Question:How far do I run the last weekend before the marathon?
I'm considering running a half-marathon the week before but
some friends have said that is too much.
Any other opinions?
Answer:
A half -marathon the weekend before would not be a wise choice for
most prople. Just do a medium run - not a race - (6 miles), taper and
relax - eat well, visualize setting a PR.
You may get some anecdotal response that someone ran at 30k - 100k race
the week before and then ran a 2:10 marathon. The bottom line is there
is very little little you do one week before that will help but
you can do things that will hinder. If you care about your marathon,
not just using it for a training run, then listen to your friends.
I have yet to see a marathon schedule that suggests a 1/2 the week
before. Some, Benji Durden, suggests a SLOW 2 hour run about 10 days
before but that is for carbo depletion.
In general the taper is difficult to come to grips with. You have usually
trained your butt off and then suddenly a mass cut to nearly zip miles.
Stow the guilt, relax, and learn to enjoy and appreciate the taper.
If you're looking to run your best in the marathon, don't race a half
marathon the weekend before. I'd also suggest your longest run 3 or 4
weeks before the marathon, not 2.
I could run a marathon every weekend, but I wouldn't be running my best.
You may be able to *finish* a half marathon and marathon in successive
weekends. But, I wouldn't even suggest trying that if this is your first
marathon.
If I were you, I'd run a fast 10 miles the week before--but don't do a
race because you'll use too much of what you've "banked." Go out alone
or with a friend and keep the pace steady and faster than your marathon
pace.
I ran nine marathons in 1985. I also ran half marathons, 5Ks and 10Ks.
However, my schedule from 5 October 1995 to 9 November 1995 was the most
rewarding of my running experiences. The schedule:
05 OCT - Williamsburg VA Half Marathon
06 OCT - Johnstown, PA Marathon
12 OCT - Ft. Eustis Half Marathon
13 OCT - Bridgathon (26.2 miles) Charleston SC
27 OCT - New York City Marathon (I PR'd)
03 NOV - Marine Corps Marathon (PR'd, again)
09 NOV - Great Philadelphia to Atlantic City Road Race (100K)
I was only 48 years old then. Now that I am older, I have slowed down.
