Supporting running in the metro Richmond area
How often should/do you race?
My workout partner said runners shouldn't race more than once a month. I've done some searching and while I've seen that marathoners or half-marathoners shouldn't, I've seen some people that do 5 or 10 Ks just about every weekend. If you usually do one a month, and miss a month, can you do two the next month? Having an upcoming race to train for really helps me stay on track! Thanks!
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Gary Hearn on -
While it depends on the person, in my younger days I did as many as 3 races in a 24 hour period (all 10K or less). Ted Puolos in D.C has run as many as 230 races in a year and I think Chuck Engle did 50 marathons in 50 states in under 3:00:00 in 2006. I know that he has won marathons on successive days in the past.
A large measure of how well you race will be determined by your base, the amount and intensity of the training you do as well as the pace you race. Your body and finishing times will tell you if you need more rest between outings.
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Permalink Reply by Myron Kemp on -
I followed Chuck Engle in 2006 - you're right - I believe he did do 50 (or darn close) to 50 marathons in the year, I remember he did suffer a knee or leg overuse injury, but he got back on track. He even won Charlottesville, then ran a sub 3 at Boston 2 days later. However, I think he repeated some states, and didn't in fact cover 50 different states during that span.
Another good example of a person with amazing recovery - is local hero Michael Wardian. He ran the mens olympic trials last year, then a week later he won OBX, then a week or so after that he ran and won the JFK50.
Gary Hearn said:While it depends on the person, in my younger days I did as many as 3 races in a 24 hour period (all 10K or less). Ted Puolos in D.C has run as many as 230 races in a year and I think Chuck Engle did 50 marathons in 50 states in under 3:00:00 in 2006. I know that he has won marathons on successive days in the past.
A large measure of how well you race will be determined by your base, the amount and intensity of the training you do as well as the pace you race. Your body and finishing times will tell you if you need more rest between outings.
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Permalink Reply by Run Happy on -
Myron;
Chuck Engle was injured during a major down hill marathon. He said it was the steep down hill that caused the injury. He rehab and went right back to weekly racing. What is amazing to me is he was averaging 2:40 marathons. Wow!!!!
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Tonya -
How often to race. It really depends on what type of races you race, your body's ability to recover, and your goals. I try to race as often as possible. Races like 5Ks and 10Ks are great speed work outs. Last year (2008) I ran 9 races that where 30 miles and up. I also ran a number of 5K, 10Ks, 15Ks, 30Ks...... The year before(2007) I ran 5/6 marathons and 5/6 ultras. My last marathon (Richmond Marathon) was my fastest marathon. I like going to races, mostly for the social aspect.
If you are new to racing, take your time and find out what you can handle. Select some races to "race" and some races as "training" runs. Most importantly, go and have FUN!!! :-)
Run Happy
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Permalink Reply by Don Garber on -
Back to Tonya's question
The old rule of thumb is that you shoud not race again one day for every mile your previously raced.
So if you run a 10K, do race again for 6 days. A marathon 26 days, etc
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Permalink Reply by Tonya on -
Thank you all for the advice! The only local races I've seen this month have been longer distance ones which I'm not ready for yet, so I think I will do two next month. I think they keep me on track, and having something to train for helps me rack up the mileage and gives me a goal. (Plus it's fun to me!) I may volunteer for one this month,like the Frostbite, since I am not ready for a 15K. I appreciate everyone's input.
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