4hr 42mins. 80 % completed.

Tough but successful day through the north of Loire, with no real injury niggles. Hugh had a consistent pace throughout with very few breaks en route.

Just completing today was always going to be a cause for celebration, reaching the highly significant important 40 marathon milestone. A day that reminded us just how long each run is. Starting off north of Chateau le Valiere we ran into a stiff north easterly headwind on long straight roads, presumably built on the carriage tracks used by debauched Bourbons getting to their many chateaux in the region. This was head down stuff, leaning into the wind and never looking too far ahead. Fortunately I acted as a sort of wind break for Hugh for the first 15 miles until we took a lunch stop. I'm convinced it lightened considerably the moment he set off again.

The countryside is fabulous though, moving out of wine growing areas to rich farming country. An ultra runner whom Hugh contacted before setting off advised we should stop once in a while and take a look around. Doing so one could see the stiff wind rippling in the grass, rape growing and blossom in the trees heralding the freshness of a new season. This part of France has a big country vista - green fields as far as one can see, dotted with pleasant towns always in the distance until suddenly you come upon them, lost in the natural rhythm of running. Frequently at the top of the hills at road junctions stand small statues of Christ on the cross, often not seen until one crests the hill. The effect is a profound one, particularly in the silence and as each cross is a deep black against the blue sky.

There is a great freedom in being able to do this, travel from one place to another at this speed, every place a new experience. George, out n the bike finds this too; the ability to nip off here and there investigating and at a relatively fast speed compared with us runners. I am grateful to be back on the road doing this,Samia's exercise and treatment programme is really paying off as it clearly is for Hugh.

We arrived at Saint Calais this evening, about 40km east of Le Mans our night's stop on this oblique journey across France. We had a good meal from the hotel restaurant even though it was officially closed and were treated to some piano practice from a chap who was in the genesis of his understanding of the instrument. That shows courage and we applauded his efforts. We await further cultural experiences tomorrow.