Johnny Hall's Travels and Travails

I'm running my first race on Sunday - the BUPA Great Edinburgh Run - a 10k. I'm aiming for under 50 minutes, which means I need to run at 8:00 minute/mile pace. I ran 5 miles tonight (in the wind) at 8:40, so I should be ok to meet my target - as long as it's not too windy, since it's a hilly course. I'll need to warm up properly, since it takes me a good 15 minutes to get into the groove. My training is going well. I was in Birmingham most of last week, which involved 2 things I hate - lots of driving (mostly in traffic jams) and lots of time on my feet. I only managed to get one mid-week run in - 4 miles in Birmingham. I ran 8 miles on Saturday and then got out on my road bike for 34 miles on Sunday. I've ordered a triathlon training book, since I'm cycling almost as much as I am running. In fact, last week I was on my bike for a total of 2 hours and running for an hour and 40 minutes. Different intensities, mind. Cycling feels a lot easier now that I've taken up running! So, I'll let you know how I get on on Sunday. Wish me well. I have 2 more training sessions planned before then. I'm mountain biking at Glentress tomorrow night (not strictly speaking a training session but it's hard work) and then another 5 mile run on Thursday (followed by a sports massage from our friend Kirstyn). I'll try and take it easy on Friday and Saturday.