In Holland where it's cold today. Ran the 3am to 4:30 am shift from Krimpen to Schoonover, past the road to Gouda. It was all paved bike path along canals and dikes, very flat. We are below sea level. I am missing hills. Had lots of company - peepers, croakers and long and short necked waterbirds. The birds were diving and playing and one splashed me as I ran by. As much as I love the serenity of the night, I look forward to returning to daylight shifts when I can really see what's out there, and engage with the people. Given our cause, it is inspirational to run amidst so much water.

Smelled fresh baked bread passing through one village, followed by freshly manured fields. Was practicing my German. We've experienced so many languages, now passing through our 7th country if you count Belgium and Holland separately (8th if you separate Wales from the UK) - that it all jumbles in my head. The only language that does not flow at all for me is Dutch. It has a lot of Germanic type words but a very brogue throttled guttural sound. The Dutch people have been really kind to us. A man at the hotel made us lunches for today. Mine was Dutch white bread with yummy cheese and fresh, sweet butter. Nothing I would make for myself but super yummy after a 10 mile run!

Off to Amsterdam for breakfast and then we will be sleeping in Zwolle. Next run will be in Deutschland...