Query About Key Half Marathon Race

by Paul
(The Netherlands)

Half marathon race :

"Hi Marius,

I have a query about the key half marathon race in week 11 of your plan. I have a possibility to do both a 10k race and 10 miles race on the same day (instead of doing 1 half marathon race). First there is the 10k race, then there is about 45 minutes of rest, followed by the 10 miles race. I am aware of the fact that I can't do both races at full effort.

Is it ok to do both races? How would you approach both races in terms of pacing? Would you run one at full effort, and if yes which one (10k or 10 miles).

thanks again!

cheers,

paul "

Answer: Hi Paul and thanks for your question.

You may do this, but one of the main challenges is that you won't have a good half marathon time to pace your marathon from. If you have a very good idea though - in terms of stress, you can do this variant. Pace the first of the two races at your half marathon to marathon pace (most likely close to your marathon pace would be ideal) and run all out on the second one, the 10 miler.

I wish you all the best,
Marius