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At our Anderson Manor (second photo) in central Portugal, I recently started something I didn’t plan.

I call it the “Four Day Monforte and Beyond Marathon.”

Not a race.

Not a timed effort.

Just a personal journey—one that has come to mean more to me than most runs I’ve done.

The route connects three nearby villages that are part of daily life here:

• Cegonhas — 6.53 miles

• Malpica — 8.12 miles

• Ladoeiro — 7.2 miles

That’s 21.85 miles point to point.

To complete the marathon distance, I will finish on Tuesday with a 4.35-mile loopheading out toward a local cheese farm, turning around after passing hundreds of cactus plants—one of those unexpected sights you only find in this part of Portugal.

Total: 26 miles.

But I’m doing it over four days.

Where I Am Now

After two days, I’ve completed 14.65 miles.

Ahead of me:

• Monday — the run to Ladoeiro

• Tuesday — I will be finishing up this special marathon with the final 4.35-mile cactus loop

Two days. About 11 miles to go.

My plan on Tuesday is to wear lighter running shoes, just to test the water. I’ve always liked how running feels smoother and more natural in lighter shoes, so this will be another small step forward—listening to what my body tells me.

More Than Just Miles

This run is about something much deeper.

On June 15, 2025, I had a situation with my knee. For at least 30 days, I could hardly walk. Going up and down stairs was difficult. I was mostly limping, and there were times I could barely cover a mile in less than 40 minutes.

But I kept moving.

At my age—or any age—we must keep moving if possible.

Since then, I’ve averaged about 40 miles a week—mostly walking, some running. It’s been steady, but uncertain.

There were moments when I started to think my running days might be over.  I started my running journey Feb 16, 1962 and I have never taken this amount of time off ever.  

But I didn’t want to believe that.

So I didn’t.

I kept moving. I kept walking. And walking is good—very good. But it’s not running.

Today, during my second leg, I ran 6.8 miles, and just like that, I felt it again—that feeling only running gives you.

I started my running journey Feb 16, 1962 and I have never taken this amount of time off ever.  It is good to be back.  

A Step at a Time

I’m not rushing this.

It’s one step at a time.

One day at a time.

Even now, I know things can change quickly. But I’m heading in the direction I want to go.

This will be the first time since my knee situation that I’ve covered the marathon distance—even spread out over days.

And I needed this.

The Moments Along the Way

One of the best parts of this journey has nothing to do with the running itself.

It’s been sharing these moments with my wife, Catherine Anderson.

She meets me in these small villages, and we take time to sit down—have a coffee, drink some water, and just enjoy where we are.

In Cegonhas, they were having a pre-Easter gathering, and we joined them for lunch.

In Malpica, it was simpler—just coffee and sparkling water.

These are the moments that turn this from a run into something I will always remember.

Not a Recommendation—Just My Journey

I’m not recommending this approach.

I didn’t rely on doctors, operations, or medicine. My body has slowly brought me back on its own. It’s been a long journey, and it’s not over.

But I’ve learned something important:

You have to believe in what your body can do.

Redefining the Run

I’ve loved running fast. I still do.

I like running smoother when I’m going faster and wearing lighter shoes.

But right now, at 78 years old, a little out of shape, and about eight pounds heavier than I’d like to be after a long layoff, things are different—and that’s okay.

Even running at sub-15-minute pace feels good again.

And I know this is a good start.

In many ways, sub-10-minute miles are actually easier than 15-minute miles—they flow better. But at this stage, any running at any time works for me.

And I will get back in shape.

And I will get my weight back down.

Because it’s still running.

And at heart, I am—and always will be—a runner.

Monforte and Beyond

With two days to go, this journey isn’t finished yet.

One more village.

And on Tuesday, I will finish this special marathon with the final miles.

This one isn’t about finishing fast.

It’s about finishing—period.