Day 262 – EU – France [Roanne to Lapalisse]

22/12/20

48.1km

  From Roanne (France) to Lapalisse (France)

Europe

A very pleasant long run under blue skies and sunshine to finish off the first week since restart

What a great surprise to wake up to a clear sky this morning! The rainy day that had been forecast was definitely not on the cards anymore! I was more than pleased! At last I could really enjoy my long run. And I did. I think I am finally close to the same feeling I had before the confinement break. I was able to pace myself and enjoy it all the way.

As I was taking a break in the sun on the steps of a house, a car pulled next to me. We started chatting and as they realised I was running quite a long distance, they offered to cook me lunch! Unfortunately I had to decline the offer and keep on going on as I had quite a long day on the road ahead. Alain and Franck are two Parisians with a house in the region and I hope to see them again in Paris when I get there in two weeks time!

As I arrived in Lapalisse, I was greeted by the imposing view of a beautiful middle-age castle, which was extremely well preserved. I am glad to have a day off to get to discover the place tomorrow. My host tonight is Regine, and I am staying in her house, which is the birth house of “Commandant Blaison” – he was Commandant of the “Surcouf” the biggest submarine in the world. The vessel got bombarded in 1942 and all onboard perished. A sad end truly, but I am glad to be staying in his house tonight and be reminded of the story of that great man.

Check my daily run GPS data on or

Here is the map of today’s run: