There are hundreds, if not thousands, of fitness tests, some painful and expensive, such as muscle biopsies or stress tests. Some are cheap and easy — the old elementary school standby Presidential Fitness Test or skin-fold test for body mass.

Runners use tests to gauge fitness and training effectiveness. The fictional Quentin Cassidy of the cult classic "Once a Runner" ran a trial-by-fire series of quarters before proclaiming himself ready for the Olympic Trials.

In real life, a 30-minute jog is a pass/fail on basic endurance for new runners.

Races also can serve as running tests. A race or two during training can closely simulate conditions, both physically and emotionally, of the event before the big day.

Last Saturday's two half marathons, Cook Forest and Just a Short Run, served that purpose for runners training for the April 21 Boston Marathon. Just a Short Run also held a 30K race for an even closer marathon simulation.

The two races fall just outside of the three weeks that mark the traditional tapering period for the marathon. That makes them ideal final tests for Boston.

Because the final fitness test race marks the end of hard training, the race results can be used as a guideline to pacing the marathon.

For example, if you pushed hard throughout the half marathon to finish in two hours, it's not likely that you'll run a 3:30 marathon in this training cycle.

Likewise, if you breezed through the half marathon, you might be capable of more in the full marathon. Adjust your marathon time goals based on this final test.

Remember, this is just a test. You can't completely duplicate race-day conditions. You should feel more rested following a three-week taper leading toward the big day.

And weather can be unpredictable at any time of year. You can't plan for the ideal running conditions of last Saturday.

While this final test can be a useful guide, marathoners must remember that this isn't like taking a ninth-grade biology test. If you score poorly, you can't go home and cram for the final. Adding more training miles or extra speed sessions is counterproductive at this point.

Friday and Wednesday, 12:15 p.m.: Lunchtime run, Cabot. Run 6 to 7 easy miles with me from St. Luke Church. 724-352-2777 or pneubert@stlukecabot.orgSaturday, 8 a.m.: Up-N-Running Group Run, Valencia. 724-898-2525 or www.runpa.comSaturday, 8 a.m.: Hot Harry's Group Run, North Park. Run from 7 to 20 miles. Leaves from Lt. Stone Field.Saturday: Fools Run 10K, Indiana, Pa. Also 3-mile walk, first leg of Indiana County Triple Crown. 724-349-0501 or jswauger@comcast.netApril 5: Campus Classic 5K, Schenley Plaza, Pittsburgh. Benefits Hillman Cancer Research Center. pittcampusclassic@gmail.comApril 6: Run for Someone Special 5-Mile and 2-Mile Run-Walk, Sykesville. 814-938-6578 or frhet@comcast.netApril 12, 8 a.m.: Run to Read 5k, Millvale. 484-894-4675 or bappitt@gmail.comApril 12, 8:30 a.m.: Martha's Run, Mount Lebanon. Choice of 10K, 2-mile or 1 mile walk to honor FBI Special Agent Martha Dixon Martinez. 412-456-2859April 12, 9 a.m.: Great Shamokin Path 5K, Rural Valley. 724-783-7040 or rerc@asd.k12.pa.usApril 19, 9 a.m.: Big Blue Quest 5K, North Park. 412-359-3902 or ksainiak@wpahs.orgApril 19, 9 a.m.: Genesis Riverside Run, Heinz Field, Pittsburgh. 412-766-2693 or tricia@genesispgh.orgApril 19, 9 a.m.: Armstrong County YMCA Big Foot Half Marathon and 5K, Kittanning. 724-545-9622 or kknepshield@yahoo.comMay 11, 8:30 a.m.: Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure 5K, Pittsburgh. Largest running-walking event in the area with competitive 5K run, 5K fun run/walk and 1-mile walk. www.komenpittsburgh.org

<B>Shamrock Shuffle 5K March 22:</B> Tim Snyder, 1st Overall M, 17:11; Bonnie Lathom, 1st Overall W, 21:53; Cindy Grimm, 2nd Overall W, 23:42; Mark Courtney, 1st 50-54 M, 18:45; Curt Grimm, 1st 55-59 M, 22:36; John Antinossi, 2nd 60 and over M, 24:59; Bruce Hall, 3rd 35-39 M, 26:13; Len Yensull, 27:31; Lou Lodovico, 28:37<B>Cook Forest Half Marathon, March 29:</B> Kenneth Foster, 1st Overall M, 1:15:39; Mindy Sawtelle, 1st Overall W, 1:24:12; Jeff Lynn, 1st 40-44 M, 1:26:44; Marty Prokop, 3rd 20-24 M, 1:26:57; Patricia Neubert, 1st 55-59 W, 1:49:32; Kemper May, 2nd 14-19 M, 1:50:53; Audra O'Rourke, 3rd 14-19 W, 1:53:25; Carol Donahey, 3rd 40-44 W, 1:56:15; Mary Blom, 3rd 45-49 W, 2:00:42; Dianne Brooks, 3rd 55-59 W, 2:04:48Ashley Brooks, 1:36:48; Christopher Bloch, 1:39:11; Brad Zerbe, 1:41:21; William Marsh, 1:42:24; Fred Weaver, 1:43:33; Bob Markovich, 1:46:36; Bill May, 1:47:11; Rita McClelland, 1:51:14; Michael Glew, 1:52:36; Sarah Sims, 1:53:44; Kim Keeley, 1:54:24; Carleen Latess, 1:57:48; Derrick Henderson, 2:00:36; Jen Beachem, 2:00:36; Tisha Boltz, 2:02:53; John Mullen, 2:04:07; Elyse Johnston, 2:05:24; Talisa Dimmick, 2:06:28; Ralph Sundelin, 2:10:08; Beverly Lowe, 2:10:55; Evan Lowe, 2:10:56; Aaron Stanley, 2:18:12; Steven Drew, 2:25:41; Alicia Marks, 2:27:17; Bill Cwalik, 2:30:34<B>Cook Forest 5K, March 29: </B>Chris Strohm, 1st Overall M, 17:34; Cherie Jackson, 1st Overall W, 20:10; Ben Hoffman, 1st 14 and under M, 19:46; Thomas Leighton, 1st 40-44 M, 24:49; Kyle Layton, 24:22; Maxwell Chomas, 24:29; Margretta Lutz, 1st 70 and over W, 32:51; Adam Lowe, 25:48; Jim Confer, 27:29; Dale Caldwell, 28:56; Richard Cypher, 29:01; Jacilee Adkins, 31:33; Eliza Lowe, 32:45; Olivia Lowe, 32:45; Lindsay Macomber, 38:37<B>Just a Short Run Half Marathon, March 29:</B> Leslie McIntyre, 1st Overall M, 1:13:58; Tammy Slusser, 1st Overall W, 1:27:01; Mark Courtney, 2nd 50-54 M, 1:28:46; Gayle Specht, 2nd 25-29 W, 1:36:11; Bob Gracie, 1st 60-64 M, 1:40:23; Janine Marcoux, 1st 40-44 W, 1:42:17; Lori Piedimonte, 2nd 40-44 W, 1:49:23; Christine Murray, 1st 55-59 W, 1:58:57; Mark Hunkele, 1:29:18; Christopher Rotelli, 3rd 30-34 M, 1:28:59; Bill Ott, 2nd 70 and M, 4:15:33Michael Dreves, 1:30:39; Christopher Bise, 1:37:11; Philip O'Hara, 1:37:33; Todd Roberts, 1:40:01; David Berardinelli, 1:42:25; Bill Thompson, 1:42:44; John Limbacher, 1:43:25; Ryan Kennis, 1:43:58; John Dannhardt, 1:44:31; Derek Smith, 1:44:30; Dave France, 1:44:54; Brian Fill, 1:45:18; Todd Ashbaugh, 1:45:26; Gary Cercone, 1:45:58; Chris Romito, 1:46:45; Kris Poloyac, 1:50:43; Mary Jo Sanks, 1:50:44; Heather Healy, 1:51:13; Steve Swan, 1:51:03; Chris Cutone, 1:52:17Robert Waltrip, 1:54:51; Jacki Yingling, 1:55:08; Jeffrey Yingling, 1:55:09; Jacob Norris, 1:55:34; Ryan Henrie, 1:55:34; Michael Helbling, 1:56:40; Paul Kirsch, 1:56:43; Brian Shuttleworth, 1:56:33; Lindsey Monahan, 1:58:19; Kirk Littell, 1:59:16; Mark Shipley, 1:59:31; Chris Singleton, 2:00:21; Lynn Royhab, 2:00:28; Thomas Parenti, 2:01:23; Dana LaBamba-Clark, 2:01:29; Emily Bergonzi, 2:02:44; Shelly Stevenson, 2:03:19; David Glover, 2:03:37Bob Andrews, 2:05:48; Marianne Badaczewski, 2:07:01; Matt Brandt, 2:07:28; Denise Cervenyak, 2:07:42; Bryana Peters, 2:08:08; Tom Murray, 2:08:09; Patricia Cloonan, 2:08:50; Alexis Stimmel, 2:10:41; Kate Meehan, 2:11:14; David Johns, 2:14:04; Michelle Pekich, 2:14:36; Christopher Nettleton, 2:16:44; Lisa Myers, 2:19:35; Gary Goldebiewski, 2:19:50; Debbie Gallagher, 2:22:03; Ryan Dahl, 2:22:47; Dan Borchert, 2:28:28; Retta Martin, 2:35:18; Dana Sabo, 2:41:38; Aimee Carter, 2:47:23; Jennifer Dolph, 3:09:39; Natalie Llewellyn, 3:09:39; Veronica Trettel, 3:16:11; Debbie Carr, 3:16:13; Deborah Dunn, 3:30:39; Pat Vagias, 3:53:07; Janet Ott, 4:15:29<B>Just a Short Run 30K, March 29:</B> Dan Holland, 1st Overall M, 1:51:29; Moira Davenport, 1st Overall W, 2:16:13; Mitch Radella, 1st 40-44 M, 2:15:42; Dorothy Moxie, 3rd 40-44 W, 2:40:11; Wendy Recio, 2nd 45-49 W, 2:44:44; Joella Baker, 3rd 35-39 W, 2:51:53; Mary Morgan, 2nd 45-49 W, 2:52:14; Jo Nestler, 3rd 20-24 W, 3:26:32; Adam Leskanic, 2:12:04; John Armstrong, 2:19:56; Silvio Andreassi, 2:28:31; Matt McCusker, 2:37:06; Charles Lenns, 2:39:26; Mark Kay, 2:48:38; Jim Nickel, 2:51:53; Pete Ekstam, 2:56:46<B>Just a Short Run 5K, March 29:</B> James Hommes, 1st Overall M, 16:41; Dominic Wyzomirski, 3rd Overall M, 17:30; Beth Short, 1st Overall W, 18:48; Luke Badaczewski, 1st 15-19 M, 19:12; William Peace, 1st 35-39 M, 20:26; Curt Grimm, 1st 55-59 M, 21:31; Mark Knapp, 3rd 45-49 M, 21:29; Sarah Kelley, 1st 25-29 W, 22:37; Cindy Grimm, 1st 55-59 W, 23:03; Nancy Belz, 1st 45-49 W, 23:41; Ryan Leonberg, 1st 20-24 M, 23:14; Michelle Kochan, 1st 40-44 W, 23:17; Pam Kristoff, 2nd 40-44 W, 25:55; Frank Pantano, 3rd 14 and under M, 26:25; Patty Connas, 1st 35-39 W, 27:06; Wendy Gonz, 3rd 40-44 W, 27:21; Heather Clark, 2nd 35-39 W, 27:25; Suzanne Leonberg, 3rd 50-54 W, 29:19; Terry Ann Fuller, 2nd 50-54 W, 29:22; Brittany Thompson, 3rd 15-19 W, 30:37; Marcia Semple, 1st 60-64 W, 33:29Phil Barner, 23:14; Mike Sutton, 25:25; Michael Redilla, 25:02; Thomas Puskar, 26:33; April Tuza, 27:02; Joanna Sutton, 27:12; Stacie Doughty, 27:23; Cathy Ann Rains, 27:23; Bryan Smith, 27:28; Kim Bell, 27:51; Jennifer Cadamore, 27:57; Sue Pantano, 28:09; Kristine Smith, 28:10; Rachel Scanlan, 28:53; Luanne Demetter, 29:26; David Bates, 30:05; Stacie Brethauer, 30:06; Benjamin Erdahl, 30:30; Amy Redilla, 30:35; Brian Erdahl, 30:48; Lisa Moss, 30:59; Edward Imhof, 32:28; Betty Lanich, 32:32Jennifer Mager, 32:34; Judy Rosenzweig, 33:49; Mary-Alice Dolan, 33:51; Dana Leczkowski, 34:37; Carrie Miloser, 34:39; Lauren Edwards, 34:40; Nicole McKivitz, 34:44; Chris Arnold, 35:07; Sharon Harrilla, 35:08; Jenni Loeffler, 35:45; Alyssa Moore, 35:55; Robert Helm, 35:55; Jodi Abbey-Hines, 36:00; Jill Buchanan, 37:41; Cassandra Smiley, 38:46; Mitchell McCaffrey, 40:07; Jim McCaffrey, 42:14; Susie Wanamaker, 44:22; Larry McCauley, 44:23; Robert Fortwangler, 46:14; Daniel Demoise, 46:32; Craig Moss, 46:50; Natalie Fortwangler, 47:46; Jean Baker, 56:32Send comments and suggestions to: 435 Cherry Valley Road, Saxonburg, Pa. 16056. Phone: 724-352-4395. E-mail bigp16@connecttime.netPat Neubert is the running columnist for the Butler Eagle.