The final countdown!

We are almost there – so close I can feel the excitement! With just four sleeps to go until we line up with thousands of others at the start line, the carbo-loading has now begun in earnest, and it is becoming a massive mental waiting game as the last training run passes underfoot tonight.

It seems that there are a million and one things to think about in these last few days – when to go to the expo to collect my race number? Is my race kit ready? Do I have the gels, plasters, spare clothing, energy drinks etc ready to go? What will I eat for your last supper? What time am I going to get up? Which train will I aim for? Do I know where my supporters will be? And, more importantly, do they know when to look out for me?

Yesterday, I carefully scribed my name in enormous letters onto my delightful orange top, I’ve plotted my best and worst expected miles and sent it to almost everyone I know, I’ve begged for even MORE sponsorship (and will do so again... please click on the just giving links on the right and show me your money!), I’ve had my final massage and I tried really hard to get an early night!

It seems that there’s plenty of last minute remedial action going on – many of my running club friends are being pummelled and needled in the last few days in the hope that it will clear up the last few niggles and put us all in tip-top form. The foam rollers, sports masseurs and acupuncturists have probably never been so busy! I just hope that for each and every one of us, all this effort pays off.

I worked out that in training for this race, over 500 miles (800kms) have passed under my feet, and I’ve spent more than 74 hours out there running – that’s more than three days solid! I feel as ready and as prepared as is humanely possible and I am genuinely excited!

I really want this to be the race of my life – there’s going to be so much support en route, which is just fantastic, and I will look forward to the familiar faces of the Serpentine Running club and Bibendum colleagues at various spots along the course. The bigger challenge will be trying to pick out all the individual friends who are spectating in the crowds of supporters, but it’s hugely encouraging to know that they’re all going to be there. I’m really hoping that all the support will lift me and carry me across the finish line in the time I am so desperate to get.

And upon crossing that finish line, I am looking forward to a few things... a massage, a large glass of wonderful cold champagne, and strangely, getting out for my next run!

Simon:
Five days to go and the reality of it is truly sinking in now. Driving on the motorway the other day I decided to clock 26 miles to see how long it looked. It took ages even at 70mph!!! I don’t feel completely prepared as I’ve not done more than 20 miles before but I’m injury free and ready to give it my best shot.

I’ve got a plan in my head for the race – splitting it up into smaller pieces for me makes it more manageable so I’ll look at 13miles as a marker that I know I can easily achieve, then 20 which I’ve done before and at that point there’s only 6 miles to go!

I am worried about the weather as the forecast seems to be getting hotter and hotter which is not good news. Donations have picked up in the last week and there is still time for more. Just want to get on with it now!

Dan:
I am feeling pretty positive having run the second half of the course on Sunday. I am sure as we get closer to the day the nerves and realisation will set in but I hope to come out in one piece. It’s all down to the plan of action on the day and what preparation you put in.

Split times and fuel strategy appear to be the key to success so as long as I work those out my body should play along. It’s had all the training it needs, so as long as I don’t fall off the tube platform on the way home in the next few days I should be ok.

My biggest fear for the day is not finishing due to injury but my prep has been fine so I should be ok. The first 13 miles will be steady and then I can assess if I can push a little harder. I know there are quite a few Bibendumites coming down to support the four of us so I look forward to seeing them along the way to give the hi-fives!

My fiancée Christelle and my mother should be on the course somewhere as well, so there should be some good support on the way round. The motivation for MS should be enough though. I’ll have those thoughts in my head the most.

The thing I look forward to most is crossing that line in the best possible time I can and then heading home to my local for the first time in 4 months for a well earned pint of Guinness! Woo Hoo!

Kate:
I am completely sh*ting it! The last couple of weeks I seem to have regressed and every mile has been a battle. I think my mind and body is rebelling after so long training and telling me all it really wants to do is go out and get drunk with my friends. My nerves are a bit on edge too and I think the next unfortunate person who asks me if “I’m ready?” may get a punch in the face. Hopefully it will all go smoothly come race day...

My parents are coming from abroad to watch me and my dad has put together a route (5 stops, all of them at pubs) so that friends can join at whatever time they want and so that I know where to look out for them. I am hoping that seeing all my friends and family having a drink in the sun will spur me on to finish faster!!