Pavey targeting personal best marathon performance

The five-time Olympian set a personal best of two hours 28 minutes 24 seconds when she last ran in the event in 2011 - and is aiming to go even faster aged 43.

And the former European 10,000m champion hopes that a strong performance could book her a place for the World Championships marathon, back in London later this year.

She needs to finish as a top-two Brit and go quicker than the qualifying time of two hours and 36 minutes.

"The calibre of girls competing is tough and it's going to be a big ask, but I'm going to do my best," she said.

"A personal best is a possibility, I've trained constantly hard but I've had more illnesses than I'd have liked. I think any parent can relate to that when your kids bring them home.

"It hasn't really stopped me training though, I've just continued going. As a track runner, I've been making sure I've got plenty of time in my legs for the roads.

"I've trained really hard and put in the work, so I'll give it my best on the day. I love running, and I love having something to aim for.

"Last year was all about trying to make a fifth Olympics, I only just did it, and I was pleased to achieve that goal.

"Last Autumn I wanted something else to look forward to so I chose the marathon. The marathon is an event where I think there is a still a possibility of a PB because I still have a lot to learn."

But whatever happens this weekend Pavey is not planning to quit the sport yet.

And even if she doesn't make the British team this summer, she'll still be at the Olympic Stadium to collect her her 10,000 metres bronze medal from the 2007 World Championships in Osaka, after Elvan Abeylegesse was stripped of silver following a retrospective failed doping test.

"You'll possibly see me on the track again, I don't have any definite plans after Sunday," she added.

"I'm too indecisive to have a retirement race. I haven't ruled out being on the track again. I love it and I'm obviously more experienced at it.

"I love setting new challenges, and who knows what my next one will be. I'm just loving keeping going."

Sportsbeat 2017