DAA is absolutely right about testing at the distance you are going to be competing at. To do otherwise, will put you at an unovercomable disadvantage to those who test at, and practice at, the full distance.
Competition is serious and if you don't get real serious real quick, you do not really want to be a winner. You can win, but not without extreme effort. You should always realize that there are very many, very talented, very dedicated people, after the first place. To beat them, you will have to put out more effort.
Jack
