History in the making!

The Olympic Flame has arrived in my hometown, Nottingham!

Whilst looking out of the window at an almighty thunderstorm this morning, I started to wonder how they prevent the torch from going out. I really wanted to know the answer, so I tweeted (yes, tweeted, after a turbulent start and much confusion I actually understand Twitter now) Notts council, and they directed me to a website explaining how the torch was weatherproofed. I won't bore you all with it because you may not be as geeky as me, but I thought it was fascinating how much design and thought has gone into it - It was even tested in the BMW wind tunnel, and put under heat lamps!!

Anyway, I walked down to one of the roads it would go along before heading to the centre, and took my place to wait. A police convoy came round the corner. That set a woman behind me off moaning about how ridiculous and pointless it all was.

''Look Barry, look at this. I mean it's stupid isn't it, this is what I pay my taxes for. For a stupid gold stick to have how many coppers protecting it. They should be out doing something useful''

She had a REALLY grating voice that made me cringe. I despair of people sometimes. I know we are in a recession, life is hard, it's crap etc, and yes, the council do rip us off. But.. this time they have spent our money on doing something that will give us enjoyment, fun, a sense of community and celebration! Would you rather we didn't have the celebration and they spend the money on cleaning graffiti and fixing potholes?! I wouldn't! I'd rather have the moment of excitement and drive round the pothole! We don't get this often! And not to forget we are watching a moment of history go past, we are not going to see this again. It's world culture, it's tradition. Not just 'a gold stick'. Now, should we enjoy this moment of everyone coming together or should we stand and moan about it?!

First in the convoy were the sponsors. Now this always amuses me. Have you noticed who the main sponsors for 2012 actually are? Coca Cola, Mcdonalds, and Cadbury. In a time of rising obesity, eating disorders and people in the UK being at their fattest ever, the biggest sports event in the world is sponsored by the biggest culprits. Ironic. And insane. Advertising has a lot to answer for. Promoting sport and healthy lifestyles, but here, pop into Maccy D's and get a coke. And a bar of dairy milk for after. Perfect.

The coke van was handing out bottles, which set moaning minnie behind me off again.

''Look Barry, look, they aren't even handing them this way, we're going to miss out again as usual. Just my luck. Oh make sure we don't get a ticket too. You know what these bloody traffic wardens are like. Always after your money.''

Then it was-

''Barry what are they wearing, the people who are doing this? I hear they have to wear a uniform. God only knows who they got to design it, probably another rich daddies girl''

What a moaning sod she was!! I had to leave God and Barry to it after that, I couldn't stand listening to her anymore, she was making me tired. You are a strong man Barry. All the best.

As the torch approached I felt really excited and a bit kind of 'wow'. (Easily pleased) The man holding it looked so happy, it was really nice. I wish I could have run with it. And I would have run, sod the shin splints. It must have been a really special moment.

A woman next to me stepped out into the road as he passed to try and get a picture, almost sending the support people running at the side flying. The supporter shouted get out of the road, which I thought was most tactful. Some people have no common sense.

I walked into the centre, but missed the big flame being lit by Torvil and Dean, because there were SO many people and you couldn't get anywhere fast. Actually you couldn't get anywhere at all. There were thousands. I could see a slide show of olympic moments being played which was great. I always get so emotional watching stuff like that! Maybe I was an olympian in a former life. They played Kelly Holmes' moment obviously, which is a classic.

I think I get all choked because it's just magical, hard work and dedication and pushing yourself to the limit, again and again in pursuit of your goal, whatever that may be.

Now it's close to what would have been my magic, my moment. It's two days away. I feel awfully sad, but at the same time I know I will be there next year, and I will hopefully be going into it fully fit and confident. I am in a relay doing the bike, so I'm able to do a small part of it at least this year.

I'm nervous and excited for my friends who are taking part, and looking forward to seeing them all cross the line.

By the way, my Twitter is @swimbikeruncake  ;)