Alford CX

I haven't felt so out of my depth in a cross race since the Scottish Champs last year. I'd elected not to sign up for the 'Beginners and Sandbaggers' race on the basis that I've got a few under my belt now, and really I kinda like examining the experts from close quarters to try and learn. My fitness was cruelly exposed, however. I actually would have finished in the top half of the first race - as it was I came in dead last, save the DNFs. Great short course though, mixing up the surfaces and plenty of little technical bits (that stuff I can do). Oh, and a tank to ride around.

Given it was up in Aberdeenshire George and I headed out to me mam's house to stay the night, bookending a nice pub meal with watching Scotland, then a taped England, losing in the rugby. So I'm at least in good company.

Test of character coming back every time to be slow, I'm sure. It'll be interesting to see just where the fitness is by the end of the season next February / March (especially given I've started running again, and I'm planning on swimming once a week as well).

(that's me in the extra shot)