Would a Half-Marathon run on April 12th be too close to Boston? If it is ok to do, would you treat it as a race, or more of an MP effort?
Would a Half-Marathon run on April 12th be too close to Boston? If it is ok to do, would you treat it as a race, or more of an MP effort?
Nine days out is way too close for a race or even half your marathon race.
That is way too close. It's too soon for any real fitness benefit to sink in and it's not enough time to recover from a hard effort.
I'm running Boston and I'm planning a hard half on March 30th. I was worried about the timing so I asked my old coach and he said 3 weeks before is ok but no less.
I share the same school of thought, but longer races are harder to find in the mid-west early in the year.
I found a half on March 30th also. I'm assuming 3 weeks + 1 day will be good enough. Plus my training schedule calls for a 15 mile MP Run that day anyways.
Doug E. wrote:
I share the same school of thought, but longer races are harder to find in the mid-west early in the year.
So don't do a longer race. Do a time trial.
Doug,
Here is a 1/2 marathon in Cary, IL, a northwest suburb of Chicago on Sunday, March 16. This a little earlier than you were considering. It's fairly hilly by midwest standards, but it's all we have in this area to prepare for Boston's hills.
Here's a 1/2 marathon in Springfield, IL on Saturday, April 5. It's flat and probably too close to the Boston date.
Run the Heart Mini 15K in Cincinnati on March 30. It's well organized with rolling hills and a pretty competitive field. At three weeks out from the race, I think it's a perfect Boston tune-up.
I think 3 or so weeks is optimal, but I'm committed to doing the Loco Great Bay HM on April 6th. It's a nice course - rolling hills where Lynn Jennings used to train.
This is the HM I'm doing on Long Island
http://www.sc-halfmarathon.org/
It's slightly rolling for Long Island standards. No big hills like you'd see in Boston, maybe a +30 ft hill. Also, not that much competition at the faster (sub-7) speeds.
NYRR hasn't published there schedule for March yet.
That is way to close. What's the point? If you want to attend the event for social reasons, just show up and bandit a few miles at MP. (and watch out for those 'shoes' that are causing you injury - judging by this post, you need to modify your training habits)
Doug E. wrote: Would a Half-Marathon run on April 12th be too close to Boston? If it is ok to do, would you treat it as a race, or more of an MP effort?
Way, way, way way too close. Don't even think about it.
Was this a serious question?
My training habits are fine thanks....But just like everyone else, we all like to bounce ideas off of other runners.
knowerer of things wrote:
Doug E. wrote: Would a Half-Marathon run on April 12th be too close to Boston? If it is ok to do, would you treat it as a race, or more of an MP effort?Way, way, way way too close. Don't even think about it.
Was this a serious question?
Yes...It was a serious question.
If you look at my other post, you will see that I am hesitant about it, and think that it is too close. However, before my last Marathon, I did a 30K race, then tapered for 2 weeks (to the day), and PR'd. That is why it's even being considered.
Doug E. wrote: Yes...It was a serious question.
OK then. You've received the same reply, more or less, from everyone who's posted. I think you have your answer.
I agree.
Thanks.....