Stage 5 - Orléans - Océan

An even hotter, longer day today. There remains not a cloud in the sky, and for some very long shadeless stretches, the mercury was up in the 90Fs. Keeping hydrated was a major challenge given the distance between aid stations. The course was 71km (45 miles) and beautiful in many places.


As ever, it was wonderful to reach the finish line. A beer, a coke, an iced tea, a Haagen Dass ice cream, another tea, some tabouli, an Orangina - just rewards for the day of suffering!

The mojo returned a little today. No aches and pains, a slow first marathon (4hrs 55mins), but felt fresher than expected at the finish. Off for a glass of something with M le Maire shortly - the French do it in style! A tremendous spirit exists in the group, and I've been honored to be a warmly welcomed part of it.

Two days to go!

Location:Rue d'Anjou,Oudon,France