The pressure of running the New York Marathon

On Sunday I will be running my first ever marathon.

And it's not just any old marathon - it's the iconic New York Marathon.

I've been training since January and so far I have run more than 700 miles - mainly around the streets of South Birmingham.

Friends, family and contacts have donated £300 for my chosen charity - Troop Aid.

Everyone who knows me knows how much time and effort I have invested into this single event.

It's unlikely I'll have the time, money and opportunity to do this ever again.

It's quite literally a once in a lifetime event for me.

So now, after nine months of training, numerous races and a variety of injuries, the big day is looming.

Pressure - what pressure?

The good thing is that all the logistics are taken care of. I'm travelling with sports package holiday specialists Sports Tours International.

They've taken care of my entry, flights, transfers and hotel. They are even escorting me to the start line on the big day.

That is all one huge relief.

But as much as I am looking forward to it I also have a number of doubts.

Here they are:

1. Do I have it in me to run 26.2 miles? I've never done it before. Have I done enough training?
2. Will I be able to get past the wall when I inevitably hit it?
3. What if I get injured? I can't let all my sponsors down.
4. What about the weather? It snowed in New York this weekend. Will it be freezing on race day? What should I wear? Will I even get to New York if flights are grounded?
5. Will I overcome jet lag?
6. Will I sleep through my alarm (the bus to the start goes at 6am)?
7. Will I sleep at all?
8. What shall I eat for breakfast?
9. Will I need the loo on the start line?
10. Will I get lost (there are three separate routes for the race depending on your bib colour)

I'm sure it will all be fine on the day.

Completing the New York Marathon will not only be a personal achievement for me - it will almost certainly be one of the most memorable days of my life.

Keeping me going during the tough miles will be the knowledge that I am raising money for Troop Aid.

If men and women the same age as me can risk life and limb every day in Afghanistan, then I can manage a measly 5 hour jog around the Big Apple.

Help give me the strength to run further than I have ever done before. Donate on my Troop Aid Just Giving page. Every extra pound will help injured soldiers at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham.

And every extra pound is an extra reason for me to grin and bear it as I put my body through its biggest test yet.