An ultramarathon runner’s happiness can be expressed in many ways. On Sunday in Siena, in the charming Piazza del Campo, Maurizio Ghidini of Team Oxyburn was playfully riding around on an old “Graziella” bicycle. Calm and composed, he didn’t even seem very tired, even though just a few minutes earlier he had finished 5th overall in the 50-km Terre Di Siena Ultramarathon.

Maurizio Ghidini wore Oxyburn compression socks as he ran from San Gimignano to the center of Siena in 3:40:09, passing through Colle Val d’Elsa and Monteriggioni—a route featuring plenty of paved roads but also many dirt roads and mule trails. Hills, climbs, and descents, with stunning views: “It’s truly unique to run here,” says Maurizio as he rides his bike, “and this is an early sign that my fitness is improving.” There will be many other long races to come, from the Brescia Marathon in mid-March to the Tuscany Trail in late April, to the 9 Colli (over 200 km), to the Magraid in Friuli—all stepping stones to ensure I’m in peak condition for the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc in late August. That’s the goal.”

In the meantime, though… that relaxing ride on my old bike around the square in Siena. A warrior’s rest.