35 Miles of Kindness and Reflection

I woke up in my cozy, tiny sweet home in Alabama, feeling great and ready to tackle another sunny day. The morning was cold, so I kept moving as I packed up to warm myself and get ready. My hosts, incredibly generous people, had already left for work but still gave me access to their bathroom. Sharing is caring, and I'm amazed by the trust people place in me after only knowing me for a short while. I don't take this for granted, and I'm beginning to see that sharing not only builds trust but also brings a sense of ease and connection between people.

Thanks to Nikki, Kyle, and Hunter once again for your openness and kindness. I truly appreciate it.

I then returned to Highway 84, knowing I’d have about 10 miles to run until I reached Dothan, where I’d turn north toward Ozark. The shoulder on Highway 84 was wide, making the run safe and enjoyable. Just before downtown Dothan, I climbed a small hill and walked the last stretch on the sidewalk. There, I noticed a car waiting to merge — but instead of merging, the driver handed me a cold bottle of water. I smiled and went to introduce myself, only to hear, "I know! You slept in my tiny house — I'm Destiny, Nikki's daughter."

I was both surprised and happy! In the car was also Opal, Destiny’s grandmother. Wow — in just a few hours, I had met almost their whole family. I was grateful for the chance to say thanks again and to connect with them.

Afterward, I turned onto the town ring road around Dothan. When I stopped at a place to use the bathroom, a kind lady pulled up in her car and asked where I was running. We chatted for a while, and she invited me for coffee. People have been so kind — thank you!

The next stretch on Highway 231 to Ozark was more challenging. The shoulder narrowed, and I had to occasionally run with one wheel in the road to avoid the rumble strips. Some drivers weren’t too thrilled about this, but thankfully I made it safely.

At mile 25, I stopped to drink and eat while standing on a side road. A black car pulled up, and I noticed handcuffs inside. It turned out to be a sheriff who wanted to check my documents. After a friendly chat, I ran on for the final 10 miles.

When I arrived in Ozark, my top priority was finding some fresh fruit. I spotted a Walmart right at the entrance of town — perfect! Instead of taking my buggy inside, I asked Shawanda, a woman selling glasses outside, if she could keep an eye on it. She gladly agreed and was so excited to hear about my journey. It felt great to see her joy after 35 miles of running. When I returned from shopping, another lady, Gemmi, approached me, curious about my run. Her excitement was uplifting — thank you both for your kindness and enthusiasm.

That evening at my hotel, I was given a freshly painted room that still carried the scent of paint fumes. The price could’ve been a little lower, but my Turkish bazaar bargaining skills don’t always win. With my door open for ventilation, I met my neighbor Greg, a truck driver from North Alabama. We had a wonderful conversation, and it reminded me of a thought I’d had earlier that morning while running.

I had been reflecting on why some people find it difficult to connect with those who seem different — whether in beliefs, background, or experience. One thing has become clear to me: there’s always common ground — our shared humanity. Even when we don’t fully understand each other, dialogue is vital. Listening offers context we may have never considered, and every encounter can challenge our assumptions about what’s 'normal.'

I’m looking forward to tomorrow — new day, new people, new stories, and new insights.