Well 3-4 times a week for 18 weeks has led me here. With a guestimate average of 40k/week thats 720km spread over 54 runs it's been a long time coming. Its time to see if a diet of instant noodles, beer and hot sauce pays off.

I must admit I am thoroughly looking forward to not running anymore. I think backpacking had a pretty negative effect by turning running into work rather than pleasure, and now I'd do just about anything to focus on another sport. Then again, with temperatures hitting the -40 range, I think I left Calgary at the right time.

So, on Sunday at 9 a.m Tokyo time, myself and 29,999 other people will launch forward in a giant mass to weave 42.2 km through the worlds 13th biggest city. If the forecast and past years are any indication it should be a chilly 5 degrees, yet hopefully without the rain of past years.

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I find when I squeeze the significance out of a run, telling myself its nothing, then 40 steps out the door I literally feel annoyed its not over yet. But at the same time, picturing a 10k run, then thinking about doing it 4 times can be an intimidating thought in itself. So instead I'm going on a sightseeing jog with a big audience.

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Sidenote, I went on a shopping spree today. I bought a digital camera, Japanese/English dictionary, mp3, digital TV and a gps with internet/email capabilities. It also all happens to come in one handy package called a cellphone, undoubtedly Japans most popular object.

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I dont know if they'll do live updates, but if they do the website is www.tokyo42195.org/index_en.html and my bib number is 27 963. I'm also taking public donations in my name for the Tokyo Incorporated Taxi Company, 42 km adds up.