I met Salud. We talked for a while. I went into the café and I asked if there was any store along my way—there wasn’t. So I bought a piece of tortilla de patatas. Óscar, Pili, and their daughter, the oweners, made me feel at home, even if just for a few minutes. I really enjoyed their company.

Back on the road, the sun came out, warm and bright. My stride felt better than in the past few days. It seems like things are moving in the right direction.

When I arrived at the hotel, I checked in and started working. There is always so much to do. But I truly treasure every minute of this journey—sometimes with pain, sometimes feeling overwhelmed, sometimes relaxed and smiling. It’s all part of it.

Yes, I still get nervous from time to time, just like in the beginning. But there is also a sense of peace within me that keeps showing up, despite everything. And that feels beautiful.

I’m very happy to live my life the way I do.

Of course, things could always be done better. I like having high standards and expectations. But what feels more important is knowing that doing your best in any given moment is enough.

And in this moment, that feels like enough.

Thanks for your support, Andrea