Don't get me wrong. I've enjoyed this Fringe so far very greatly. This is a magical time for me and I can't believe how much better it is going than I could ever have imagined, planned or indeed dared to hope for.

However, I have managed to combine four things that probably shouldn't be combined. I'm not eating a great deal at the moment, a result of a genuine desire to wean myself off junk food and to come back from Edinburgh healthier. In addition, I'm walking the length and breadth of this city (well, yesterday I stayed largely near the venue, except for a 45 minute walk to pick up my guitar amp from my car). Add to that the fact that I'm getting to bed, really late, and there's obviously some sort of conflict going on. At least I'm getting some sleep? Lovely restorative sleep?

Nope.

I have been waking up earlier than my alarm these last few mornings. This morning I was woken by a recruitment agent, whom I'd ignored yesterday. Even if he hadn't woken me up, the chances are that I would have just woken up myself anyway.

I'm feeling a sort of empty-chested exhaustion, like I've totally run out of beans. I didn't even know I was bean-powered. It's what, I believe, athletes call "hitting the wall". I've never been an athlete, but perhaps I'm being the Ashley equivalent of one at the moment. I have hit the wall before, here in Edinburgh. I can tell you what the solution to this ISN'T. In 2004, I used my constant exertions as an excuse to eat what can only be described as three square meals a day of deep fried shite.

No! No way will I do that this time. It will be smoothies, smoothies, coffee and more smoothies (coffee smoothies if possible).

I'll be out and about soon and I'm sure this weariness will disappear. I hope so... or this trip's going to drag and I'm going to come back with nothing left.