Nine days to go until I attempt to run 26.2 miles around the streets of London and I'm feeling pretty good.

My inflamed Achilles has setlled down after I took it easy for a few days and ten days ago I managed to do my last long run - 20 miles.

The Achilles was sore but not too bad but I ended up with a bad blister on the instep of my left foot, courtesy of a driver who soaked my left side driving through a puddle as I pounded the adjacent pavement - thanks very much Mr.

I then had a few days off celebrating a mate's 50th birthday in Ireland as everyone convinced me that drinking plenty of Guinness was actually very good for me - something to do with the energy-enhancing properties of Irish yeast apparently.

Came back and did 15 miles on Good Friday and for the last two weeks it's all about something called tapering - whereby you descrease the length and regularity of your runs so you peak again on the 26th.

So between now and the big day it's a mix of seven and four mile runs - nothing really - just to keep me ticking over.

I have got my marathon number and an inch-thick book of maps and instructions from the organisers about where I'm starting, what I should do with my kit and what happens when (definitely when, not if) I cross the finish line. Reading through it you realise what a huge event it is with 35,000-plus runners and millions watching. It will certainly be the biggest crowd I've performed in front of...

I'm running for children's charity Rainbow Trust and I would love to raise £1,000 in sponsorship. Nearly there, but if you can help you can donate at www.justgiving.com/brucetalbot