Running Through Bavaria and Munich

Daily miles: 27.66 | Total miles: 15,424.07

After a relatively short night of sleep, I got up, had a warm coffee, and packed the buggy. Yesterday, we had agreed that my family would meet me somewhere along the way before driving back home. So I stepped outside with a somewhat heavy heart, but at the same time feeling incredibly lighthearted, full of warmth, gratitude, and love.

The weather forecast promised warmer and drier conditions. Perfect.

Just as I stepped outside, I saw my cousin already waiting for me. For me, he is one of the most considerate and thoughtful people I know. I could feel tears rising—not from sadness, but simply from feeling deeply thankful to have such a wonderful family. We took a picture, shared a hug, exchanged a few words, and then I headed off into the day.

When I woke up this morning, I had decided I would at least try to run again. So I did.

The first miles through the Bavarian countryside felt beautiful. Quiet Sunday morning atmosphere, empty roads, soft light, perfect running conditions. And for the first time in several days, I actually felt good. The pain returned fairly quickly, but I had thought about some moves and stretches that might help along the way. It wasn’t perfect, but definitely better than the past days.

And I treasured the feeling of running again.

The roads led through green landscapes, lined with beautiful trees, long bicycle paths stretching forward endlessly. The sun slowly came out, the sky turned blue, and I felt energized.

I realized again something I always know deep down, but sometimes forget when things get hard: so much of the energy around us starts within ourselves. So today I consciously greeted almost everyone I passed—cyclists, runners, walkers—with a smile, a hand wave, and an energetic “Hallo” or “Servus.”

Some people probably thought I was strange.

But honestly, I would say about 80 percent smiled back, greeted me warmly, or waved enthusiastically. And I truly believe people want that. They want connection. They want to be seen, acknowledged, and included for just a tiny moment in someone else’s world.

At one point, I told a man in passing that I was running around the world. He looked at me, smiled, and said, “Great!”

About ten minutes later, this runner, named Tobias, suddenly came running up from behind me and asked about my journey. He had kept thinking about what I had said and wanted to know more. So we ran together for a few miles while I shared parts of the journey with him. Moments like that give me energy—genuine curiosity and inspiration exchanged between strangers on the road.

The path eventually led me all the way into Munich. Much of it was along Fahrradstraßen—roads where bicycles have priority and cars adapt around them. I really like that about Munich. It feels like a city that allows movement.

My family had sent me a location where we would meet for one final coffee before they drove home. We met in the Westpark in Munich, a beautiful park full of greenery and calm corners. Just as we arrived, it started drizzling lightly, so we found a sheltered spot to sit together for a while longer.

And then eventually it was time to say goodbye.

Thank you, family, for your time, support, warmth, and love. These days together meant so much to me and helped me through a difficult phase physically and mentally.

Afterward, I continued through the western side of the park, listening to Bavarian music while making my way out of Munich toward the hotel I had booked for the night.

At one point, I met a Chilean woman on the street who saw me doing a little breakdance move to loosen up my body and invited me to dance at her dance club. Funny little moments like that somehow fit perfectly into this journey.

Tonight, I simply feel deeply grateful.

Thanks for checking in.

Be well, Andrea