4hrs 19mins. Fastest day yet.

Better conditions today, the wind having dropped. A grey ,cold start but as the day progressed it go sunny and much warmer. The weather report over, I'm happy to say Hugh had a good controlled run in a quick time.

Hugh had his old man and uncle in support again hence the fast time - today was a personal best. He felt he had to push it, partly because it was such a better day than yesterday but also because he wants to get a reasonable time in the bag before the non-stop Brighton marathon. Of course in the scheme of what he's achieved already this is pretty irrelevant but as someone who is competitive with himself, this is totally understandable. This element of personal competition is something Hugh has discovered about himself on this trip and he has vowed to apply it to his golf on return to Blighty. This is something Samia always has her eye on from the perspective of avoiding injury (the running, not the golf) and to which Hugh has to listen; and he does.

Michael and Patrick (H's father and uncle) drove a sensible distance behind our swaying vehicle, stopping for Hugh and the occasional beer in a local bar. Wisely they opted for a sandwich in a restaurant rather than subject themselves to my cooking, though enjoyed a glass of white burgundy when forced upon them. Hugh of course, did not, lest you ask though the pasta was OK, I think.

We wound along narrow lanes today, an increasing amount of farm vehicles in evidence and a general nostril tingling pungence in evidence, not entirely due to some blokes travelling in a motorhome for some time. We have ended up approximately 120 west and and a bit north of Paris. The running route is designed to stay out of very urban areas and we are certainly doing this. Tonight on a slight detour we stay in the railway hotel of Evreux. We're above a karaoke bar but have declined requests to perform, choosing a quiet brasserie instead. Unusual for me, this, but better for the general populace.

Off north east again tomorrow, hoping that wind has abated and the rain that has been threatening has held off. Business as usual anyway, and we're moving unwaveringly ever closer to the north French coast though still some way off.