The day before the half-marathon, that is. I am in the enviable position of having a complete absence of pre-race nerves, an affliction which I'm not generally immune to. So what is this secret vaccine? Unlike the majority of fellow runners, I have not been training specifically for this event and consequently, I have no target finish time weighing heavily on my shoulders. I can approach the start with a certain lightness in my step and an ease of mind.

Being laid back about the race doesn't mean I won't give it my best shot. Analysing the results obtained in the Mdina to Spinola race and the Ta' Qali 10k, a 1:32 - 1:34 should be on the cards. However, I won't be glancing anxiously at the stopwatch or have it set to beep at a prescribed time every kilometre. Instead, the pace will be dictated by the sensations and situation on the day.

If I had a choice from the weather menu, hot and sunny would be my selection, with wind an acceptable side dish. A no-no is the cold, which can dampen my mood more than any downpour.

This is going to be the swansong for my current pair of Ascis GT-2120 running shoes. As they're approaching the 800km life span I give road shoes, is there a better way for them to go than by crossing the finish line at an international event? It's the equivalent to a Hollywood movie's "riding into the sunset" finale.

1121. Not a particularly inspiring number to pin on the vest but I hope the right combination of its digits will hit next Wednesday's Super 5 jackpot. That would certainly beat the marathon winner's prize money by far!

Confession. I haven't studied the route. I'm aware that it's not the same as the last time I ran it, which is so far back that I don't even remember when it was. I'm relishing this element of surprise; an adventurer on the road of discovery.

Slap it on....dollops....especially since last Wednesday's speed work left me with bloodied inner thighs and overly sensitive nipples. A tub of Vaseline is a must-have in the kit bag.

And here lies: Thoughts from the day after