More great stuff! I like this approach, especially tailoring the entire week based on how I feel around the workouts which become more important as the race approaches. Recovery seems to be a common theme, which I will try to emphasize more (maybe my worst best quality is always doing too much).
In regards to 2:25 being lofty, I agree it is but I just can't justify putting all this effort into something that doesn't push the limits of what I think is possible in my mind. The idea of putting it all out there excites me and that is ultimately my new motivation. One last (probably lasting a couple more years) go at putting everything I have into an athletic feet. I will be okay falling short of 2:25, but I want to do my damned best trying to get there. Hope that conveys my attitude.
Another thought for any more readers out there, have you combined weights with marathoning? I have started a regular routine now getting back into base shape and am curious on how to proceed once specific workouts kick in. Obviously, probably dependent on recovery.
Thanks everyone.