half marathon/ 10 mile training

Question
Hi John,
I am 18 years old and have ran 3 half marathons so far... 2 being under a month ago.  My next race is a 10 miler in a bit over a month, now my main question here is weight training for my upper body.  I regularly go to the gym at least 3 or 4 times a week, working out my upper body only.  Now for all of my past 3 half marathons I have not dialed back my gym workout at all, just keeping everything consistent and have achieved pretty satisfactory results with my best being a 1 hour 42 min.  I was just wondering what your opinion was on working out during the months leading up to a race such as the ten miler or a half.  I was thinking maybe of just working towards muscle tone rather then strength, as I don't really want to completely eliminate my workout.

Thanks , Jonathan

Answer
Hi Jonathan
I think if you cut out the upper body workouts 2 weeks before your race it will make a big difference in your performance do to eliminating the tightness which is always present and will also help with a more controlled rythim and focus.Any other questions just get in touch.

All the very best

John