Day #5 - 50km

Yet another big day on the race course. Today though, we left the mountains and experienced much flatter and undulating terrain. However, the distance remained high so it wasn’t exactly a short run. To get to the start line, we took a barge across a crocodile inhabited river and then got underway from the other side. Lots of red gravel roads and then eventually into a mangrove forest before farm-land, more roads and the final run into Drakes Bay. As promised, we arrived into paradise, a beautiful secluded beach near the tip of the country. Very remote, very hard to get to. I feel very fortunate to get to see this place, not touristy, very small and quiet. We will stay here for 2 nights as tomorrow, day #6, is a loop out and back. It should be a very scenic and great way to end this incredible race.

As for results today, Monica and I set off and ended up quickly realizing that we were in for a very long and hot day as we ran together. We decided rather then kill ourselves, it would be best to run this day together. She obviously has the upper hand with a 12min lead but to be honest, my tank was empty today and to battle it out for what would be 6 hours, was going to be very difficult. So instead, we trudged onwards, just getting the miles done, soaking ourselves in every stream we came across and for the first time for me in this race, actually lifting my head a bit to see some of this race course! HA - its funny what you don't see when you are racing. My body is feeling good, zero foot issues, no achilles troubles etc. I'm happy to be back running strong again and its been great having Monica to race against.

Team Canada as a whole also had a good day. Shannon was the second from the team in followed by Dan who near collapsed when he made it to the food tent. He wasn't even sure if he would be able to run this morning after a bad night yesterday where the days sun had hit him hard. The plan today was "just to walk" but he is extremely driven and was determined to meet his goal of a top 10. Jude was in shortly after and I can see her getting stronger each day which is so great. Barb and Mary ran together and Karen also made it back on course today which was so great to see. Kay also ran today's stage and I was so happy that she was in good spirits. A few racers did get lost today so I hope she finds comfort in seeing that "going off course" does happen to the best of us at times. Brad had a good time out there, stating that he had submerged himself in over 27 creeks thus far in the race. I'm trying to catch up with Cindy still tongith. She got the job done but her feet are a mess and I think she struggled today. However, the women is as tough as nails and I'm so proud of her. Toni has only 1 day left to go as well on the Adventure course and we are so proud of her. Stan also ran well today, I think its the seaweed he eats every night. Jen J managed to get her shoes on tonight so she will run the final leg which is great.

So that wraps up today! We are all excited to have a 7am start tomorrow (as opposed to 6am) and to have a "shorter day". It's then swimming and party time!