Update #4 - sent 20th April 2007

So this is it – the deep breath before the plunge.

Only 3 sleeps to go before the London Marathon & you know what? I think I’m ready.

I had my final run last night, a nice & easy 10k (couldn’t have even said that 12 months ago) in my full marathon kit & it all worked a treat. For those of you coming down on Sunday, I’ll be the one in the green & purple with a big BOB written on the front, number 40360.  Linda & I drove part of the course on Sunday afternoon, checking out the start line in Greenwich, going past kiwi Matty’s at Surrey Quays (where Linda, Creany, Katy & others will be watching around the 9 mile mark) & onto the Embankment for the final stretch up to Buckingham Palace. Great for visualing the run (thanks Magdalena!) & so I say – enough training, bring it on!

Thanks again to all who have sponsored me so far – I’m now up to over £4,030 (including Microsoft’s contribution) – which converts to nearly $10,000 Pacific Pesos! All for the very worthy cause of Kidney Research UK. I personally cannot wait to deliver them the funds after the race as its by far the biggest thing like this I’ve ever done. Still time to donate as well if you haven’t had a chance: www.justgiving.com/thebob.

Best of luck as well to my friends, colleagues & fellow charity fund-raisers Susanne & Nicola – its been great bouncing training ideas & tips on how/where to apply vaseline with you & so all the best. Just think how good that beer is going to taste at the end!

So, cheers to all, wish me luck & I’ll be back to you next week for the post-race report.

Robbie

PS – if anyone’s coming down to the course on Sunday & wants to catch-up for a pint afterwards, then call the lovely Linda during the morning on 07737 265 414 to find out where we’ll be.

PPS – in true Upcroft tradition, I’ve crafted a little song to celebrate the occasion. With apologies to Kenny Rogers...

Sung to the tune of Kenny Rogers’ “The Gambler”...

On a warm April’s morning, in a park east of London,

I met up with a runner, let’s say his name was Dan.

As we stood there slowly stretching, waiting for the starters whistle,

He said “don’t worry bout the blisters, just do the best you can”.

“You see son I’ve made my life, outta pounding on these pavements,

Never caring what the time was, just as long as I crossed the line”

“Cause if you don’t mind me saying, the best thing about this marathon,

Is drinking that cold Guinness, at the end, so you’ll be fine”.

Chorus

You’ve gotta get past the old ones, get past the cold ones,

Know when to walk the race & know when to run,

But you never count your beers, whilst you’re still out on the course,

There’ll be time enough for drinking, when the running’s done.

Now every runner knows, that the secret to survival,

Is using lots of Vaseline, in the place the sun don’t shine.

So I handed him my bottle, & he took care of everything,

Then he gave it back to me, & I took care of mine.

And then when we’d finished greasing, we headed to the startline,

Took in one final breath & waited for the gun.

And sometime later that morning, the runner he broke records,

And with his final words I knew this race was mine to run.

Chorus

You’ve gotta get past the old ones, get past the cold ones,

Know when to walk the race & know when to run,

But you never count your beers, whilst you’re still out on the course,

There’ll be time enough for drinking, when the running’s done.