The story is as follows:
My roommate and I are currently training for two very different events. Me the 5k, him the 50k. We both started training at the same time (beginning of December) and training has gone well for both of us. Last night him and I dropped the pack we were running and this increased effort got me thinking...
Per recent training/racing, what would be a fair distance for us to race? 10k, 15k, or HM? It'd be fun to duke it out in a predetermined distance.
He seems to think that 17.05 miles is fair. His logic is 31 + 3.1 / 2 = 17.05. His reasoning is obviously flawed. There's a tipping point where over-distance runners gain the advantage.
Example: Lagat is training for the 1500m and Max King is training for the Western States 100 mile. Is the fair distance for them to race a 50 mile? Hell no. King wins hands down 10 times out of 10.
So what is the fair distance for us to race?
1) 10K
2) 15K
3) 10 miles
4) HM
5) 17.05 miles
6) Other
I personally lean towards #3, but my opinion may be biased. I'd like get other runner's input at there may be a significant about of money wagered over the predetermind race distance. Thanks!