Pre-run: Two Days to Go

All the pieces are in place. Christina arrives today. We pack and prep tomorrow, then hit the trail Thursday morning.

This run—Run Across Europe 2025—will cover nearly 3,000 miles (4,994 km) from the Atlantic Ocean in Porto, Portugal, to Istanbul, Turkey, the symbolic gateway to Asia.

Over roughly 100 days, I’ll cross 13 countries on foot, following ancient pilgrimage routes, mountain passes, coastal roads, and rural backroads. This isn’t a race—it’s a journey. A test of endurance. A way to explore the people, places, and foods of this continent, one step at a time. I’ll run, eat, drink, talk to people, and write about the magical experiences that fate always seems to serve up when you’re out there moving. And, digging deep. Really deep.

Day 1 will be a gentle 15 miles. One of the biggest lessons from my run across America: start too fast and you’ll likely get hurt. I did—badly. I came back from that run with a grade 3 stress fracture in my tibia and had to rebuild slowly from zero. That forced patience taught me that starting slow isn’t just smart—it’s essential. Within two weeks of easing in, I was rock solid. That’ll be the recipe again, especially in this first week from Porto to Santiago de Compostela: relax, enjoy, and assess.

Another key variable: Jax. This week will show us how he handles the mileage, and whether Christina and I can reliably find pet-friendly lodging in each village. If not—or if Jax just isn’t up for it—Christina may need to take him back to Monica in Porto. I hope it doesn’t come to that, but we’ll adapt if needed.

After this northerly stretch to Santiago, the route turns due east, passing through Spain, France, Monaco, Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania, North Macedonia, Greece, and finally, Turkey.

Let’s see where this road takes us.

 Cheers,

David.