Scott Overall's blog by Scott_Overall

Hi guys, this is it, it’s here!! The Virgin London Marathon!!!! I was out and about in London this week and you could see posters starting to appear all over the place getting people informed and up to speed on the marathon this weekend. This one made me laugh when I saw it on the tube. But in all seriousness for you guys who are racing, you'd better not miss the start! I've done some stupid things (like racing in odd shoes) but I have never missed the start of a race. I'm really looking forward to it all and the excitement levels will just build right through to Sunday.

As most of you will know by now I am going to be pacing the British guys (and anyone else who wants to run around the 2hr 12min mark) in a bid to get some qualifying times for the Olympics. Depending on a number of things, I will decide during my pacing duties where I will stop, but it is likely to be around the 15-20 mile mark. I just hope that it’s not raining like the forecast is currently showing for the whole weekend. At least the Expo is inside so you'll be able to keep dry and collect your race numbers from there. Don't forget to check out the Adidas stand, and also the pasta party area where I will be answering some questions at lunchtime from Wednesday to Saturday.

Last Sunday I went to Wembley to watch Chelsea take on our neighbours from the north, and I am pleased to say Chelsea won convincingly. Now before anyone jumps on their keyboard and starts moaning about the second Chelsea goal, yes from what I have seen, it did not cross the line. But the ref gave it and who am I to argue with that? At the end of the day Chelsea scored four more, so let’s just call it 4-1. I had a good day and it’s a shame I am going to be in Flagstaff for the FA Cup Final. It might be a good thing however, as my household is divided between Liverpool and Chelsea. There might be blood if I were in the country depending on the result. 

The rest of this week I am going to be taking things as easy as possible leading up to my pacing duties. I am still going to be running pretty fast so it’s important I don't wear myself out during the week with all media things and the hype surrounding the race. I have been on a couple of TV programs this week, the first was on Monday night for Sky Sports News and their Marathon Special. Also on the show was Paula Radcliffe and a few runners who are running the marathon for very good causes. The program can be seen online here. Also this week I was on BBC London News; surprise, surprise again about the London Marathon (obviously). That story can also be watched online using the following link.

Once this week is out the way I will be off jet-setting across the world to my training venue in Flagstaff and I will leave the media world behind and focus on my preparations for London 2012. For those of you running the London marathon I wish you the best of luck, especially the Adidas boys and girls (Rhia and James), and Team PB who I'm sure will do amazing and raise a lot of money for a great cause. If you see me down at the expo or on the course, do give me a shout and most of all have a great day! Until next time.