Up For the Challenge

On a recent race re-cap covering two halves that I completed in December, reader Nicole questioned training for back-to-back races. With the rise of "challenge weekends" that are being introduced to running events across the country, this question is being posed more frequently. The team at runDisney has single handedly put terms like "Dumbo Double Dare" and "Dopey Challenge" on the tip of the tongue of many a runner; but in my opinion,  the training plans they provide to get in shape to complete the races give only half the story on how to prepare.

Please note that I never claimed to be an expert on any subject when it comes to training, because everything I say comes from experiences leading up to my own endurance events. I have no medical training outside of a couple misguided semesters of pre-med courses in college, and I have no license to officially coach anyone on their road to racing. That being said, the experience of running multiple distance events on the same weekend or on consecutive weekends speaks volumes on what I think universally works for runners.

Nicole is planning on running the Louisiana Half Marathon in Baton Rouge in late January, and turning around to run the Rock'n'Roll New Orleans Half Marathon two weeks later in early February. What many training plans lead runners to believe is that training with decent mileage on consecutive days is key in preparation. I agree that this is true for building the stamina and endurance, but even more importantly it conditions a runner to innately know what their body feels like and what its capable of. Only you can tell how you feel on any given race morning and how far you can push yourself. Mentally preparing for back-to-back races is the piece of the puzzle many training plans lack.

If you want to go by the book and follow a training plan for back-to-back races, renowned running coach Jeff Galloway has put together a plan for runners of the Dumbo Double Dare 10K / Half Marathon in September. You can check out that plan HERE to adapt for the events you want to run. For me, as I do with most of my back-to-back ventures, I'm continuing my marathon training plan. Knowing that the miles I will put in training for fall full marathons will be sufficient to get me through Dumbo is comforting, and not varying from a plan that gets me to my ultimate goal is going to be the method I stick to.

With four Goofy Challenges under my fuel belt, I know that I may have to sacrifice some performance expectations to achieve much broader and realistic goals. Regardless of how much you train, your body can withstand only so much. You're not going to PR at every race. Running multiple events close together while remaining healthy is possible, and should be what you most want to achieve. Remember, these challenges are meant to be enjoyable and personal.  Prevent injury. Race to see another day. And most importantly, have fun. Finishing is a win, regardless of what the clock says.