How important is it to Race in a Marathon buildup?

Question

Drew Wartenburg · Answer

The question of whether to race and when to race as part of a marathon buildup is something that is really individual and is going to be a good topic of discussion between an athlete and a coach when you sit down at the beginning of a marathon block and then as you begin to move through it you'll be able to assess how training is going and whether those races that you initially wanted to do still make sense or you can get to a point where you feel like you want to put a race on the schedule even if it wasn't part of the initial plan. I think whether it means racing or not one thing that I would say that you have to do is to rehearse for your marathon and training. That can involve a race that could be a half marathon it could be a 10-mile race where you're going to practice fueling practice and pacing maybe race all out that can also take place in practice if someone prefers so there isn't a necessity to race but it is definitely beneficial if you want.

Brad Hudson · Answer

So, what's interesting is that with such a high level of sport these days with so many great athletes, races are almost more important. They're so high level for the most part. But you can do things, obviously if you have a great training group, you don't always have to race. But you can use races to your advantage and that's my opinion. You have to do some hard work. You might as well go through the simulation of racing and use races a little more as training during your marathon training. Obviously it's great to race 100% at times and compete, but you can use marathon training and low-key races during your build-up, especially if you're at altitude. I think it's important to go to sea level and to fuel because things are very different when you're nervous, how you absorb things, and also how you take in things during different conditions. So, my feeling is to race during your marathon build-up, it can be a workout. It doesn't always have to be 100%. Now obviously people do things a little differently and if you're getting success not racing, well that's great. Obviously you're getting the right stimulus, but at some point you may lose some intensity in your training and you can add a little more intensity by including races as part of your training during your marathon build-up and using them to test both products you're going to use, equipment you're going to use, and mental tactics to get ready. But obviously with such high-level racing these days, you have to pick and choose properly and simulate the conditions that you're going to go in and the terrain.

Deena Kastor · Answer

It's not important to race before a marathon, but you could use your long runs as if they were races in themselves by putting out your clothes the day before and eating a dinner that might be similar to what you're going to find in the city you're running in or racing in. Um, getting a good night's sleep, even with a little bit of jitters in there and waking up and having the breakfast you intend to have on race morning. All those things will help you prepare a little easier come race weekend.

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"How important is it to Race in a Marathon buildup?"