marathon prep
 

im running the half marathon on carlsbad this sunday. i was just curious as to when i should start resting for this event. i took today off and was planning on doing a light workout tomorrow that consists of cardio: basketball, bike, swimming. should i start saving it for this sunday??

This is a really individual thing, and no two people will give you the same advice. However, for me, there's no way that I'll get any improvement, either in speed, cardio, or technique this close to a race, so I weigh how much rest I need, and count back from there. Generally, for a half marathon, I run a light run two days before (race on Sunday = light run on Friday) which would be less than 10k and at a moderate pace, just to keep my body feeling active. Do NOTHING on Saturday, but eat carefully. then, race on Sunday.

Again, this is what I do, and I know several others that do similar prep. Having said that, the best runner I ever knew would run a half marathon with the last 10k at max the DAY BEFORE his marathon, and he was a sub 3 hour marathoner. So, go figure...

Peace,

Pierre