Running slowly under the Venetian sun.....

Our last full day in Ca Sabbioni has been yet another fantastic one. We are staying in a small hotel 30 minutes outside of Venice which has been without doubt one of the most friendly we have ever stayed in. The guys that work here can't do enough to help and nothing is too much. It's rare that you meet people that are so dedicated to making your holiday experience brilliant but the guys Relais Ca' Sabbioni have helped make our holiday one to remember.

Yesterday we borrowed bikes from the hotel and went out on a spin round the quiet roads that surround the area. The one big advantage (for Danielle) is that there are no hills in the area, not one, the one disadvantage (for me) is that there are no hills! I can't say that it was a hugely strenuous work out but most enjoyable in the morning sun.

We then set off for Treviso, a small university town that turned out to be stunning. As usual our trip into the town was eventful missing turn off and stopping in the wrong places. An attempted reversing manoeuvre drew the anger of a moped rider. I've got used to the shouting, horn pumping and gesticulating that comes with driving in this region and later in the day I got the time to practice some of my own as I was carved up by a BMW driver, well what did I expect!!

It's graduation time in Treviso and groups of students tour the village singing 'Doctore Doctore' at the top of their voices behind young guys and girls in fancy dress before heading to bars to celebrate their successful graduation - seemed good humoured and the local student hanging around the street corners took great delight in joining in.

On return to the hotel I set off for a short 4 mile run before we set off for yet another disappointing dinner in Venice. The best food so far has been in the hotel that we are staying in with people following the crowds to cardboard pizza shops that look a lot less tasty than the local Dunfermline Pizza's.

This morning the sun shone and I set off in my newly purchased Decathlon running kit, well I'd used all the stuff I brought and another tee shirt and shorts won't go unused! I ran just under 13km bring my total to just under 60km for the week which was ok I think. I was plodding along listening to some good country stuff when a runner heading towards me crossed the road, I followed him past me when out of the corner of my eye I saw the largest tractor, 4 wheels at the front bearing down on me from behind. There are no pavements so running on the road is obligatory but the sight of this monster just behind me almost brought on an involuntary episode of the runners trots! I jumped out of the way and waved him on his way!

Running here has been a joy and I'm going to miss not having to battle the elements ever time I'm out training.

So we head home in the morning. I'm looking forward to catching up with friends and family wit the quiz night in Carnock on Saturday night a particular highlight. Looking at the forecast I'll be digging out the longs and tops for the bike which I confess I'm looking forward to getting out on at the weekend. I've missed the bike and it will be good to be re-united with the Trek even if it's windy, cold and wet. You can't beat home!