Well I managed a good 18 mile walk today...but the various joints know all about it now. It was very dry up on the hill so Skipper headed off in search of a drink. The next thing I knew was a very angry duck flying low along the side of a lochan, pursued, rather too closely, by a black wagging tail.....being all that I could see of the our bold lad in the heather. One very happy dog emerged from the undergrowth, while a much flusterd duck returned to her nest.

I shall miss my ever enthusiastic companion on the Cross itself.

Had a fabulous run yesterday - I did the long (17.5 mile) run round Ladybower that I did last year as I knew the route reasonably well and hoped this would prevent too much stopping and walking. Only, I seem to be reasonably fit on flat roads but not running up steep single track - bother I think I'm in the wrong event!! No matter, the weather was perfect for running and the scenery suitably distracting when the legs hurt on the ups. I had the satisfaction of beating a bunch of mountain bikers on the way down; I've always said that it was faster to run down Well, that was the last long run and now its less than two weeks to go before the big event. Gulp! I spent today being industrious round the house, lots of hedge chopping, gardening and painting, not so much training as stretching the muscles. I haven't really been out on the bike much this past week though so I best get out tomorrow if I can.

how fit is fit?

I just had a bizarre conversation with a work colleague: I was complaining that after my 5 mile lunch-time run I really wasnt feeling as fit as I was last year, in fact I ache! and they were trying to convince me that this time last year I was in an equal tiz about not being nearly ready for the event!! Either way I managed just over 16 miles running through the peaks at the weekend in a painful 3 hours something, and did 31 miles on the bike on the Sunday. I would be lying if I said it felt good but its certainly close to where I need to be.... just one more long run to go.

Thanks for the support folks, keep the sponsor money coming in :O)

Just back from another great week with Sail Caledonia and have spent the last 3 days catching up on zzzzzzzz!

Had a lovely sunny 16 mile walk on Tain Hill today. I was a bit creaky but Skipper was in doggy heaven. Certainly not as fit as I was last year, but a bit late to be worrying now. As long as the back holds up I should get there OK.