Chasing the Volcano: World Run Day 60

Sixty days on the road. It’s incredible how time flies when every day is a new challenge, a new adventure, and another step forward. Today’s run took me from Freire to Villarrica, a journey that started just after 7 AM. Staying right by Ruta 5 made for an easy start—just rolling out onto the street and taking the first exit onto Route 199. A nice road, though at times quite busy with traffic, but there were moments of calm as well.

The morning air was cool and crisp, the kind of air that wakes you up and gives you that extra spark of energy. The road stretched ahead through vast, dry farming fields, a familiar sight these past days. I stayed focused, steering my buggy meticulously along the hard shoulder, making sure every movement was precise. Mile after mile, I found my rhythm, stopping briefly now and then for a sip of water or a bite to eat.

As the sun climbed higher, the late morning warmth set in, and by afternoon, it was properly hot. Running in the heat can be tough, but today, I embraced it. There was something deeply satisfying about the sweat, the effort, and the movement forward. Then, about 10 miles before Villarrica, the sight of Volcán Villarrica—or as it's traditionally known, Ruka Pillañ—came into view, its snow-covered peak standing tall on the horizon. A reminder of the vastness and beauty of this land.

Approaching the town, the traffic thickened, and I could feel the energy shift—the hustle and bustle of a place that sees its fair share of visitors. I caught glimpses of the lake and the volcano as I ran toward my accommodation, but exhaustion and the weight of the buggy kept me from heading all the way down to the shore. Another time, I told myself. Some places are meant to be saved for later.

Once at the hostel, I dove straight into my to-do list. There are never enough hours in the day to get everything done, and the list of tasks seems to grow as fast as I check things off. Villarrica definitely has the feel of a tourist destination, and I wonder if this atmosphere will continue through the rest of my journey in southern Chile.

Another day, another run, another place that leaves its mark on me. Thank you for following along. More miles, more experiences, and more stories to come. See you on the next stretch of the road!