Two Races, Two Days

Hmmm … I’m not sure I thought this one out. Two races are inked in my calendar this weekend. I hope I have the endurance and mental toughness to make it through both races with a smile on my face. 

Saturday

Race: Sundre Snake Hills part of the 5 Peaks Trail Running Series
Distance: 6.8 km on trails 
Strategy: Take it easy and save my legs for the half-marathon. 
Goal: Not to completely suck.
Fun factor: 10/10
I’m playing taxi for Catherine, Laura, Megan and Becky. Melea is meeting us in Sundre with her cheering squad. We’re going to have a blast. I’m particularly excited to introduce Laura and Meg to trail running. I know they will be hooked! Once you go trail, you almost never go back to pavement. 

Sunday
Race: Sylvan Lake Half Ironman (Team)
Distance: 21 km on pavement, 4 loops  
Strategy: Stay cool, start slow, pace well & finish strong. Hydrate! 
Goal: Not to completely suck & not to let down Karen & Catherine.
Fun factor: 8/10
I give this race an 8 because I am so not looking forward to running in the middle of the day in 30C temperatures. But I’m excited to compete as a part of Ragin’ Rip Girls again. We have a title to defend. Catherine has the swim nailed down and Karen will kill the bike! I just hope I can pull my weight during the run. We’re also sponsored so it would be great to do well. I love being the runner because I get to see my teammates start and finish. Plus the girls are on the sidelines cheering my run and they will run the final lap with me. Motivation! 
Have you ever run two races over two days? What was your strategy? 

2 Comments

  1. Ha ha! Not since high school girl! You are a brave one.
    I'd be staying hydrated as hell and hoping it's not 100F in the shade (but I'd be stunned if you don't already do this). Not sure what you like to drink when run/swim/biking, or to recover, but I really load up on the Gatorade. I find if I drink a G2 (or at least half of one) for every hour of intense activity, and also an equivalent amount of water, that my stamina and recovery are much enhanced.
    I think too much of the sports drinks overloads your body's ability to process the sodium, electrolytes, etc. but that's just me. That is the reason why, after a Gatorade, I'll do a Gatorade bottle full of water, then go back to Gatorade if the activity is continuing. Sometimes I'll just water down the Gatorade half and half, depends on how easy it is to access/carry it.
    I find it really helps me prevent leg cramps especially, which is what I'd be worried about. Course, I'm 50 now, so being such a young lass I'm sure your recovery will be much faster.
    Whatever you do, I wish you the best! Have a great time and kick ass, gal!

  2. Not two over two days, but once two in one day. Try to not get caught up in the first run, just enjoy and save yourself for the next run.

    Stay hydrated and remember running is suppose to be fun.

    All the best in defending your title.

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