… I should have just got a job on the bins, the pay’s better and I’d know some hard blokes, and I wouldn’t have to pretend, that I know what rhetorical means

Not long now until the big one, I had a steady week with a nice multi terrain work out on Tuesday over at Arrowe Park. The race was as usual well represented by PLS and I had a decent run out that started off slow but I wound it up on the 2nd lap of the route. I finished 13th in a time of 26:22, over a minute quicker than when I ran this race in 2009. I felt in good shape during the race and it’s boosted my confidence for this Sunday. I ran a double session on Monday but because of work and personal commitments, I had three days of no running. No concerns there, I’ve got the miles in the bank so the rest would probably do me good. I’ll really wind down this week, make sure I don’t run more than 6 miles and add a few quick bursts in to keep me sharp.

I’m planning to get to the start for 08:30 – plenty of time to prepare. Every aspect of my Edinburgh marathon went perfectly – the training, the sleep, the breakfast. I know I’m in better shape with a tad more experience. The Liverpool course is tougher than Edinburgh but at least all of the route will be packed with spectators with a smattering people I know. Again, rather than stick all my eggs in one basket, I’ve set myself a few targets.

Here they are, rated from possible to probable to down right delusional:

1. finish
2. sub 3
3. break PB 2:56:01
4. break PLS V40 all time record of 2:49:22
5. break 2:45

I plan to pile it early, running as close to 6:15’s for as long a possible. Roughly working on around 39 mins for each 10k, I should be at the half stage in 1:22ish with the 18 mark at 1:52:30 and the 20 at 2:05. If near that and still moving, I’m confident I can get under 2:50.

Of course I could quite easily blow up after 6 miles :o)