Navigating back to back races

Ever get to that point in the season where you realized your “good idea” to schedule two races close together is closing in on you?

You may be approaching that point now that the season is underway, staring down two big races a few weeks apart and getting a little intimidated on how to navigate it.

Often these schedules can tee you up for a massively successful set of races, capitalizing on fitness from the first one, if you properly lead into the second. It can also go very, very poorly if you end up overtraining during the gap.

The key in making this work is what you do immediately after the first race, and in the time between the two.

Some of this also depends on the distance and the space between. For example, if it’s two ultras, or two Ironmans, you’re better off erring on the side of rest between as you navigate the days. Very long races can take a while to unwind in your body, so giving yourself some true recovery time is key. This doesn’t mean do nothing - but rather - keep walking, do some easy spinning/riding. Recovery swims can be really beneficial, as can body work.

If the races are more of a mid-distance or you have a bit longer of a gap between, there can be room for intensity in the middle. This is something that’s important to work out with your coach, and monitor your recovery levels in-between.

It’s absolutely critical that you don’t skip proper post-race fueling after the first one. Be sure to dedicate real time and energy towards this piece, and continue it in the days following.

Finally, be flexible with yourself in the middle. It’s likely that your training between the two may not look the way you anticipated it, and that’s ok. Find some fun in this unique process; it can be a great learning experience about yourself and your training & recovery processes, and it can feel like a huge success when it’s all finished!