So you wanna run the Goofy, Dopey, Flying Pig 3-way, 4-way or any of the other race series that are growing ever more popular? A series can be fun, challenging and exhausting at the same time. I’ve been inundated with emails since completing the Flying Pig 3-way. While it’s still fresh in my mind, I thought I’d share some insights.
- Train for it. To reap the most enjoyment and least rebellion from you body, find a plan, hire a coach or run with a training group so you’re physically and mentally trained specifically for a series. Similar to training for a relay, some of the things my training plan took in to account was terrain/elevation of the course, running volume and frequency. For example, Flying Pig 3-way took place over a Saturday and Sunday so the final weeks of my training plan included multiple runs concentrated on the weekends.
- Do your homework and be super organized.
- Does each race have it’s own bib and timing chip?
- Do you need to save one bib for all races? My particular series involved 3 bibs. I found that wearing a bib holder belt worked great, eliminating the need to fumble with pins and repeatedly puncture clothing.
3. Read the event information carefully.
- Is there one or more start and finish line? Where are they? Are they within walking distance from your hotel or do you need to drive or take a shuttle? Where will you park?
- Will you have time to change clothes between races? Are you using the same/different shoes for various race distances?
- Is there a gear check? If so, where?
- Do you know how to get from the finish line back to the start for the next race.
4. Coordinate with family/friends that are spectating.
- Set up a reunion spot so you can find each other easily and get on with your day.
- Use them to hold fuel/bibs/essentials for the next race if necessary.
5. Fuel/hydrate carefully.
- Review what will be provided and make sure you bring what you need otherwise.
- Be careful to eat something after the first race but not so much you feel bloated and sluggish going into the next one.
6. Have a pace strategy.
- Are you running any/all of the races for time? For fun? Using a walk/run strategy?
- Have a pace range in mind for each race, so you don’t end up getting caught up in the energy of the day and end up paying for it later.
7. Pay special attention to recovery.
- If you’re finished racing for the day but have more fun ahead the next day, make sure you consume adequate carbs and protein or take recovery enhancing supplements if that’s your thing.
- Stretch, foam roll and put on compression socks and/or shorts.
- Get adequate sleep so you’re refreshed and ready to go again the next morning.
8. Know the drill about collecting finisher’s medals.
- You may need to collect series medals at a special place/time.
- Make sure you know where to find them and what you need to claim your bling.
9. Have fun with it! A race series can be a physical, mental and logistical challenge, but the fun and fulfillment you feel after crossing that finish line multiple times are well worth the training and planning.
Have you ever done a race series? Is one on your bucket list?
Great tips. I actually thought about doing a “hat trick” race for the Little Rock Marathon (half). I have never done a 2-a-day run, but definitely have done the back-to-back mileage. I think, for me, it would be having to really change my racing focus on FUN not trying to beat time.
I’ve never done a race series, sounds fun though:) Nice tips!
These are great tips! I especially like the first one, train for it. Most people probably forget about that one! We’ve done a few races on the same day and we also did a duathlon on a Saturday and a half marathon on a Sunday. Sometimes it’s hard to get your body going, but you do what you have to do!
I have never done a series but I totally want to do that Flying Pig one since you wrote about it!! It looks like a great time!
I think it would be fun to do a series with a friend(s)!!! Great tips!!!
I’ve run a race series a few years back and it was a lot of fun. What I found most challenging was the fueling. We ran 5 races in two days (distance totaled a marathon) and with such short intervals between the races it was tough to know how much to eat and what would be kindest to my stomach.
I just don’t know if I have it in me to do a race series. The logistics! The outfits! The training! I have enough trouble getting myself to a single distance race! How did you keep your anxiety level down? Esp since it was a destination race series? Running a race away from home always throws me off.
I’ve never run a race series but I definitely want to some day. They don’t have as many race series to choose from here in Australia but I’d love to one day travel to the US to do one.
Great tips! Looks like you have to really coordinate well; reminds me of all the planning required for triathlon. Nutrition and hydration between races has to be a key factor, like you said.
Sounds awesome and great planning! I’d love to do a race series! Disney is on my bucket list!!– just so darn pricey!