D-Day.

Well here we are, the last two weeks have been largely anticlimactic because I have been "tapering". This is where you cease your long distance running training two weeks prior to the marathon to build up sufficient strength for what lies before us.

Unfortunately, due to various other demands I haven't been tapering so much as jumping from a cliff. I've done pretty much naff all the last couple of weeks and it's not been for the want of trying. Attempts to squeeze in an evening run have been thwarted every time by some disaster or urgent deadline, and the latest problem was the very unwelcome return of the foot infection I had at the very start of this campaign.

As I type I am, with a degree of panic involved it should be said, spraying the offending area incessantly with Savlon trying to stop it spreading as previously, so as to aid healing (if it's possible) for Sunday.

I guess this means I will be in pain from mile 1 as opposed to, well, mile 2 but it's not A Good Thing by any means. In these situations I like to ask myself "What would Ranulph Feinnes do?".

Cut the offending toe off with a fret saw and do the run anyway. So on that motivational note I really have little choice.

On a more positive note I have been to the Excel centre in London to sign on and pick up my racing number (46239). My usual racing number (35, or let it be said - 1!) was already allocated to runners of a slightly higher standard than I, much to my disappointment.

The show itself was notable on many levels. Firstly I navigated the DLR before alighting and making my way to the centre, taking in the motivational slogans they'd thoughtfully hung from the rafters and what seemed to be "Chariots of Fire" playing from the loudspeaker. "Impossible is Nothing" was the strapline.

Nothing? Not sure I agree, and not so much Chariots of Fire as Benny Hill but bless them, the thought was there.

What also amused were the quantity of Flora jacketed marshalls floating around the atrium ensuring all the marathon runners were directed to the correct area and handing out leaflets. I of course managed to walk past all of them unmolested..

Once inside I registered and wandered about picking up my various "marathon goodies". I have attached the photo here, and it includes;

Carb gels (both for running and post running), pace wristband (I had to take 5.5hrs as that was the slowest they had), carb snack bars, lucozade drinks, racing number, safety pins, timing chip for shoe (no cheating allowed), anthony Nolan T-Shirts for supporters, motivational banners for supporters, motivational air horns x 4, supporters ponchos if it rains, cranberry sauce (I haven't a clue), a Flora 2009 London Marathon Mug (I'm keeping that), deoderant in several flavours and a can of London Pride bitter (dishwater in a tin - they've lost me with this one).

I have also solved the problem of the running vest. The one they sent was sized for a human, and thus was frankly not a good look for me. We have resolved the issue by cutting it down the sides and stitching it over one of my faithful Harley Davidson T-Shirts (Thanks Clare) which is shaped for the more ample gentleman. The resulting vest/shirt fits pretty well, although I was alarmed to note it was not especially slimming in profile.

I am also pleased to report that I have raised well in excess of the £3,000 target I set, so many many thanks to all the generous contributers.

So there we are. I hope that Savlon will come to my aid, but either way it's time to step up to the plate or otherwise.

The count down has begun.

Stacy