Back-to-Back Races

As spring racing is fully under way, many runners have a really full event schedule. One of the biggest challenges that comes with racing a lot is figuring out how to successfully run events that are really close together.

So many races, so little time, and so many questions!

Here are some quick answers to help out:

Q: Can you do races on back-to-back weekends? 

A: Probably. While I think it’s best to focus on only 1 marathon in a season, back-to-back races of HM or less is usually fine. Make sure to decide which race you want to emphasize. Plan on giving it “all you’ve got” in only one of the two races and use the other as a supporting race to prepare for (or bounce back from) your top priority event. 

If you want to put out a full effort on both races, that’s okay, but understand that the first full effort could compromise your second race. If the races are different distances, plan for the shorter one first, if possible, to minimize the likelihood of carrying fatigue into your second event. 

Related: Choosing the Right Goal

Q: What kind of training should be done between back-to-back races?  

A: Generally very little training should be done between two races close together. The emphasis should be completely on recovery. Do not plan to “gain fitness” between the two races and do not plan workouts. Focus on easy running and active recovery like walking or easy cross-training. Listen to how your body feels. Use any extra time not spent training to catch up on sleep or rest. 

Related:
Why a Day Off Isn’t Recovery
Rest Days Are Training Days

Q: How to know if you’ve fully recovered? 

A: The best way to know if you are fully recovered is through experience. Recovery is a very individual challenge and can be different even for the same person depending on factors including race distance, race-day effort, weather temps, fueling and hydration strategies and fitness level. 

The best strategies to help accelerate recovery are getting extra rest and proper fueling during and after a race.

Remember that a race effort requires physical and mental/emotional energy so tune into how your body feels AND your motivation to train. 

Related:
Nutrition and Hydration: During Your Run, and Post-Run
Recovery Factors to Consider
How to Know When You’re Recovered