Ireland - Stage 5

Today's stage was blissfully short - a 'mere' 28 miles. Temperatures were pleasantly cool, it poured heavily only once, and the wind was usually at our backs. And Jen and Rory had pulled out all the stops on signage, so no-one got too horribly lost.

My bi-daily ministrations to Claire's feet seem to be working. She's running well with less pain now, but they're not a pretty sight:



Tonight our tour bus is stationed at a football club in Ballynahown. A wonderful place to be, as they have not only warm showers but also a washer & dryer. It's amazing how much you sometimes appreciate the normal creature comforts. Now our running clothes no longer smell of dead animals.

By this time tomorrow, we'll be past half-way. That's a good feeling. Today was my fastest average pace - a shade over 10 minutes per mile. If I can stay uninjured and healthy, this will definitely be my best stage race finish. Ahhh, but that's a big if. Jed and Chris are ahead of me in the rankings, but there's still some way to go. I have to say that I'm enjoying the journey with Claire as much as the race itself.