LONDON 2012 TORCH RELAY | MOVE TO THE BEAT

The London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay begins in just four weeks time on Saturday 19th May. And it’s 68 days until I get my hands on the gold perforated torch to play my part as a Coca Cola Future Flame. One of 8,000 people do be taking part.

Coke are encouraging us all to Move to the Beat in support of the relay.

There will be support vehicles and security personnel to keep us safe, exclusive merchandise (I’ve ordered my “I was a torchbearer” tshirt!), and celebration events. As someone who is just a normal girl with a normal life this is all getting a bit out of hand. I mean, the other day I had an email asking if I’d like to go for afternoon tea with the Chairman of my County Council. I don’t know if I’ll actually be going yet, but I’ve said I’m interested! I’m planning on taking every opportunity I’m given to make the most of this thing that is happening.

Coca Cola have very kindly bought my torch for me too, so I get to take the Olympic Torch (minus the burner unit – shame!) home with me when I’ve finished my leg of the relay. That’s the actual one I run with. It’ll be mine, only used by me. Wow. Thanks Coke that is actually awesome.

Another thing that Coke have done is made me a personalised banner so someone can hold it up while I’m carrying out my Torch Bearer duties. Here’s mine (and it’s been claimed by my mum!):

This will come with two personalised beat pads for people to make noise with while I’m running – so I can move to the beat.

There are a few things that worry me about this whole thing. Like will I fit into the size of uniform I’ve ordered. And will it suit me. What happens if it rains? I’d better not fall over, or drop the torch, or let the flame go out! Apparently it’s all going to be broadcast live through the BBC too – is that right?!

But whatever happens I know it will be a day to remember.

I won’t know the details of my exact 300m stint until four weeks before, but I know it’ll be Bracebridge Heath on the way into Lincoln somewhere around 4pm on Wednesday 27th June. I’m really not sure about what the day will be like but I do hope that there will be people there to see me (and take photos) as I take part in this historic and absolutely once-in-a-lifetime event.