London 2009 The countdown begins by KeithRunLondon

I spent over an hour last night writing my race day blog & then the thing wouldn't submit so here's an abridged version.

The first 12 miles went well, slower than I was hoping due to the congestion, feeling strong. Mile 16 "hit the wall" legs went, dizzy, the works! Struggled on to mile 24 jog/walking then the cramps came. St Johns saved me at mile 25, hobbled over the line in 4:47. It's hard to take, was hoping for 3:30/3:45 so I'm gutted, only 2 weeks since I did 22 miles in 3:02 and felt fine. The heat got me big time.

On a positive note I'll probably break the £1000 barrier (when gift aid is included) for my charity in memory of my Dad, we've collected £936 so far. One last thing, the crowds were out of this world-unbelievable.

Well this is it, all these months of prep & it'll all be over in a flash (hopfully!). I've got my support crew (Mum, sister Sue, Abi & Roz) lined up at miles 13/14 and 21/22) with, I'm infromed, a banner, can't wait for that. Shaz is at 14,19 & 21, so should have the painful parts covered. 22 miles on it's just a hobble to the line.

Couldn't get this week off work as planned, so I'm working tonight, lets hope it's a quiet one, at least I've got next week off to recover and catch up on the beer (a lot of catching up to do!). Train leaves at 8:20 from Blackpool arriving Euston just after 11, Taxi straight to the expo, pasta party (I've booked my ticket on-line) then book into the hotel for a relax & read my cracking new book (The north, pies & prejudices) by Stuart Maconie from BBC 2. Then it's an Italian for evening meal before retiring to bed & no doubt not sleeping. Must remember to set the alarm.

Race day, tube to the start area then queue for the loo. Try to get within sight of the "Runners world" 8 min mile pacer if it's a cool day, if not just take it easy. Hope to meet some of you down there, "Have a good one!" Update Tuesday night.

GOOD LUCK EVERYBODY!

More of a forum question I know, but does anybody have a forcast for the race. It was on sky news this morning that it's going to be hot & sunny, I've just looked on the bbc & it's forcast thunder and rain and warm too. I'm lost.

Last night at work the hamstring started to feel weak & painful. 10 miler today & I could feel it all the way, didn't cause me any bother though. Going to take it extra easy this week. 10 miles in 1:20:23, aiming for 1:20 so not too far off. Noticed the hr rocket in the lasty couple of miles. put it down to the hot weather. Getting nervous now!