Seeking advice on the effect that racing a 12k one week before a marathon would have on the marathon performance. Already signed up for the marathon and that race is the goal race for the late Fall.
Races aren't until Nov, but expect to be sub 2:50 for the marathon and running 70-80 mi/week for the buildup. I'm 50 yrs old.
Thanks!
Really, really, really bad idea. 50 year old legs will need the taper big time. If you are trying to race the marathon all out, skip the 12k.
My advice is to make sure you have a fully stocked fanny pack for the 12k. This combined with an effective placement of walk breaks should lead to a new PR.
Regarding the marathon, don't be scared to walk if you start feeling a little fatigued. I would highly recommend arm warmers and an ipod. There are key elements of the marathon process.
Good Luck and God speed my friend.
Either race the 12K or the marathon, not both. You could probably RUN both, but one of them needs to be at 'easier than race pace' effort. I certainly would not sacrifice a goal marathon for a 12K.
I had several marathon PRs come a week after 10 km cross country races. I think they were the best sort of "speedwork" I could have done. However, I was in my 20s and 30s then. Shorter usually ran cross country nationals the week before his Fukuoka wins. But you're neither Shorter nor in your 20s or 30s. But you are running decent mileage and I think you could benefit from the faster running and recover in time.
I've got no problem with it. I raced a 12k cross country race the weekend before running my marathon PR of 2:25. I was running the same mileage as you and had little practice on grass/trails. I probably kept 3-5 seconds/mile in the tank seeing as the marathon the next weekend was the goal race.
Go for it! And good luck.
Run the 12K at marathon pace, no faster.
Be careful, running is bad for your knees.