Distance today = 38.29 km; Total distance = 16,851.73 km; Location = San Sebastian – 43 19.097′ N, 01 59.102′ W; Start time = 0926, Finish time = 1534

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/275944229

A big day, and it’s not over yet. It was incredibly hilly, with parts so steep I had to walk with my hands on my knees, my lower back aching. This part was on rough gravel roads, making the corresponding downhill section very tricky and easy to trip and fall.

A lot of downhill may not sound like much of an issue (sure, it isn’t if you’re on a bike), but the 1,235 metres of descent I did today will have an impact on my legs tomorrow. And both big toenails are sore from being jammed repeatedly into the ends of my shoes.

There were no shops, so I was drinking water from clear mountain streams. The Pyrenees are good for that.

I finally reached San Sebastian and was met by a group of local runners – the Apalategui Team. They ran with me for the last couple of kilometres, with photographers busily snapping away. They have also arranged for me to have a massage and spa later on – it will be my first massage since starting the run more than a year ago. More on all this in tomorrow’s blog, including a planned visit to a local running shop. There will photos and videos as well.

Last night I was met by Inaki and Alvaro from the Bilbao office of Sener, a Spanish engineering company. They have a strong interest in wave energy, and drove to San Sebastian to have pintxos and dinner with us. Pinxtos is the local Basque version of tapas. Thanks guys, for a great evening.