Seems the whispering has begun already. Tale-telling and rumours. Unfounded allegations. Pulp fiction planted by the paparazzi. It’s centred in Harbour Grace, Newfoundland, where debate apparently alternates between the exploits of the Pirate Admiral – Peter Easton – and this back-of-the-pack weekend warrior.

Last Sunday, the last long run for those of us heading down to Boston for that famous foot race this weekend, Ron pulls up next to me. Tells me his dad, Ron Peddle Sr., has come down to the Big Smoke for Easter. Tells me the good people of historic Harbour Grace have been keeping up with some of my exploits. They've been reading between my lines, pondering my litany of injuries – and they've concluded I'm running on a broken foot.

Well, I'll admit it, I've been something less than 100 per cent the past little while. Beyond that, I ain't saying. It's playoff time, you know, and details of injuries are a closely guarded secret. But, if it's enough to keep the Kenyans off balance, let the word spread.

If 12,000 folks believe it – and maybe have the misfortune to consume some bad water on their way from Hopkinton to Boylston Street – I may have a shot at that laurel wreath.

If not, well, maybe 2004 will come to be known in Boston lore as the year that that middle-aged guy from Canada conquered the course on a broken foot.

Call me athlete 5849

A month ago, during the depths of my aches and pains, the various medical specialists, witch doctors and voodoo practioners all assured me I’d be ready for Boston. Despite their poking, prodding and chanting, I had my doubts. Until it arrived.

This year's bib number – my place in the crowd of 20,000 who have earned a spot in the world's oldest annual marathon, the second-most heavily covered sporting event in the United States. I'm athlete 5849 this year. Last year, I was 10683.

I'm seeded almost 5,000 places higher than last year. It's not quite the pole position and the Vegas bookmakers haven't exactly shortened the odds on me, but – hey – it's enough of a carrot to soothe some of those winter ouches.

Getting ready

Despite the training and the mental incentives, can you ever be ready for a marathon?

At the post-run coffee shop last Sunday, as we yammered about Boston and London (two members of our group are running London this weekend), somebody asked Bryan –a Boston veteran – whether he was ready for next Sunday.

"Yup," he said. "All set for Sunday. Monday's another matter."

The Boston gun goes off Monday at noon, long after Sunday night's pre-race pasta feast.

Running is affordable, eh?

Who said running is a sport everyone can afford – that all you have to do is throw on some shorts, a short-sleeved shirt and a pair of runners?

Been tallying the cash that's been flowing into this hobby lately and I've discovered the road to Boston is one great big toll highway.

The list goes something like this:

• Running shoes - $150 (1 pair)


• Running clothes - $200 (winter running)


• YMCA membership - $150 (winter)


• Physiotherapy - $400


• Massage therapy - $195


• Boston Marathon entry fee - $125 US


• Hotel 2 nights - $325


• Two airline tickets to Boston - $75 (thank you frequent flyer program)


• Food and incidentals in Boston - $150

Even though my extended health care coverage handles the physiotherapy and the massage therapy, I'm still out almost $1,200 – all because I need Lady Boston to torment and torture me for about three-and-a-half hours.

Am I nuts?

Absolutely!

LETTERS   [Email Peter here]