When to run prep races

I was hoping to run a 10k and 13.1 as prep races for Boston to get a sense for my fitness, however, up North here there are very few races and they don't exactly line up with my preferred schedule. So....how far in advance can I run the 13.1 w/o negative impact for Bos? 3 weeks? 4 weeks? How would you place these two races?

I think either 3 or 4 wks is a good test. I'm "racing" Cherry Blossom on 4/1 which I believe is 2 wks out, and I do that often. I ran the Grand Rapids Half 3 wks out from NY. I like to race, and it lets me know where things are at.

Remember however, that you cannot "improve" or "change" too much that close to the race, so don't take the results and panic.

Michele "1L" Keane wrote:Remember however, that you cannot "improve" or "change" too much that close to the race, so don't take the results and panic.

Oh I realize that, but they will help me set my expected pace. Hopefully fast!!

Actually considering ATL for the Georgia half.

It is an excellent race and a good, fair hilly course. Good course for a Boston test.

I'd say at least 3 weeks out for a 1/2 marathon.

I think 4-5 weeks is perfect for a half marathon. 3 weeks is okay in terms of recovery but in my opinion it interferes with doing your last 20 miler 21 days out from race day.

You can run a 10k pretty much anytime; just a glorified tempo run, really.

definitely no less than 3 weeks if you like fresh legs.