If all goes to plan, I'll be running a marathon in mid-October. I'm on schedule with a 12-week buildup, including progression runs, marathon-paced runs, intervals and long runs up to 20 miles. I'll continue this program until I reach around 60 miles per week with a long run of 22 miles.
My question is: I'm running one 5K race for speedword next week, and I'm debating between running a 15K or 30K race four weeks out from the marathon — which race, if any should I do?
I'll either race the 15K (9.3 miles) hard, or use the 30K (18.6 miles) as a marathon-paced long run. I think I remember reading something about some of the great marathoners from the 70s and 80s running 20-mile races a month or so before a marathon. I've never run that long of a race leading up to the big day, but thought a paced race would fit into the schedule nicely and give me enough time to twick my training before the real race. (See how my pace feels, my rythym, fluid intake, endurance etc.) Plus, I'll avoid coming close to hitting the "wall."
Any suggestion?