Sun, sea and sand, and sand, and sand...

A beautiful morning, but I had been studying the map, and it looked like there would be lots of running on the beach; which is not good. So I don't know why I'm smiling in this photo!

My overriding intention was to 'stay high' on top of the cliffs rather than subject my body to further slip-sliding on the shingle beach akin to 'Dancing on Ice'. My worst nightmare was realised within 20 minutes of setting off; brushing a thistle aside on a narrow track, I was stung by a wasp. Fortunately, I was able to neutralise the potency of the sting by covering my finger with saliva (just as effective as urine!), thereby avoiding anaphylactic shock.

Today's run incorporated a myriad of different coastal features; both natural and man-made. The prize for the greatest eyesore went to Bacton gas terminal; enormous metal structures looming from the coastal dune environment like an observatory in the final scenes of a James Bond film. Tourism has also secured a claim on this section of coast with countless static homes littering grassy, flat plains right up to the cliff edge. On occasions, I would catch sight of the highly distinctive red and white striped lighthouse at Happisburgh, keeping me on course for my rendez-vous with Nobby.

The highlight of this leg of The Long Run were the miraculously designed sea defences - a combination of recurved sea walls, rip rap and revetements. How invigorating it was to run along the concrete steps and witness the crashing of the destructive waves and the human failure to tame their majestic power.

All in all, a testing run on multiple surfaces; I was so glad to see my trusty companion Nobby and even more pleased when he handed over a bottle of Lucozade (other brands of energy drink are available) and two fulsome granary rolls.

Tired, but elated at having completed Stage 5!

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