Anomalous
Thanks, everyone!
Half Fanatic #3091 ~ Marathon debut: 11/16/13 Anthem Richmond Marathon
"Run from what’s comfortable. Forget safety. Live where you fear to live. Destroy your reputation. Be notorious." - Rumi
Resident Historian
Agree with the above posters than a half isn't necessary in the 2 months before. It is helpful to have some sort of tune-up race (10-mile, 15k, or 10k, in order of preference) so you get a directional indicator of where your fitness is relative to prior periods. I'd be reasonably confident in calling a reasonable MP off one of these races, especially with some points of comparison to prior races.
Also, if you've had good training cycle, the tune-up race can be a great confidence builder. But if it requires a lot of travel that you wouldn't do except for the race... not really worthwhile IMO.
Neil
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------“Some people will tell you that slow is good – but I'm here to tell you that fast is better. I've always believed this, in spite of the trouble it's caused me. - Hunter S. Thompson
I didn't race one for either of my marathons, but it was more because the marathons themselves were the focus.
Similarly, I probably wouldn't race a 10k before a goal half marathon. Not that there's anything wrong with doing either, I just wouldn't. All things being equal that is, as I have learned with running to never say never.