Red Zone-Number 33442

Yesterday I went and picked up my number...

Number 33442 in the RED zone (where most the charity runners are).

I didnt stay long at the running exhibition-although there were plenty of stalls selling trainers, running clothes...info on energy food and drinks, as well as the opportunity to sign up for the Dublin or Berlin marathon. To be honest with 2 days til the marathon I have all i need for the big day.

I was quite suprised at how quite it actually was, I found the stall where i was to collect my number empty and the process was simple and efficient. The lady that served me was very chatty and is also taking part in the marathon. We had a nice wee chat. After I got my number I had to go through and collect my chip followed by kitbag. The kitbag will be used on sunday to hold a change of clothes after the race.

I checked out the official London Marathon souvenir range-rather hard to miss it when it took up an entire wall. A few weeks ago I was thinking about buying their wind jacket (red with yellow strips on sleeve) but never got around to it. Today i humm'd and hawd-would i wouldnt i, and then I said-'sod it, why not?'. So I did...cost a few pence, but there will never again be another London 25th marathon...

After a quick look around the stalls, (and rather disappointed i didnt get any of the great freebies that my fellow blogger had told me about) I left as quickly as i had arrived quite indifferent to the hold thing really. I had a look at my fellow runners but i think i know that being this shape or that shape will not really have much of a bearing on how you are going to run on sunday e.g. a 60 year old man with a huge beer gut could beat me on sunday...and so be it...this race on sunday is about me competiting, hopefully finishing and the money that I and my supporters have raised to help AtionAid make a difference in the world.

As yet the nerves have not set in but i'm sure they are to come.

Thanks to Simon my work mate for coming along to pick up my number.