I've done it now..... by simonedumergue

Hi folks,

quick post from me. Only got back at 9.30pm from my trip to London and I feel whacked after my big 'day out' and need to hit the hay for an attempt at an early night..... (well early for me anyway!)

There were no crowds today (there around 2pmish) - fab being able to walk right up to the registration desk with no queue. Older bloke working behind the booth next to the one I was registering at was so excited for me that it was my first marathon (he's run four of them) and he was full of advice and encouragement.

In fact, that seemed to be the theme of my visit. I was sort of 'adopted' by everyone I ran into and people were just so darn nice, friendly and enthusiastic.

Had a chat to one of the Real Buzz staff but no other bloggers around at the time. Real Buzz suggested we try and get a group photo on Sunday morning at the start with those of us meeting up and they'll look at posting it on the site.

Could have gone mad spending money today but I was restrained.

Best 'find of the day' for me personally was having a one on one chat with one of the Lucozade Sports Scientists. There were about 6 of them sitting in the middle of their display, available to meet with runners who had questions. I have been training with the Lucozade Sports drink and the gels but wanted to get a professional view on the best possible combination throughout the race. I'd been experimenting myself but wanted another view. I'm sure you veterans out there don't have the need for this, but for newbies like myself it's like having a security blanket!. So, I had the lovely Gavin help me out. Cool system where they ask your anticipated finish time, print you out your own personalised pace guide (to wear around your wrist) and add a customised 'key' to it that outlines at which point (elapsed running time) you should take on the Lucozade drink and the gels. Worked out that I was one gel short (of what I already had at home) so the lovely Gavinthrew one in for free for me and also a recovery bar. Probably helped that I smiled a lot and said nice things to him

Stopped at Asthma UK (my charity) for a chat and had a polaroid photo taken of me that is now up on the wall at their stand with all their other runners who have stopped by so far. Really nice to see the rest of the 'team' as such..

Jumped back on the DLR to head back into the centre and there was quite a feeling of camaraderie between all of us clutching out FLM bags. In fact, we ended up having a carriage conversation about the weather (heavy rain showers, 16 degrees being the verdict) and I had an indepth conversation with one runner who had recently been made redundant from his HR job and had sunk half his redundancy into a top of the range glasshouse. Gleaned all of this between two stops!

So, for those of you yet to get down there - hope the queues don't build up too much when you are there, and make sure you don't stumble into the wrong exhibition hall. Your other options are a HR exhibition and a 'Premier Pest Control' exhibition. Hold me back.....

Don't think I will have time to post again before heading to London on Saturday morning, so a final cheer of good luck and wonderful wishes to you all.

This site has been an amazing source of inspiration, encouragement, sharing and 'virtual bonding' and I have loved every minute of the build up with you all.

Look forward to meeting those of you at Red Start on Sunday morning, and of course reading all those race reports!!!!

Run well, run wisely and run hard for whatever your motivation may be.

Take care x