So it’s 13oC out of the water, 13oC in the water, the wind is blowing, the waters up and everything is wet. There’s a great vibe and everyone is excited to get going. We’re running a bit late but everyone is still filing in to the water so I’m going to get in close to the end of the line so I don’t get too cold, yes? I’m swimming towards the pack on the start line when the horn goes and the splashing starts. ARRGH, I’m at least 30sec from the BACK of the pack what the hell! OK well they’re not going to wait for me so lets go. I’m in traffic pretty much as soon as I cross the line so take an up wind line down to the first turn. All the swimmers that are headed straight for the buoy are getting swept wide and staying out of my way. Back in to the wind I’m getting thrown up and down like a sea swim but I hit the front of the main pack at the second turn so I give my girlfriend Jen a little tap on the toes as I came past! The boys are off in the distance they look like they’re near to the end of lap 1 so I may as well settle in.

2 minutes to the leaders I hear getting up the pier, not too bad I guess. Get the gloves and jacket on to ward off cold and. . .  oh no, there’s Jen going past me and out on the bike with the deficit growing to over 4 minutes. I ride hard up the first climb though and I’m passing most of the guys that got themselves to the start line on time and didn't stop to get dressed in transition. Mmmm, at the top of the hill 30kph average and over 300 watts, so could be a long day. I can see a team in Glasgow Couriers kit riding fast up ahead, good, I can chase him.  Down on the other side the wind is up and I’m thinking time to dig in and make up the time now. I’m not catching the GC guy but at the top of Loch Rannoch I see the 2 leaders and I know we’re back in business. I don’t want a running race though, not today! I’m flying back with a tail wind and then pass GC boy getting off his bike and turning it upside down so I’m out in front on my own. Over the climb again and at the bottom the speed has picked up to 36.2, superb!

While my power shows a slight downward trend the speed has an upward trend due to the stiff Westerly wind. Maintaining my power output on the return leg with a tailwind is almost certainly how I put time in to the competition.

Taking my time in transition again I can chat to the crew, the feet are not with me and I know it’s a tough run. Round the buildings and out on the road I want a solid pace now, don’t dig any holes you’re training tomorrow remember! My legs feel good running quite well but not very fast. I go round the loop at the far end and there’s one guy catching me, I’m going to have to do some work on the way back. It's passing fast though trading encouragement as I go through the line of athletes and in to the last mile I can’t see anyone so I’m feeling safe. David Ogg waved a pint of beer at me from the pub cheering. Looks good I think but I’ll finish first. But the new course thanks to refurbishment of the sports halls means the last 1/2mile is up a steep hill. Urgh no easing off here!

First home and what I think is a course record is a good result for a training race. The cheque for the Scottish championship title will cover my entry for Challenge Barcelona in October as well so look out. Jen got second and a 13min PB thanks to the improvement in her biking since she got the power tap. This race always draws a great crowd and creates a great atmosphere so I can highly recommend it. The volunteers are always super friendly and relaxed too with great burgers after and a handy pub, superb!!!!!!

You always meet some interesting people doing these races and on Saturday I met James Moncur who’s doing his bit to promote the sport and blogging his Challenge Barcelona training experience and fitness gains with the Daily Record. He’s made some cracking progress and raised his VO2 max by 20% so it makes an interesting read http://blogs.dailyrecord.co.uk/ironman/.