As Racetober draws to a close (and as I work on my MCM recap), I wanted to share a few quick lessons from Racetober, which just ended with my MCM finish. I dubbed October “Racetober” because I ran two marathons with a ten miler in between during the month. Read on to see what I learned.
- You can survive multiple races within a compressed time period. You can even probably set some personal records during that time period. I was able to PR the marathon and the ten miler in October (and come a minute or so within another new marathon PR). If you know what’s coming up, you can be prepared for it. I’m not saying a situation like Racetober is right for everyone, but don’t doubt yourself – you can do it!
- Be diligent about back to back long runs. I will definitely share some more lessons later on, but the one thing I wish I would’ve done was to do a couple of back to back long runs. My training plan usually called for a long run (16/18/20 miles etc.) followed by a cutback week. In retrospect, I should’ve done a few weeks where I did two longer runs back to back. Next time (I’m sure there will be a next time), I’ll do that.
- Set realistic goals. While it’s possible to set personal records during your own version of Racetober, be realistic. That’s part of the reason I always set multiple goals because you just don’t know what the day will bring you!
- Be smart about your taper. Make sure you are resting well, hydrating and keep those legs loose. It matters so much how you handle a taper when you have a few big races within a short time period.
- Support can make all the difference. I knew that I’d see so many friends and my husband out on the course and in the end, that made the race for me. Having such incredible support really mattered for me during the Marine Corps Marathon in a way I couldn’t have predicted. I’ve never had that much and that type of course support before and it was amazing. If you are planning on a string of races like I did, I highly recommend seeing if you can get some friends to come out and support you! More about this in my recap (which I’m working on), but having my friends Julie and Caitlin basically run me in for the last four miles was incredible.
celebrating with fellow Oiselle runners & cheerers!
Come back later this week for my race recap!
Have you ever run multiple long distance races within a short time period?
You had one busy October! Congrats!
Michelle @ Running with Attitude recently posted…The Runner’s Brain Review
Thanks – happy for a short rest π
You are such a rockstar!! I’m so impressed with your determination and work ethic- so many huge races and PRs! Thanks for always keeping it real :). I’ll keep an eye out for you in Richmond in a few weeks!!
Thank you – are you running Richmond as well??
Yes running the half for the third time! Love that race!!
Woohoo! Me too π
Great tips!!! Rest is uber important, I’m learning this week.
Haley recently posted…NYC Training Recap β Weeks 16 and 17
Yes! It makes a huge difference, right?!
That’s a lot of miles in one month! congrats! Look forward to your recap
Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner recently posted…Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
Thanks – it’s been busy π
Well, you know me and my love for back to back to back races LOL.
I love the back to back long runs (either back to back days or back to back weekends, depending on your goals.) They are amazing for training your body to keep running when you really don’t think you can. I know that was my secret for surviving MCM this year, despite my messed up training.
Congrats on such a great month! When are you going to join me for some Mainly Marathon races? ;o)
MCM Mama Runs recently posted…Mission Accomplished: MCM 2015 finisher
I know, I’ve been thinking about it. The loop courses scare me, though!!
You’ve had a fantastic fall! So glad I saw you — and you saw me — at MCM! You were looking so strong!
Coco recently posted…Washington D.C. Kayaking Tour
It was soooooo amazing to see you there!!
I was really struggling and seeing your smiling face made my day! (Sorry hit send too early :))
You are a rock star! You not only had the courage to plan three big races in one month (just the thought terrifies me!) but earned great races and PRs. I look forward to reading your recap!
Jennifer @ Running on Lentils recently posted…Rest Week: Walks, Scary Movies & A Clean House
Thank you — I’m pretty sure I want to do Hansons when I train for another marathon. All thanks to your awesome blog posts π
You made it through October in one piece! Way to o girl!!
Alaina @ The Simple Peach recently posted…Easy Breakfast Tacos + Ways to Perk Up Your Morning
Thank you!!!! One piece and some very sore legs π
I’ve done a few halves in the same month but never two fulls. I did do 6 5ks this month though…hahahaha. That’s awesome and congrats on both races. You had such a great month of training and races!
Hollie recently posted…Why Sub 19?
6 5ks is intense, lol!!!
Congratulations, Courtney! I love, love, love the picture from the MCM that you posted to IG – the excitement on your face from seeing your Oiselle friends was priceless! Can’t wait to read your recap!
For a few years (I think three), Bill and I ran the Baltimore Marathon, the MCM, and Marathon in the Parks all within four weeks. We would treat one marathon as our target race and the other two as training runs.
Debbie @ Deb Runs recently posted…And That’s A Wrap On The Fall Traveling
Yes, that’s the same attitude I had. 3 marathons in a month – wow!!!
You rock, Courtney! And I would say you definitely embraced the term Racetober :-). Thanks for putting together this list of lessons you learned. Its helpful for someone like myself who hasn’t done that yet.
Angie @ Pace with Grace recently posted…Running for Perspective
Glad you found it helpful! It was a really fun month π
Running multiple long distance races in a short period of time is definitely doable, you just have to have realistic expectations, which you certainly did this month. I had originally planned to run two halves on back to back weekends (RnR Philly, followed by Wine and Dine), but we both know what got in the way of that plan. π
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running recently posted…15 in 2015 Update #2
hahaha, yes you had just a tiny change of plans π
you did so amazing. You planned well and trained smart and it paid off – kudos!!!
Mar @ Mar on the Run recently posted…Milwaukee Half Training Weeks 7 & 8
aw. your words almost made me teary. thank you for ALL the support. you know it means the world to me. xx
Although it was much less of a distance, I did 4 races in 3 days for a total of 26 miles and I couldn’t agree more with ALL your tips!!! Not sure I could ever do two marathons in one month but I’m running NYC in just a few days (yikes!!) and crowd/family support will be KEY!
Congratulations on your HUGE month and all you accomplished. You should be so proud of yourself!!! #HeadUpWingsOut
Allie recently posted…The Rundown – Taper Town USA
Thanks Allie – I know you are going to LOVE having your family there in NYC. I’ll be cheering you on from DC, gal! π
All your races in October, so impressive! And it’s great that you had all that support at MCM. I’m sure it made all the difference.
Chaitali recently posted…Wine and Dine Half Marathon Training – week 16
It made a HUGE difference!
You had an amazing month.
It was pretty crazy π
I’m so impressed with your strong back to back marathons! I feel like one marathon took so much out of me, I don’t know if I could do another! Although 3 weeks later, I’m feeling pretty good again..Hmmmm
Congrats and thanks for the inspiration!
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home recently posted…Falling for…food and family #hemphearts #sweatpink
Haha, you definitely could if you wanted to. You are just so strong!!
I have never done multiple long races back to back, I’m in awe of your two marathons. I wish I had seen you out on the course this weekend. It was a tough race for me, as it was a lot of people I hear!! Congrats Courtney!
Thanks Sue! I started so late, I didn’t see any friends on Rock Creek which stunk π
Love this! Congrats friend and it was so good to see you. We are maniacs maniacs!
Jennifer recently posted…Marine Corps Marathon Training T-2Γ’ΒΒ10/12-10/18
I ran 3 1/2 marathons in 5 months (my first time) and I am not sure if I would do that ever again.
Wow, that’s a lot – way to go!!!