So says the letter that came attached in an email:

Dear participant, you are registered for the 36th real,- BERLIN- MARATHON 2009 under the race number shown on your address label.

The Berlin Marathon is one of the 5 races in the World Marathon Majors circuit (the other 4 being Boston, London, Chicago and New York). Besides having an international elite field, these races also have very large mass participatory entries. This year, 40,000 runners are expected in Berlin.

Berlin has a fast and flat course. It was here, in 2007 and 2008, that the men’s world record was set and reset by Haile Gebrselassie. He will be in the elite starting field again in September, making another attempt to better his own record of 2:03:59.

Running on a course where world records were set is good news for lesser runners like me. This indicates that the course is “easier” to run. With hills out of the way, the mind and body can focus on other tough aspects of the 42.195 km.

After a week’s rest with absolutely no running at all, I am into the final phase of my training. That means 3 more weeks of very long runs and quality runs.

That is not to say that I feel very well-prepared for this race. I still have the feeling that something is amiss. It may be that I have not done enough work on strength and I have definitely neglected stretching.

As I try to juggle training, work and working in time for strengthening and stretching exercises, I am really looking forward to visiting Berlin. From what I have found out thus far, it seems to be a buzzing city, both culturally and historically rich, with plenty of things to do. Planning my visit, that too, is part of my preparation for Berlin 20.09.2009.