4hrs 57mins. Cruise control.

Blogs from Day 28 and 27 now live

Regained control of matters today. The team eased along in 5th gear, ably assisted by Jonny who shows no signs of wishing to return to his day job.

Apart from being threatened by a butcher with a Bayonne ham before I moved our support vehicle from outside his shop to the centre of the town square, we did OK today.

Hugh was joined by Jonny for the first half marathon. I rued the ease with which they both banged this one out. This was a super flat course, through forest on good roads. Hugh looked very good on this. I'd be itching to do this if the old Achilles would behave itself but have contended myself with doing pull ups on bus stops and remedial exercise (physical, not mental) to get back up to speed. We had our first running groupie - a super old chap who heads up the local trail running club brought a buff for both Hugh and Jonny, (a sort of material tube, the purpose of which one is never sure). Hugh wore it on his head, Smurf like, whilst Jonny arranged it round his neck like Quentin Crisp.

No drama today which is just fine. Gavin, our old friend - whom H and I first met in the 2004 Marathon des Sables - joined us with his girlfriend Emma. If nothing else, the wine bill will increase. Welcome female company for Samia who is apparently bored of discussing nonsense with blokes. Honestly.

It has occurred to me that my comments regarding Hugh may have bordered on the saccharine. Therefore I should tell you what he now resembles: a Korean weightlifter's legs, partly shaven; a spare frame despite the amount of Snickers he eats and an increasingly weathered face. He loves this running stuff and sits amongst his running shoes each day working out which pair to select, just like a girl; with a beard.

We stay at another beach resort this evening in Mimizan-Plage. Wet again but we understand this is nothing compared to the UK. Tommorrow looks OK - the route generally flat though as ever we must be vigilant in case Hugh heads for Lisbon or steps on a pine cone. Certain members of the team, mainly from the fluffy department have been threatening a morning swim for the past few days. The Atlantic in March. Why on earth not? Hugh is not allowed, a dictate with which he is in total agreement.