The Final Stretch Begins

Daily miles: 35.98 | Total miles: 14,962.34

I got up just after 6am and carried all my things outside the dorm room as quietly as I could. Hot coffee, packing, a small bite to eat. Two others were already awake, so Kito and I took a quick photo together before I left. He also translated the house rules for me as best as he could.

Then I stepped out to the little house where my buggy was parked and rearranged everything again.

It was still dark—foggy, overcast—and rain was forecasted.

The first seven miles followed the same road I had come in on. Then I turned north and west, beginning the final stretch over the hills that will eventually lead me down to A Coruña. The road was quiet, with a good shoulder to run on. I was still tired, but in a good mood—ready to enjoy these last two days here in Spain.

I stopped twice for coffee along the way. I really enjoy Spanish bars and restaurants—good coffee, affordable, and always a great atmosphere to observe.

Around mile 15, René from France, whom I had met two days ago, came up from behind on his bike and stopped as he passed. It’s always nice to see familiar faces on the road, even briefly.

At one point, I passed through a town with big, old fig trees—already full of fruit. I love figs, but it’s still a bit early. Soon.

For much of the day, I found myself absorbed in the landscape—cows, horses, rolling green hills—and at the same time thinking through what still needs to be organized. The running becomes a space for both presence and planning.

About four miles before reaching As Neves, where I had booked a hotel, the drizzle started. It didn’t take long before it turned into a proper downpour. For the last three miles, I was completely soaked. I didn’t even bother putting on a rain jacket.

It’s a strange feeling—rain like that. On one side, it’s uncomfortable, a struggle. On the other, it makes you feel incredibly alive. There’s something freeing about just accepting it.

Just before the hotel, I passed a mural of a runner and had to stop. Within seconds, my phone was completely wet and stopped working. Oh well.

I ran the last few meters and found shelter in the lobby. By then, I was cold and very ready to be inside. A hot shower, dry clothes—it felt like a reset.

Dinner was simple: quinoa and salad.

Tomorrow, I will reach A Coruña—the end of my crossing of continental Europe.

And for those who don’t yet know the plan beyond that: on May 4th, I will fly back to Zagreb, Croatia. From there, I will run toward Austria, through a town in southern Styria where my father is from, then continue into Germany to go around the mountains, and eventually head south into Switzerland to run through Zurich, my hometown.

After that, I’ll decide—depending on miles, timing, and how I feel—whether to run more through France or head up to the United Kingdom.

The finish is set for June 27th (possibly the 28th), in London at St Christopher's Hospice.

Less than two months to go. Exciting times.

Thanks for checking in, Andrea