On today's episode, we dive deep into the world of "tune-up races," those pivotal practice runs that occur weeks before your main event. Ever wondered why many seasoned runners swear by these shorter distances? We'll unpack how these races are the ultimate test of fitness, an essential tool for refining your racing skills, and a means to forecast your performance in your main event using the VDOT calculator. Plus, we delve into the nuances of race day logistics - from selecting the right terrain to navigating the start and finish lines, and even taming those pre-race jitters. But how should you approach these tune-up races in terms of speed and pacing? We discuss why it's more than just clocking a shorter distance at goal pace. Whether you're aiming to conquer a 5km or prepping for a marathon, we offer insights on when to schedule your tune-up race, the optimal lengths, and the strategy behind them. Drawing upon expert advice, including references from Owen Anderson, we explore the art and science of the tune-up. And for those curious about tapering? We've got some golden rules for you.