I ran a 18:10 5k last week and realized that I might be able to pull off a sub 1:25 half mary as long as its flat. This would get me into NYC marathon 2017 if i can hit it. I checked the local schedule and sure enough one is coming up on 10/22… Problem is that I have IM Los Cabos on 10/30. Admittedly I am unlikely to KQ there (non wetsuit swim means a 1:15 swim time for me which will put me out of contention). But will this screw up my IM bug time? I can also shoot for a half mary on 10/09 but that means scratching my last long ride… Good/bad idea?
Don’t do it. two reasons, the first one and big one is that 1 week out you are going to be absolutely pumped for Ironman and you will go out in the half mara and use al that mental energy and excitement you have for ironman. 2nd reason, IM is a huge commitment time and money, just focus on that goal and then once it is done move to the next goal an find the avenues to get you there.
I love running a few half mara’s in an ironman build to get that tough long fast run in, but these are done like 6 weeks out. This year leading into kona i have done half mara races on back to back weekends to really build the strength endurance that you just don’t get training v race conditions.
Good luck with your decision.
I am pretty aggressive with pre IM racing, but this one I would pass on. Unlike racing a half IM 2-3 weeks out, a PR attempt half marathon one week out would likely significantly take from your legs for the next weekend. I have race a 10K one week out, but even then I dialed back and first 3 miles.
It has been a few years since I did this, but I recall some half’s that were qualifiers running through January? With a smart reverse 2-3 week run taper after Cabo you could go for the 1:25 with about a month window and your run fitness will be there.
My general rule of thumb for a strong runner prior to IM is that IM training plan/taper is primary, racing is not going for broke, and don’t race a greater distance in miles than days to the IM. FWIW, this is coming from someone with running as their strength in triathlon, so not risk-adverse with this discipline.
Don’t.
You’ll still be recovering from the HM when you should be tapering for the IM.
Rule of thumb is 1 day per mile raced for running (so 2 weeks)…plus time for the taper.
I would’nt. I did a 10k 3 weeks before an IM and regretted it, because I felt my Achilles for two weeks and only but just recovered before the IM.
I wouldn’t. The hay is in the barn for IM at that point, no need to waste energy during taper on a half-marathon plus risk injury.
I would also double check the NYRR entry rules for the NYC Marathon. I think you to run need to run a sub 1:25 at a New York Road Runners race, most of which are sold out.