The Night Before

Tomorrow I will wake up and run 42.2km.

No excuses. No other options.

I have prepared well. I have eaten and hydrated well these last few days. A long walk yesterday was probably not the best thing to do (in retrospect) but it was such a stunning day in Paris we couldn't resist the walk along the Seine. Today I have bunkered down locally and stayed off my legs as much as possible.

I visited the marathon expo yesterday and collected my bib, timing chip and race info. It was quite tricky as not everyone spoke english and in my excitement to enter the exhibit area I went the wrong way and missed collection of my goody bag - don't worry, I was determined to get the blue backpack and so dragged Ash around until we found it! The hall was energised, Ash called it the equivalent of runners geek heaven, and I have to say, compared to the Canberra marathon school hall, being in the Parc de Expositions Hall 7 was quite impressive!

I know I will have so much to keep me inspired through the race. The sights of Paris, the memories of the many times I have been here before both as a tourist and tour leader, the people who have supported me on this journey and, of course Harry and the challenges he and his family face every day. I'll also be thinking of my blog readers and subscribers that I can truthfully say are all over the globe.

To Wazza, a follower of my blog and fellow Aussie from Victoria who is running tomorrow - Good Luck!

I have to say a big thank you to all of you who sponsored me for this race and am so grateful to you for raising $2,250 for Harry's research.

I also would like to make special mention of some friends who have inspired me to run marathons in the first place, listened patiently to my journey of ups and downs and provided valuable advice along the way - Mark, Tim and Giddo - thanks!

I now have to go eat some more pasta...

I look forward to sharing with you the story of my race tomorrow.

A thought to leave you with -
In the competitor program provided at the expo which is full of practical information for race day is a page titled "Last Advice Before Departure" that was translated to english exactly as follows:
Don't forget!
* your bib and 4 safety pins
* your timing chip and the plastic link to attach
* a personal bag to let some dry clothes on the left-luggage facilities
* your Jogging International poncho to keep warmth before the start
* some antifriction cream preserve your skin
* your sponge if you want to use it on refreshment points
* 2 small bandages for your tits
Have to love the French!!