10k two weeks before a marathon

[InflatableBuddha]

I'll be racing my first marathon on May 3, and I am debating whether or not to run a 10k race two weeks before (April 19). I have a fair bit of running and racing experience, but this is my first marathon, so I want to make sure I enter it with a proper taper, etc.

Background:

I did about three months worth of base mileage (max 65 miles/week) in the fall before I developed tendonitis (tibialis posterior) over Christmas break. I stopped running and switched to cross-training (pool running, stationary bike, stairclimber).

With consultation from a personal trainer, I have a core strength program I am doing 3 times per week to strengthen my entire body, and new stretches to increase flexibility, to hopefully reduce the possibility of getting injured again.

I just completed my walk/run program (pain free) and I am back doing steady runs again. Looking at the calendar though, I only have 9 weeks until the race. I am planning an 8 week buildup, similar to what I did in the fall (2 up weeks/1 down week; no more than 10% increase per week), with 1 taper week before the marathon. I am hoping that with the addition of the strength training program, the injury doesn't reappear.

So the question is, will the 10k have any benefit for me (speed or racing tuneup) or is it too close to the marathon?

Thanks.

 

[Capt Caveman]

10k is fine. I plan on running a 1/2 marathon a week before one of my marathons this year.

 

[SociallyChallenged]

10k? It depends on the intensity with which you run the race, but that shouldn't be a big deal.

 

[brikis98]

If you can run a marathon, a 10k shouldn't affect you that much. Obviously, the intensity you run at will make a difference, but two weeks should be plenty of time to recover.

 

[InflatableBuddha]

Originally posted by: Capt Caveman
10k is fine. I plan on running a 1/2 marathon a week before one of my marathons this year.

Woah. If you can pull that off, then I should be fine with my schedule.

Thanks guys.

 

[SWScorch]

As mentioned, that's fine. Most marathon training plans call for a half marathon 3-4 weeks out as a fitness check. Since a 10K is about half of a half marathon, 2 weeks is more than enough time to recover from it. CC's plan of a half the week before a marathon is a bit risky but as long as its not an all-out effort it can work too.

 

[RagingBITCH]

I wouldn't run it at 100% intensity like you would just a normal 10K. Like Scorch said - a lot of programs have halves a month out as tune-ups. A 10K isn't a significant distance, but I'd still be careful about maxing yourself out.

I'm running my second on Saturday. Which one are you running?

 

[InflatableBuddha]

Originally posted by: RagingBITCH
I wouldn't run it at 100% intensity like you would just a normal 10K. Like Scorch said - a lot of programs have halves a month out as tune-ups. A 10K isn't a significant distance, but I'd still be careful about maxing yourself out.

I'm running my second on Saturday. Which one are you running?

I'm running the Vancouver Marathon on May 3. I was thinking about running the Sun Run 10K two weeks before as my company will be entering a team.

I've raced the Sun Run 5 times previously, but as I mentioned, things are a bit different this year with the marathon as well.

I might try to find a half marathon in early April instead, or else run a time trial. That might work better race prep.

Do you have a link for your marathon? Good luck this weekend!