race pace v training pace

martin 35716

Hello anyone out there I could do with some advise

Running 4 years mara PB 3.48 then ran comrades this year in 10.23. Now the issue

Not done anything like a training plan for Venice marathon in 2 weeks time longest run since Comrades at end of May 15 miles but have been working on speed as new long term aim a 3.30 mara next spring. Dont care about a time in Venice but sub 4 would be nice. now find it impossible to run at 9.09 pace so what to do

a) Run at 8.30 ish which I find comfortable for as long as possible then run/walk to the end

b) Force myself to start slow and do all I can to keep that pace

 Thanks