Reflecting back...

Definitely the hardest thing I've ever done in my life physically. Running injured is always tough, and 40 miles a day isn't the best "rest cure"! I wish I could have run more consistently. It was not to be - but finishing was an achievement given the state of my shins and ankles for the middle 10 days of the race.

Jean-Benoit (race director) and all the volunteers were simply fantastic - impossible without them. 18 days of superb organization and support.

There was tremendous spirit between the competitors. Everyone was pulling for everyone else. 24 starters, 24 finishers - a unique occurence in ultrarunning? I miss my fellow sufferers, now we've gone our separate ways in life.

And finally, thanks to everyone - family, co-workers, friends - for the great support. I couldn't have completed without the positive thoughts coming at me from afar. An unforgettable experience.

My big fat "cankles"...

The finish...

Running...

The start line in Roscoff

Day 18 - Final Day!

Woooooo hoooooooo - I’ve finished!! 1166k in 18 days! 725 miles!! 28 marathons!! Whatever way you say it, it is a long way!! I cannot put into words how this feels right now – it is incredible! For the first year since the race began all of the participants finished - I’m pretty sure I came 11th. About 1k from the finish we all stopped and waited so we could all cross the line together. It was an emotional moment and a great way to end! I’ve already been for a swim in the Mediterranean and Claire and I are going to spend the next couple of days here in Gruissan Plage relaxing on the beach. I am looking forward to not having to get up and run tomorrow morning! Tonight there is a big celebratory dinner and awards ceremony and tomorrow we will all go our separate ways. It has been an amazing time, I’ve taken pictures along the way so will update the blog with them when I return home. Thank you, everyone, for all of your support along the way!! Finally, in the words of Sir Steven Redgrave after winning his 4th Olympic gold - "if anyone sees me about to do this again they have my permission to shoot me"… but then we all know what he did 4 years later!

Day 17

Just one day to go! The 72km today was tough and very hilly – finished in 12th place with a time of 7h 52m. Claire ran some of the race with me today, which was really great. Apart from a bit of pain in left knee I’m doing ok. Feeling a bit tired but the adrenaline will kick in tomorrow. Tonight we are staying at a hotel near tomorrow’s start line. Everyone is feeling excited and so glad we have all made it to the last day – just 70km left!!

Day 16

Wooo hooo!!! Great news - Claire arrived today and surprised me!! We were all having a drink and well deserved rest in the town square and suddenly there she was across the street – it was wonderful and a complete shock! Today’s stage was a very hilly 55km, I completed it in 5h 52m, 9th place - legs are feeling a bit better. Tomorrow’s stage is 72km and extremely hilly – there is a 1400m climb. With two days to go things look good and Claire being here to share it with me has made it even better!!