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How to Run Back to Back Marathons

December 22, 2014 By: Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC35 Comments

I recently ran two marathons within 14 days of each other and lived to tell the tale. Here are my thoughts on why I did this and some tips on how to manage this if you find yourself in the situation of being crazy enough to attempt it (no, just joking – it really isn’t that crazy). The truth is, I never really planned on running two marathons in two weeks, but it turned out well for me. After Richmond, I just really really wanted to have another crack at the marathon and when I found the NCR Trail Marathon, it seemed awesome. For me, I just felt dissatisfied (even though every word of my Richmond recap is true and I wouldn’t have changed it at all) and wanted to try one more time to get a time that was closer to what I know I’m capable of. If you find yourself in a similar situation – or you just want to run two marathons that happen to take place very close to each other, here are my tips:

How to Run Back to BackMarathons (Without Injury!)

 

  • The most important thing I recommend is not “racing” both races. What do I mean by this? If you are running back to back marathons, both of them can’t be your “A” goal races. If you are planning to race back to back marathons (or half marathons, etc.), then designate one of them as the race in which you’ll really push the pace, and use the other as a training run. Running 26.2 miles hard multiple times within a few weeks is probably not a good idea and could make you a ripe candidate for injury.
  • Come up with a training plan for the time between races. I structured my training and recovery from Richmond (November 15) to be prepared for the NCR Trail Race on November 29. I did a reverse taper and ran 3-6 miles four times in the 14 days I had in between races. More importantly, I rested well, got in some cross training (walking and barre classes) and I tried to hydrate very well. Michelle who blogs at NYC Running Mama gave me some tips as she had done the same thing. 
  • Come up with realistic goals. This is especially important if your second race is a “redemption” race to make up for a disappointing race/DNF (did not finish)/etc. at your first race. If you weren’t planning on running two races in a short time, you may need to adjust your goals. For me, I wanted to run a race that was more in line with my training. I knew that my original goal probably wouldn’t happen but I felt I could PR – and I did!
  • Get some support! As I mentioned above, I chatted with Michelle about running two races in two weeks, and she was supportive. I also chatted with some other runner friends. The general consensus was you can do it if you’re smart about it. I highly recommend talking to someone who has done this just to bounce questions off of them. Running two marathons in two weeks is something that most of my friends and family think is insane, so I knew I needed perspective from other crazy runners!
  • Don’t be afraid to reevaluate. I was prepared to just take it super super super easy if it turned out that the cramps I felt running Richmond happened again. Luckily, the didn’t – but if they had, I would’ve adjusted my plan. Recognize that you are putting your body through stress and until you’ve done it, you can’t be positive how your body will react. Be kind to yourself and adjust if needed. 

So, would I do it again? Yes. In fact, I did it again in the fall of 2015 – I ran the Wineglass Marathon on October 4th and then ran Marine Corps Marathon on October 25th. I was able to put these tips back into action and run two well executed (for the most part!) races. I also ran two half marathons in back to back weekends in November (Richmond and Annapolis), so these tips really do work! 

A version of this post first appeared at Women’s Running.  

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Have you ever run back to back races?


Comments

  1. Jennifer says

    December 22, 2014 at 7:56 am

    I think I am going to throw my name in for BOTH Chicago and MCM (hoping for at least one….but if two……) This will come in handy for next year!! I
    Jennifer recently posted…Charleston Half Training – 12/15-12/21 -Week 7My Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      December 22, 2014 at 9:24 am

      Awesome — I’m entering the lottery for MCM as well 🙂

      Reply
  2. Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes says

    December 22, 2014 at 9:35 am

    All excellent tips. While I haven’t done two back to back, I considered it with Richmond, but didn’t. My husband is NOT supportive of two in a row unfortunately. He just doesn’t get it :/
    Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes recently posted…12 Days of Christmas Giveaway: Day 11–Ultimate DirectionMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      December 22, 2014 at 10:10 am

      it’s understandable – not many people understand the crazy! but you would have lots of support if you did it 🙂

      Reply
  3. Mar @ Mar on the Run says

    December 22, 2014 at 10:30 am

    not sure I’d ever do back to back marathons, but I’ve done back to back half mary’s more times than I care to admit! LOL, great tips and you’re absolutely right about only pushing yourself in one and having goals.
    Mar @ Mar on the Run recently posted…Season’s Greenings at the Botanic Gardens {Blogmas} Day 10My Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      December 22, 2014 at 3:07 pm

      yeah, you have to designate one as the A and the other take it easy! 🙂

      Reply
  4. Colleen L says

    December 22, 2014 at 10:56 am

    Woo, nice work on the back to backs! I’m super intrigued to find out what your fall race plans are!
    Colleen L recently posted…Footprints: Monday Morning RecapMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      December 22, 2014 at 3:11 pm

      hahaha, me too! well, i’m definitely signing up for MCM and maybe another race before that – i hope to take this vacation time and figure it out!

      Reply
  5. Daisy @ Fit Wanderlust Runner says

    December 22, 2014 at 11:19 am

    Think it is so impressive that you did this year! I’ve been debating about running a full this upcoming year. I will be doing more halfs but that’s all I have in the cards.
    Daisy @ Fit Wanderlust Runner recently posted…Year of Running 2014My Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      December 22, 2014 at 3:30 pm

      you never know what 2015 will bring you!

      Reply
  6. Meranda@Fairytalesandfitness says

    December 22, 2014 at 12:17 pm

    Good tips. Although I will not be doing back to back marathons, I will be doing the goofy challenge next month which is a half marathon followed by a full marathon the next day!

    Last year my sister did 3 marathons all with in 3 weeks. I don’t know how she had enough energy for all that! -M

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      December 22, 2014 at 3:31 pm

      oh, yeah – basically the same idea! have fun at disney next month 🙂

      Reply
  7. Tara @ Running 'N' Reading says

    December 22, 2014 at 12:45 pm

    Thanks, Courtney! I wasn’t originally planning on it, but it looks like I’ll be running my second marathon less than eight weeks from the first; still plenty of time to prepare, but these tips are very helpful. I already know that if I want to “race” this one, I need to be prepared to take a little easier on the next one since it will be hilly. I will hold on to this for future reference! 🙂
    Tara @ Running ‘N’ Reading recently posted…Weekend UpdateMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      December 22, 2014 at 3:36 pm

      yes…what’s marathon #2??

      Reply
      • Tara @ Running 'N' Reading says

        December 22, 2014 at 3:56 pm

        The Little Rock Marathon (the finish I was DENIED in March of this year!), which will take place on March 1…augh! 😉
        Tara @ Running ‘N’ Reading recently posted…Weekend UpdateMy Profile

        Reply
        • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

          December 22, 2014 at 6:39 pm

          Yay! I suspected as much. Awesome!!

          Reply
  8. Stacey says

    December 22, 2014 at 2:53 pm

    I’m tossing my name in for the MCM lottery. If I’m selected, I’ll be running back to back (like 7 days apart) Marathons, so this is WONDERFUL! Great (as usual) post!! 🙂
    Stacey recently posted…#FridayFive {Winter Fitness Activities} w/ @EatPrayRunDC, @Marmaone1 and @YouSignedUpMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      December 22, 2014 at 3:40 pm

      nice! i’m hoping to get in to MCM as well. what other race are you running?

      Reply
  9. Sun says

    December 23, 2014 at 11:29 am

    Wow, I have a hard time thinking about doing more than one marathon in a calendar year, so running back-to-back marathons is super intimidating to me! But I love your tips and will definitely use them should I ever attempt this challenge 🙂
    Sun recently posted…The 2014 Run Recap + Up NextMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      December 23, 2014 at 12:30 pm

      I never thought it’d be something I’d do…but it was kind of awesome 🙂

      Reply
  10. ELIZABETH says

    December 23, 2014 at 2:12 pm

    I can’t even do one marathon at this point, so kudos on completing two in a row! These are great tips though, who knows maybe I’ll get there at some point! Haha
    ELIZABETH recently posted…I’m Back!My Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      December 23, 2014 at 8:37 pm

      Thanks — if a marathon is your goal you’ll get there!

      Reply
  11. Natalie says

    December 23, 2014 at 4:06 pm

    Two marathons back to back is really impressive. WOW!
    My legs are always so dead after doing ONE marathon.
    Great tips and a great post!
    I may have to put it on my running bucket list 🙂
    Natalie recently posted…OC Christmas fun, priceless friends + a big decisionMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      December 23, 2014 at 8:39 pm

      Thanks – I’m definitely enjoying some easy running this month! 🙂

      Reply
  12. Tiffany says

    December 26, 2014 at 3:02 pm

    Thanks for the tips! I think these will come in handy in the Spring with some close races I have planned.

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      December 27, 2014 at 1:59 am

      Awesome – hope it’s helpful 🙂

      Reply
  13. Debbie says

    January 1, 2015 at 1:10 pm

    These tips are good and already part of my plan for 2015. I had to defer Chicago and NY marathons to 2015. In the meantime, I got into Berlin Marathon on Sept. 27, Chicago two weeks later, and NY three weeks after that. I have no idea if I am going to be able to pull off 3 World Majors in 6 weeks but my main focus is Berlin and doing well. If I make it to Chicago and New York, I will enjoy those runs and not be so concerned about time.

    Forgive me but what is the MCM lotto?

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      January 1, 2015 at 5:29 pm

      MCM = marine corps marathon. good luck with all your races!!

      Reply
  14. LaToya says

    March 9, 2015 at 7:41 pm

    That’s pretty darn impressive. I’m not a marathoner (yet) but last spring I ran two half marathon 7 days apart. I think the tips you provided are great for any distance within a short time.
    LaToya recently posted…Introducing Scale SaturdayMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      March 9, 2015 at 11:52 pm

      Yes, they definitely are meant for any distance!

      Reply
  15. Eric says

    March 9, 2015 at 7:42 pm

    I did the same thing earlier this year – January 18, 2015 then February 1, 2015 ! Wish I’d read this article before hand!

    It was definitely a challenge but I agree, very doable! I didn’t set a PR the 2nd run but I finished and was happy with my time (http://www.pathtotri.com/memorial-hermann-usa-fit-marathon/)
    Eric recently posted…The Flu is Winning and Registering for my First TriMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      March 9, 2015 at 11:51 pm

      Awesome!!

      Reply
  16. Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home says

    April 28, 2015 at 8:32 pm

    There’s just no way. I’m too fearful of injury.
    Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home recently posted…Live and learn: lessons about fuelingMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      April 28, 2015 at 8:48 pm

      Totally fair. Key is run not race 🙂

      Reply
  17. Lauren says

    March 5, 2016 at 12:48 pm

    I so appreciate this post. I’ve been training for the nyc half and that has been my game plan. Until yesterday when a friend dropped out of a race the week before and offered me her bib. I was sitting and contemplating is this a bad idea and will I blow all my training by running another half the week before? I received the advice to use one as a training run and one as the race like you just said. I think this,post was a sign that it’s okay for me to do both haha!

    Reply

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