On Sunday I could become the first person to complete the London Marathon despite being unable to breathe. You know the kind of head cold that just won't go away? I hardly ever get get them. But two weeks ago, I did. It's still with me, the darling thing. Never mind. With a fair wind and a Vicks inhaler up each nostril I'm sure I'll reach the end, raising a few quid for a good cause in the process - and, of course, taking part in one of the great London mass events.
Having abandoned all ambitions to run a show-off time, I've decided to just relax and enjoy the route. It's so good that this encompasses both sides of the river and takes in territory as varied as Charlton, Birdcage Walk, Bermondsey and the Isle of Dogs. The start of the race is a terrific spectacle. Darryl of 853 blog puts it this way:
I've said it before, I'll say it again on Sunday, and I'll say it again now. There's no better morning to be in this part of south-east London than London Marathon day. A rolling carnival of human endeavour, sporting excellence and charity follies, it's something that brings out the best in this corner of the world.
Of course, pain is involved as well. But at least that will take my mind off the election campaign. Good luck to everyone else participating on Sunday.
The Guardian on London
Ken Livingstone vows to halt roll out of new Routemaster buses
Boris Johnson: housing and nothingness
Nine questions for Sky News to ask Boris Johnson
Boris Johnson defends decision to ban Christian advert
London mayor live blog – Q&A on housing
Ken Livingstone promises, but Boris Johnson delivers
How to go Green without ignoring your head
Siobhan Benita: a star is born?
Want to be mayor? Get in step with London's youth
Boris Johnson maintains lead over Ken Livingstone in polls
Boris Johnson: there will be no riots this year
Tube strike: maintenance workers vote for three-day walkout
London Olympics chief remains confident with 100 days to go
London Olympics 2012: real hurdles will be capital's transport system
O2 Olympic venue security staff stop legal photography – video
Addison Lee serving ministers despite pledge to illegally use bus lanes
Eleven Met police cases of alleged racism
Teenager sentenced over death of pensioner during Ealing riots
One in five London children miss out on first-choice primary school
London blogosphere
About Greenford 365:
The plan is that I will post an image of Greenford every day throughout 2012. I have called this part of the London Borough of Ealing home since 1991 and believe that, while it has some problems, it also has a lot of potential.
The words of Albertina McNeill. Her photographs are here.
Coming up
The London Elections campaigns - for the assembly as well as for mayor, as we mustn't forget - will enter their final full week before polling on 3 May. On Sunday evening, BBC London hosts its mayoral debate. Starts at 22:25. Not sure I'll be up that late...
