Running Europe

The Mission

On May 7th, 2025, I will step outside my residence in Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal, touch the Atlantic Ocean and then begin a ~3,000 mile crossing of Europe. The route will pass through 13 countries and end in Istanbul, the gateway to Asia. Unlike the long deserted stretches of the United States, Europeans have been migrating along well traveled “caminos” for centuries. The infrastructure through most of the European caminos provides “pilgrims” lodging, food and good company.

Christina will support the journey that we estimate will take 100 days. Sofia will support the mission virtually.

Finally, I have owned three rescue dogs in my adult life. I rescued Tux, a black lab mutt in 20011 and he ran by my side for 6 strong years covering as much as 50 miles until his passing in 2023. Lucky, a stray Brazilian mountain dog, rescued me in 2018 and came home to live with me in Florida. Lucky ran with me covering distances of 100’s of miles such as Jacksonville to Key West Florida and ultimately, 2,000+ miles across the United States before his passing in 2021. I chose one, the other chose me. Monica, my wife, surprised me in 2023 with a puppy she rescued and chose for me, something new. Conventional wisdom is dogs can run up to 6 or 7 miles safely. Perhaps we can cosmically explain us choosing the dog that can do what we do or a dog that chooses us knowing what they want. This time we test a random connection. His name is Jax.