World Run Day 510 — A Nice Surprise

Daily miles: 28.33 | Total miles: 15,332.42

I got up, had a cold coffee, packed my things, and headed back out onto the road. Rain from the very beginning. Not too heavy, but steady enough, and the temperature felt cool without being truly cold. That helped.

I made my way down to the river and was able to follow the path all the way toward Salzburg. The rain accompanied me for most of the morning, and I’m still moving slower than usual. I need patience right now—patience with the pace, patience with the body, patience with the healing. I know from experience that things eventually improve again, but when you’re inside the process, you still need to trust it day by day.

After about ten miles, I walked through Salzburg, still following the Salzach River. Even in the rain, the city had something special about it. I passed Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Geburtshaus, with crowds of people taking photos outside. I decided not to stop for one myself. Somehow it felt enough just to pass by and absorb the atmosphere. I found a café nearby instead, had a coffee, dried my things a little, recharged the phone, and enjoyed a quiet break while the rain tapped against the windows.

When I stepped back outside, the rain had stopped for a while. I continued along the river before eventually crossing toward the Saalach, which partly forms the border between Austria and Germany. Then suddenly, I stepped into Germany—no signs, no drama, no barriers. Just one bridge and a seamless transition from one country into another. I like that very much.

Later, I met my sister at an ice cream café. We both had a coffee together before I headed back out into pouring rain once again. A few miles later, she walked down a hill toward me, and just as I thought she would return to the car, my family suddenly appeared behind the corner—Andy, Pia, and my mother.

I wasn’t feeling great physically today, and part of me wished I had more energy and excitement in me for that moment. But even so, seeing them brought comfort. Hugs, smiles, short conversations, and then plans for where we would meet again later. Sometimes support doesn’t need big words. Just knowing people are there means a lot.

When we met again later in the afternoon, Pia asked if she could walk with me for a while. Of course. We ended up walking together for about six miles toward the hotel where we would all stay. I really enjoyed her company. Easy conversations and the miles passed quickly.

As we approached the hotel, Andy came out onto the road and walked the last part with us. Small moments like that stay with me.

After some work, we all went for dinner at one of those great Bavarian restaurants—warm lights, wooden interior, simple food, and an easy family atmosphere. One of those evenings that doesn’t need anything spectacular to feel beautiful.

Back at the hotel, we noticed the sun setting just in time and stepped outside for a few final views before heading to our rooms. Then a cat appeared—let’s call her “Nice One.” She jumped straight onto my back and made herself completely comfortable there. Honestly, I appreciated the warmth. Part of me thought maybe I should just take her along for the final stretch of the world run.

But I think “Nice One” already has a very good life where she is, so I left her behind.

Now a bit more work, and hopefully sleep soon.

Thanks for checking in, Andrea