35 Miles of Mist, Rivers & Strawberries

I woke up in a cold room this morning, bundled up in my blankets before finally getting ready for the day. Stepping outside, I was greeted by a misty, almost mystical atmosphere as the road led me down to the Río Bueno. From there, I climbed back up into a foggy, tree-lined path, the lush greenery surrounding me in a soft, damp glow. It was the kind of morning that makes you feel like you're running through a dream.

Just a few miles in, a car suddenly pulled over. A man jumped out, camera in hand, enthusiastically filming and firing off questions. His excitement was contagious! He was so happy to interview me and offer his help, and before he left, he handed me a big box of freshly picked strawberries—enough to last me the entire day. What a gift! Moments like these remind me how much kindness and generosity exist on the road.

As I ran, I crossed many rivers, their deep valleys carving through the landscape. Thankfully, all of them had bridges—so I didn’t have to run down and back up the steep valleys! The scenery was breathtaking, with vibrant green hills and bushes lining the road. My fuel for the day consisted of cookies, sweet strawberries, juicy melon, and plenty of water to stay hydrated. Around noon, the sun finally broke through, warming the air and making the run feel lighter.

Unlike yesterday, my legs weren’t feeling as fresh, and for much of the run, I had to push through some sluggishness. But then, in the last five miles, something switched—I got my second wind. Suddenly, everything felt easy again, my stride light and effortless as I made my way into Entre Lagos.

First stop: the town plaza, where I checked for places to stay. Instead of overthinking it, I decided to try the closest spot on the main road. I rang the bell, and out came Anna-Maria and her little dog, Princesa. She had a room available, and just like that, I had a place for the night.

Somehow, I also ended up inviting myself to dinner and breakfast. When I mentioned I was vegetarian, Anna-Maria wasn’t sure what to cook, so I suggested a salad. I contributed beans and lemon, and she made a simple but delicious meal. With some rice and pan on the side, it was the perfect end to a long day.

Sitting at the table, sharing a meal with Anna-Maria and some other guests, I felt grateful—not just for the food, but for the warmth of human connection after a day of solitude on the road.

Now, I’m exhausted, and sleep is calling. Buenas noches!