Stepping into North America

Today marked the beginning of my North American segment—another massive stretch of my journey across the world. My start line? The Atlantic Ocean at a public beach access point in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. Standing there in the early morning light, I took a moment to reflect on the incredible miles ahead. Running from one coast to another is a daunting thought, but also exhilarating. One step at a time, westward I go.

I set my alarm just after 5 AM, wanting to ease into the morning without a rush. A cold coffee in hand, I packed my gear, taking advantage of the extra room after sending a few things to a friend and discarding some items. With the newfound space, I took time to rethink and reorganize my packing system—a small but necessary step in keeping things efficient on the road. Marty, my host, was already up and had prepared a ginger, turmeric, and lemon shot for us—his morning ritual, and today, mine too. A little fiery boost to kickstart the run!

After saying my goodbyes and giving Marty a hug, I checked my buggy one last time, pumped up the tires, and set off. First, I had to walk about a mile to the beach access point where I officially wanted to start. As I was making my way there, a car pulled over. A woman—Georgia Girl, as she introduced herself—asked if I was okay. When I told her about my journey, she got so excited, her enthusiasm setting the tone for the day. Moments like this remind me how much positive energy is out there, just waiting to be shared.

At the beach, the sun was already casting a golden glow across the horizon. The vast ocean stretched before me, and I felt the weight of the distance I had to cover: all the way to the Pacific. It was a moment of deep gratitude and excitement. I snapped some pictures, breathed it all in, and then—one foot in front of the other—started running.

The first stretch took me along Ponte Vedra Beach Boulevard, a scenic road wedged between the Atlantic and the Guana River. Mansions, beachfront hotels, and tree-lined paths made for a visually stunning route. A dedicated bicycle lane ran alongside the road, giving me plenty of space to run safely. The conditions were ideal—comfortable temperature, a light breeze, and the sun shining down. My body felt a bit stiff at first, but after a few miles, I found my rhythm again.

As I ran, I noticed a mix of lavish oceanfront estates and more modest, run-down homes. Some properties were up for sale, perhaps worn by the coastal elements. The juxtaposition of wealth and decay is always interesting to witness. But my focus was on the road ahead, enjoying the perfect terrain and soaking in the beauty of my surroundings.

Eventually, I turned inland and made my way toward St. Augustine, crossing a large bridge with expansive views. By this point, I had already planned a café stop, but just before reaching it—around mile 24—I realized I had a flat tire. Finding some shade, I pushed the buggy to a safe spot, changed the tube, and, with an even greater craving for coffee, continued toward my intended stop.

What I found instead was a different café—The Local Refillery, owned by Danielle. A place full of art, warmth, and love, just the kind of hidden gem that makes this journey special. A Sunday market had just ended, and I settled in with a cappuccino, enjoying a friendly chat with Danielle. These small, unexpected detours often turn into the best moments.

A few miles later, another stop was inevitable—a bakery caught my eye. Inside, I treated myself to banana bread and had a conversation with the Colombian owners. The shop’s atmosphere and art-filled interior made it another memorable encounter.

Originally, I had planned to find an RV park to camp for the night, but the running conditions were too good to stop early. I pressed on and eventually finished at a hotel, where I could rest and catch up on my social media updates. Before heading to bed, I met Frank, a seasoned biker who has traveled across the country multiple times. He shared invaluable tips and advice for navigating the roads ahead.

Now, it's time to sleep and prepare for the next stretch westward. The first day in North America is complete. Thank you for being here with me. Let’s go west!