Stage 10

142.61 miles in 7:46:03 for an average speed of 18.36 mph. Started at 5:05. 69 degrees at the start and 84 at the finish. Drank 2.7 gallons and ate 3700 calories. Lost 4.5 lbs. Average heart rate 122 bpm.

The front tire went flat at mile 19. I hit some good sized gravel that had been washed onto the road by the rain yesterday (the rain was so heavy yesterday that there were 9 places along the loop that had water flowing over the road, but only 1 to 3 inches deep). I haven't checked the tube yet but I think it was probably pinched.

The first 90 miles were very easy and I did them at 18.8 mph. The wind was not very strong, but then picked up and made the last 52 miles a lot harder. During the last 20 miles it briefly crossed my mind to abandon, but I gutted it out. Today was certainly the toughest day that I have had, but that's how it goes sometimes and I am sure that I will have some easy days too.

Wildlife: 6 rabbits and 2 red foxes.

Stage 11 tomorrow is 113.4 miles.