[roots]

The marathon training schedule calls for a weekend race. The original plan has us racing a local 5 mile race this coming Sunday morning.<br><br>
We discovered that one of our fun local summer races is now this Saturday night. Distance: 4 miles.<br><br>
Help me decide which on to do. The goal is to get an early season test. But I also want to have fun. I list the pros/cons to each:<br><br>
4 mile race (Sat night): Pros--decent competition, party atmosphere downtown Cleveland, outdoor post-race party and live band, hang out and have fun on Saturday night. Cons--this race company has a poor history of "short" courses. Much less competitive field than the Sunday morning race.<br><br>
5 mile race (Sun morning): Pros--certified course, outstanding competition. Cons--No late-night partying with the Saturday race.<br><br>
What shall I do?

 

[diablita]

I vote for all 3. If you can race back-to-back AND party, you'll ace any race.

 

[toe jam on crusty feet]

go win it all and party in the mix!!!!

 

[Alex]

Are you expecting to win either of these races? I'm not quite sure to what extent your speediness is, but I don't think having a little less competitive of a field is that much of a disadvantage. Plus even if it is a little short, you'll still be racing it, which is the whole point, and I'm sure a 0.0x length discrepancy won't really change anything.<br><br>
You're supposed to go some place and run fast, so why not do it Saturday so you got a party after it? Plus who wants to wake up early when they don't have to?

 

[Ziggy]

What's more important to you, partying or running?

 

[Nettie]

I agree with Alex.

 

[roots]

<img alt="surprised.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/surprised.gif">ccasion5:<br><br>
Don't tempt me. Although I still sometimes try, I continue to prove that I am in my 20s no longer. I could do it, just can't get too polluted.

 

[roots]

No, its just an early season race. I am however, a bit excited about it since I've only raced 4 times this year. My shortest race being a Half Marathon.<br><br>
I like the way you're thinking. I can have waaaaay more fun Saturday night if not rising early to race Sunday.

 

[sistergoldenhair]

Saturday night's all right for racing, get a little (party) action in!<br><br>
It sounds like more fun. Fun is good.

 

[srlopez]

I voted for Sunday.<br><br>
I have learned that I can't race at night. I can run, but I can't *race*.<br><br>
Your mileage may vary.

 

[Flounder]

If the question which is the best indicator of fitness and best race for marathon prep - Sundays 5 miler<br><br>
Life is about balance - Work / Fun / Fitness - You will have to choose the most important thing to you for balance - Party or All out 5 miler.<br><br>
Sadly - I would choose the 5 miler - Only Sad because my roots are to party every night.

 

[Litchfield Hills]

If this is not a goal race, and just a gauge of current fitness, go for fun. Saturday 4M+beer!

 

[dob259]

I say go for the Sat. Nite race and party. It's early enough in your training that 4 versus 5 is not that big of a deal. Enjoy now, soon, you'll not be able to do the party thing.