the Land of Bob

So after four months of training, several minor injuries, some physiotherapy and plenty of running, the 2005 (25th Aniversary) Flora London Marathon has finally arrived. I am looking forward to the big day knowing what a buzz it is to even take part in such a massive event, although I am of course aprehensive, knowing the fact that it is a long, long way to run.

In some ways I feel my training has not been as thorough as for previous marathons, and although I am confident that I will get round the course, I am not in any way sure of beating my previous (2001) London Marathon time of 3 hours and 57 minutes.

I have jokingly said to many people since the day after running my first marathon that "I will run a marathon in fancy dress one day", and after my second marathon that "I will run my third marathon in fancy dress". I don't believe that many people took me seriously but I did mean it and since I've managed to raise around £1,500 for Cystic Fibrosis I feel slightly justified in making a mockery of myself and, let's face it, making the whole event that much more challenging!

To make it easier for those trying to pick me out from amoungst the thousands of other runners on the day, and for those not coming along to generally appreciate what a fool I look, here is a cheeky photo of me test driving the marathon baby suit and checking for possible chafing hazards!

Wish me luck!