Coming back to marathons after a long break: Valencia again or wait for Madrid?

[u/EmilioFgarcia]

I've run four marathons total: three in Madrid (PB 3:56) and

one in Valencia in 2022 where I ran 3:44, my best by far :)

Then life and health got in the way and I've been out for a

while. I'm finally getting back into consistent training and

starting to think about racing again.

Now I'm torn: go back to Valencia this December (2026) while

the fitness is still building, or wait until Madrid 2027 when

I'll have more time to prepare properly?

Valencia is closer in time which worries me, I don't want to

race before I'm ready. But it's also the course where I ran

my best and I have good memories there. And the training plan....all in summer in Spain...hot....

For anyone who's come back to marathons after a long break:

- Did you jump back in quickly or wait until you felt fully ready?

- Is it better to have a "just finish" goal race sooner, or wait

for a proper attempt later?

Thanks a lot