Post content has been hidden

To unblock this content, please click here

VIP September 2017

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

Flag
Hide content

AwkwardToBe, on April 19, 2017 at 12:52 PM

My sister and I have been looking to run our second half marathon this year. It's a little too late to sign up for spring races because we won't have enough time to train to be able to do as well as we would like. Summer races are too hot and miserable for me, so that's out of the question. This leaves us with fall races. The problem is that there's only one half marathon in my area in the fall, unless I want to travel 2 or more hours for a race that will likely start at 7am. The problem with the race I'm talking about is that it's September 24, and my wedding is September 30. I don't really want to push my next race back to next year, but I might if it doesn't work out. Will it be too stressful with last minute planning and training happening at the same time, or will the race/training act as more of a stress relief/break from all the wedding stuff? I also want opinions on recovery times. How long does it usually take you for your legs to recover after a long race like that?

Show all

27 Comments

Master August 2017
CoffeeNColor · on April 19, 2017 at 5:59 PM
Flag

Hide content
To clarify my comment, I'm not saying change your daily routine. I'm saying don't risk a training injury.
- Reply
Master August 2013
OMW · on April 19, 2017 at 6:27 PM
Flag

Hide content
Lyla - yup - the chafed nipple thing is usually a male problem. Sounds like you need a better bra!

I do the race for completion. I've finished 3 full and 8 half marathons. I'd totally do a half the week before my wedding. In fact, I'd do it proudly!
- Reply
VIP September 2017
AwkwardToBe · on April 19, 2017 at 6:33 PM
Flag

Hide content
I've been doing around 3 races per year for the past 4 years or so, mostly 5ks and 10ks, but wanted to do one more half before I try running a full marathon next year. I also have 2-3 5k/10ks planned before the half marathon, so I should have a good base before I need to start hald marathon training. It seems like I should be good, as long as I don't injure myself and take extra precautions before and after the race. The last week or two before the race I should be tapering anyway, so hopefully the training won't get in the way of last minute wedding stuff.
You've all given me lots to think about. Thanks for all the advice. I don't really have any running friends besides my sister, and she knows just as much as I do, so I don't really have anyone else to ask.
- Reply
VIP September 2017
AwkwardToBe · on April 19, 2017 at 6:35 PM
Flag

Hide content
And yes, I was planning on just racing to finish without walking. I'm not looking for overly impressive times. I'm not that fast where I would be able to get any prizes haha.
- Reply
Master October 2017
ambrok · on April 19, 2017 at 6:46 PM
Flag

Hide content
OP, you know your recovery time better than anyone else. If you are confident that you'll be recovered by 3-4 days before the wedding, it's something you want to do & feel like you might benefit from a stress-relief type run...go for it.
- Reply
VIP June 2017
MrsB · on April 19, 2017 at 6:50 PM
Flag

Hide content
I plan on running the morning of my wedding...not a race and nothing overly hard, but a quick 30 minutes will put me in an awesome frame of mind for the rest of my day.
(Note: Usually I run 4-5 days/ week, so this is in no way unusual. If I wasn't a runner I'd do some other workout, though. Endorphins!)
- Reply

Savvy February 2018
Amanda · on April 19, 2017 at 7:17 PM
Flag

Hide content
I would do it, but I also have run 15+ half marathons. I have it pretty down pat how my body will react to running at this. If you are not a super consistent runner, I would recommend picking a different date and be ready for the fun of traveling to a race!!!
- Reply