Needs must - fitting in the training....

After a fantastic afternoon at Taste and sampling a few fine Scottish beers it was necessary to build training into a busy schedule.

So I was up early and set off on the bike to cycle to Church in Leith. The plan was to pedal over and change in the loo before joining Moonwalker in the service. She was brining the car and we were to rendevous at 10.20am ish - enough time to wash, change and load the bike into the car.

It was a fresh morning with imposing rain clouds all around. I stuck on my jacket and hoped that the rain would be avoided. It was great setting off early on a Sunday - no-one was on the road and I had a friendly westery pushing me along at a good old pace.

I was going at a cracking pace and was ahead of schedule when I crossed the bridge. I saw the Sunday morning group from Carnegie Harriers, our own Skyrider's running club. I slowed down to 13.5kph ( they were fair shifting! ) and shared the craic with the guys for a few minutes. I aim to be brave enough to go along to a few sessions soon!

After the bridge I chose to head down to Crammond. The numbers of bikers increased as I reached the Crammond brig hotel. It was good to see families out riding together.

As I climbed out of Crammond a taxi turned directly into my path. I wasn't a happy bunny and almost feel off as I struggled to get my feet out of the cleats in time to share my thoughts with the taxi driver. I wasn't rude I just suggested that they should be more careful in future.....

The rest of the route took me down to the Crammond Esplanade - it was busy with dogs and runners. I blasted along at speed avoiding said dogs and runners. I remembered my first Edinburgh Marathon when I was going well at the 14 mile mark in Crammond and then fell apart at mile 19! Anyway I finished and learned much about myself and took that experience into the same race next year....

The trip through the town was stop start - I do love the open roads of West Fife. I made the trip in 1.10 and it was just 35km. Really enjoyed it.

Moonwalker appeared just in time and after a quick change I was good to settle into a different sort of energising activity.

I've put the bike into the car to take it to Fort William and I'm hoping for a balmy evening and getting a few miles knocked out in the Highlands!

Ironman