Rolling Hills and Open Doors

Daily miles: 37.35 | Total miles: 15,138.94

When my alarm rang, it was already light outside—but the bed was so comfortable that I allowed myself another ten minutes. Eventually, I got up and stepped into the living room, where Leoni and Evelyn were already awake. Leoni made me a coffee right away—very good service.

Shortly after, Evelyn went out to get fresh Semmel and Kornspitz from the bakery. I felt completely spoiled. And at the same time, it brought back memories. When I was younger, Tante Rosi—Herwig’s grandmother—would always bring us fresh bread in the morning during our visits.

When Evelyn returned, I had breakfast while it was still too early for them to eat. I really enjoyed sitting together, talking, stretching the moment a little longer. I even said I would have loved to stay. Another coffee, some Käsesemmeln prepared for the road—Evelyn packed them for me—and then it was time to say goodbye.

I felt a bit wistful as I walked back to the Bierstüberl, where I started the day’s run.

I made my way through Leibnitz and chose smaller backroads toward Köflach. After about seven miles, Herwig appeared ahead of me—we had one more chance to say goodbye. A small but meaningful moment.

Not long after, while walking up a hill, I saw Gerhard coming down the road with a bright yellow lawn mower. It made me smile immediately. He had seen me earlier in Leibnitz and asked about my run. We took a picture, and as I was about to continue, he told me his daughter had a bakery just a bit further up. He called her and asked her to prepare something for me.

A few minutes later, I knocked on the door, and Anita handed me a bag with snacks and a drink. Inside, Heli and Seppl were curious about my journey, so I shared a bit. They invited me for a coffee, and we had a warm, easy conversation.

Moments like these are everywhere—and they carry me forward.

Still, at some point, I had to move on. I hadn’t yet decided where to stay, so I booked a place. That always brings a bit of clarity—having a destination instead of wondering where the day might end.

I asked a local woman, Martina, if the road ahead was paved. She said yes—and, like so many others, wanted to know more about the run. After a short exchange, I continued.

Just before the first real climb, I met Johanna, a widow who clearly had many stories to tell. I would have loved to sit down longer—but I had to keep going. Thank you for that brief but meaningful moment.

The landscape today was beautiful—Southern Styria at its best. Rolling hills, valleys, wide views. Houses carefully maintained, almost perfectly arranged. Sometimes even a bit too perfect, too structured for my taste—but still impressive in its own way.

I passed butterflies, cats, dogs, ducks, hares, horses—and Lipizzaner horses, which this region is known for. I always enjoy watching them run, full of energy.

About ten miles before my destination, I stopped at a Frühschoppen. I introduced myself, and soon we were in the middle of a lively conversation. Bernhard, Gogo, Toni, two lovely women, and Natalie behind the bar—such a good atmosphere. Thank you all for that moment.

The final stretch was tough—very hilly, long climbs and descents. A little preview of what’s to come tomorrow.

When I arrived in Köflach, I went to a store about half a mile away. At the checkout, I realized I had forgotten my money. Of course. After 37 miles of running, I now had to walk back again. But it made me smile. In German we say, “Wer keinen Kopf hat, hat Füsse.” If you don’t use your head, you use your feet.

So back I went.

Eventually, I had everything in my room. I prepared dinner, ate, and now I’m ready to finish the day with a shower.

A full day. A human day. A good day.

Thanks for checking in, Andrea