KWR: Runners, would you run a race a week or so before your wedding?

I think last time my legs were better after a week, but I can't really remember.

I did my first half marathon a month before my wedding. I would have probably been fine it if was a week before. I did a 5k the week before my wedding.

While my inner runner says that the running will help release some of the stress and nerves, I would also worry about hurting something or getting blisters, you just never know. Sorry OP, I say sit this one out.

If you are consistent with your training and you feel good days prior to the race, I say go for it.

Technically there is no difference between going out for a long run (13.5 mikes) and 1/2 marathon. One run has a crowd and the other is done by yourself.

If you find running works to relieve stress, then definitely do it!

Recovery time ... very subjective. I've been ok within 2 days after a 1/2 and full marathon.

ETA : but my recovery time was short because I ran to finish so it really wasn't any different than my longest training days.

Good point MBean.

I did a race one week after my wedding last year (which was sept 24 haha!) and I will say it was pretty miserable. I was soooo tired and stressed during the planning that I didn't have enough time to devote to my training and I skipped a lot of runs. I found it really hard to schedule my long runs too because I was so busy every weekend leading up to the wedding. If I could do it over again, I would have just done the 5k and not the half. I was sore for a while after that race too since my training was lacking. Honestly I would say skip it or go for a shorter distance. I've run over 10 half marathons and am usually very good about training, but it was just too much to handle at once even though my race was after the wedding was over.

I don't think I would risk it a week before the wedding. I just finished my first half and I ended up straining a muscle. It wasn't bad, but it did take about a month for it to stop bothering me.

100% no from me. Blisters, chafed nipples, sore joints, etc. doesn't sound fun on the wedding day. Do an easy 5k instead.

I've only done one other half marathon, and that was this past November. I have constant blisters on my feet when training, but that's because I need better shoes, so I'm not too worried about blisters on my wedding. Honestly this time I'm just looking to finish without walking at all and to get under 2 hours. Last time I walked during the water stations and my time was 2:03, so it's not that much more of an effort from last time. Plus I think this course is less hilly than the previous one.

I appreciate everyone's advice. At least I have until May 31st to decide before prices increase.

*looks at schedule*

I'm racing 8 days before my wedding. It's only a 4 miler though. But I race almost every weekend in the spring/summer anyway.

I wouldn't, I'd be worried I'd be too exhausted on the big day

I wouldn't want to risk injury during the race or in training leading up to the race.

My friend went hiking 3 weeks before his wedding. Slipped and tore his ACL and was on crutches for the wedding. Had surgery the week after the wedding.

When I did my first (and only) half, my legs were fine 2 days later. I would say it would be fine but it depends on how you feel leading up to the race. I wouldn't do anything more than a 10k that close to the wedding because I get anxious and stressed training to run more than 6 miles and it would just add to wedding stress. Also I'd be scared to hurt myself and when I ran my half, both of my second toenails fell off which I wouldn't want for the wedding/honeymoon. It all depends on how your body handles training and how you personally react to training for runs.

My aunt ran a 5K the morning of her wedding

I ran a half marathon a week before my wedding. I say go for it. The only thing I'd be concerned about would be having enough time to deal with last minute things that have to be done that weekend, but as long as you plan ahead accordingly, I don't see any huge issue with running the race! Good luck!

@McBean. Wait really?!?! I totally get chafed nips. Maybe I have weird nipples or badly fitting bras...

I'm a runner, and your date twin! 9/30, woo! I say do it. If you've run a half before and know what to expect and do your training properly, there's no reason you wouldn't be totally fine a week later. Take an ice bath after the race to reduce swelling and speed up recovery, and do light cardio (we're talking leisurely elliptical or bike) and yoga during the week before the wedding to move out the lactic acid and keep your muscles healthy.

Like PP's said, I would worry about accidents, but accidents can happen anywhere right?

They say for every mile you race, it takes one day to recover. IE 26 days for a marathon, 13 days for a half. For half marathons I'm usually back to my routine a couple of days after the race. Its really going to depend on how well you train and how well you can prioritize recovery. If you can do a lot of long runs and start building some base mileage now, you should be just fine. Now if you signed up for the race and half-assed your training then that would be a different story. But it this is something that is more 'routine' for you, then I see no problem with it.

It sounds like you're a seasoned runner and this isn't going to be something brand new to you. If it was your first half marathon (or first in a long logn time) I would maybe advise against it. Sign up for a 5k or 10k to "practice". See how you feel after racing. Hydrate hydrate hydrate in the weeks leading up to the races, practice your fueling strategies. Get fitted for good shoes for training and the race (the cause of many running injuries). And stretch and strength train!

I wouldn't risk it.

This seems to be an unpopular opinion, but I think you'd be fine! Maybe don't try for a super aggressive time goal on this one, just run it for fun--but I really don't think it's a big risk. Half marathon recovery has never been a huge deal for me, though of course everyone's different.

The thing I'd be more concerned about would be fitting it into your schedule that close to the wedding. Things tend to get hectic in the last couple weeks before the wedding with lots of last-minute errands, etc., but if you plan your time well I don't think that's necessarily a dealbreaker either, just something to consider.