An Aussie running across France

Firstly before i forget for people wishing to read a more detailed description of the race rather than my ramblings there is an English translation from the official website here

http://www.coolrunning.com.au/forums/index.php?showtopic=12400

I'd admit i had been a little worried since the last entry as after a walk around the Chateubriant castle and wander back i had felt a little swelling in my knee, i was thankful that i'd got the Voltaren but i was worried just what effect this would have in the long term racewise.
Had spag bol done the local restaurant with the crew of legendary US Ultra Runner Don Winkley (who has not only done this race every time but also Trans America and numerous other races and is off to Spartathlon again after this), i was very worried when feeling very sore just walking 500 metres back so things didn't bode well for the next 69K stage i'd pretty much decided to take it easy and not bash myself around further that day.
Life had settled into a comfortable rhythm bed at 9PM (although the fact the sun doesn't go down for another hour ? makes instant sleep problematical), and then lights on at 5AM and then off to the start at 6:15 (if going by van) in between having breakfast and a never ending battle to close my suitcase (not buying stuff just seem to be packing worse at this rate i'll need an extra couple of suitcases by day 18 !).
Off to the start not particularly optimistic, this time in my 'MiAdidas' shoes so four brands used in 5 days (any shoe sponsors out there ?), as all i wanted was to be comfortable and speed wasn't an issue.
No rain, and pleasant conditions early on, we appeared to be in cattle country (obviously the local cows do not understand English as feeling tired i stopped near a fence and a herd moved towards me when i said 'who wants to go to dinner tonight you can be the steak' they moved closer). The further the day went on the warmer it got and me slower, only time i was making ground was on my old sparring partner Pierre-Michell at 36 K's and again he passed me at the 40 K drink station when i changed into a running singlet as well as Legionairres Cap, all this seemed to do was make me slower.
By the time i hit 52KM drink station i had been repassed by Pierre (i assumed he was in front of me but he'd done the wise thing and stopped for a cold drink in one of the numerous pretty little villages we passed through) and it would have hit 30 degrees, i was stuffed finally decided to have my powerbar (which i'd been carrying for 5 days) to see if that would help but the weather meant the usual cold coke was not overly cold (or refreshing). While struggling with the Powerbar i was passed by 4 runners including Don and first woman Selina, but was in no condition to chase. At least there was a lot of scenery, a big piggery (massive pigs with big litters of piglets) and just down the road a deer farm (massive antlers on one - certainly wasn't thinking venison in his presence).
Very much a long haul to the last drink station and another 4 pass me, this at least fires me up a little struggle to stay on as 5th in the pack of 5 but sight of straight last 2K's into town (and 2 of them being paced by crew gets me going) and i pass 2 so 17TH in 8:21:05 which knocks me down to 9th overall. Too tired to say much about that night, in van to Hall and try to rest but knee is very sore, we had some very nice local wine and another feast but really all i want to do is rest and see if i can survive the nice short day 5.
Wake up a couple of times during the night with knee aching (and too hot for sleeping bag or wearing 'Skins' so it's more Voltaren not looking good.
Back to wearing racing flats (simply for less weight) and we are off again, run over three really nice bridges and then turn around and head into the wineries, knee sore but able to move well.
Next problem i stop and then can hardly move again the knee, very tight very sore, however after 1K it feels better so give chase again, beautiful scenery wineries everywhere as well as sunflowers, right till the next stop and same problem knee just need to warm up (a worry in the future).
Run well following Tahitian till the last drink station, big round about and then the biggest pumpkin patch i've ever seen and then 3K sprint to the finish, pass Patrick (try to ignore my knee) and follow another runner in for 6th place in 5:10:20 with the winner in 4:52. Totally stuffed and somewhat worried what the knee will do tomorrow still it's another shortish one so nothing moire to do than enjoy Doue La Fontaine;