One last workout before your key 5k/10k/ or 1/2 marathon. What would it be?

There are many factors both positive and not so great that have to be factored into what you do for your last key workout before your peak 5k, 10k, or 1/2 marathon. How many runners actually take the time to weigh the factors of workout volume, pace, rest, workout environment, workout surface (roads/track), and what you have done before & after the workout in terms of mileage and recovery?  What about the history of the workout a runner is doing before that key race?  For example has this workout worked in the past, have you recovered from the effort, and have you taken away the confidence you needed to run your peak race well 9-10 days later?   Sometimes the last key workout turns into a nightmare and then what?

The next time you are setting up your last key workout before a race write the workout down and let it sit for a day or two so you can think about it.  Come back to the workout and go down the list of positives that will make the last key workout the best you can roll with preparing you for the final race.  If there are any "X" factors or questions on the workout you should not even begin the workout - fix those concerns before you begin. An example of an X factor is an uncertain outcome.......can I even complete the workout at the goal times?  Or does the workout volume make sense for the race distance I am running?  Or what if the weather does not cooperate on the day you want to roll the workout, do you have a backup plan?  If you want to run fast you have to plan, these workouts don't just happen with luck.