Calm Before The Storm

This time tomorrow I will hopefully have finished the London Marathon 2011. I'm certainly mixed in my emotions.

A nice card from my friend Jess
was a real encouragement!

I'm excited, having been at the expo to register on Thursday I was excited, being surrounded by runners and a buzzing atmosphere. I bought a few new items of kit (not for race day of course) which had the London Marathon logo on as a nice souvenir, had my photo taken with the winners trophy and ate as many free samples of energy bars as I could. Everyone was enthusiastic and it helped me to look forward to the race and the carnival atmosphere of London on the day.

I'm also absolutely terrified, 26.2 miles is really quite far when I think about it, the furthest I've been so far being 20miles in my race a few weeks ago, and that hurt! The marathon has been said to have 2 parts, the first 20 and the last 6. I'll be honest I'm not looking forward to those 6 at the end.

Bring it on, its all about the mental toughness! (He says that now)

It would be amazing if anyone came to cheer and support, a few people have said they will come and support. Anyone who comes to cheer me on I will buy an Easter egg for as it also happens to be the first day of Easter week tomorrow. If you want to know a bit more about the easter story, check this out. If you do come to watch or are in London on the day anyway it will be useful to print this off (the spectators guide) and plan which points in the race you'll come to cheer. Heres some notes on the day:

1) Race start 9.45am
2) Decide before you get there where you will cheer me from (HOPEHIV cheering at miles 8, 13 and 22)
3) Shout loudly if you see me
4) Don't laugh at me too much
5) If you see me running text my dad on 07747535588 or my brother on 07507799293 to let the others know where I am and what time.
6) Meet at letter 'H' in HorseGuards parade after finish with Team HOPEHIV
7) Meet up later on in the day!

I will be dressed in the following running gear, so keep an eye out for me if you do come!

Loads of you have chosen to sponsor me this past week, and I will thank you all personally when I get the chance, I still have a little further to go though to reach my target so please sponsor me using the link at the top of the page, its the reason I am putting myself through the pain of a marathon tomorrow and have been training for 6 months. The work of HOPEHIV is making a real difference in the lives of young people across Africa, giving them hope and giving them the skills to make a future for themselves and their communities. Please give generously, your money makes a huge difference, many thanks.

19hours 45 minutes to go....