Back to Back Long Runs

action_man
action_man Posts: 21 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Ok, So quick back story: My wife and I really wanted to do the Disney World Marathon, but when we went to sign up it had sold out, the only thing still available was for something called the "Goofy Challenge", which if you're not familiar is a half-marathon on Saturday followed by the full marathon on Sunday. Being as we're apparently both masochists we jumped on that and now here we are just under 70 days out.

So neither of us have ever done anything like that. We've done lots of half marathons and a full marathon, but nothing back to back like this. So while I'm not extremely concerned about it from an athletic stand point I'm somewhat concerned nutrition-wise. I plan on taking the half marathon easy and not overdoing it but its still a huge calorie expenditure and there's going to be some serious calorie consumption happening after its over. So to put it extremely bluntly, I'm concerned about the possibility of needing to take an epic poo like 3 miles into the second race day.
So does anyone here have experience/opinions about back to back race nutrition practices?

Replies

  • glevinso
    glevinso Posts: 1,895 Member
    Treat it like any other pre-race day. That epic calorie consumption is clearly a bad idea if you are prone to that sort of problem. I am, and I always make sure to eat stuff that won't fly through me on race day.

    Also if you really take it easy, then the calories you burn during the first half marathon really aren't that significant. 1300 or so for most people.

    If you have been properly carb-loading (IE you spent a week doing it) then take the first day relatively easy, you should be OK to not have to truly consume more than usual ahead of the second day.
  • SarcasmIsMyLoveLanguage
    SarcasmIsMyLoveLanguage Posts: 2,668 Member
    I've never done back to backs but on HM race days I pop two Immodiums because I'm terrified of that issue. I might get slammed for that advice but it works for me. I don't "go" for two days.
  • glevinso
    glevinso Posts: 1,895 Member
    BinkyBonk wrote: »
    I've never done back to backs but on HM race days I pop two Immodiums because I'm terrified of that issue. I might get slammed for that advice but it works for me. I don't "go" for two days.

    I have always wondered if this was a good idea (meaning I have considered it but never done it).

    I am always terrified of having to stop, and certainly did have to stop at my last HIM. Also I have had to, well, pull over during a long training run and use the woods... (sorry TMI).

    My strategy usually involves eating something pretty spicy and maybe a little greasy the night before, and a good strong cup of coffee pre-race. That usually gets everything going early enough.

  • hill8570
    hill8570 Posts: 1,466 Member
    If you're that concerned about it, treat it as a short ultramarathon with a r-e-a-l-l-y long rest stop -- stick to replenishing with low-residue stuff like you'd eat during a race (Gu, etc.). Like glevinso said, it's not that big of a hit on your reserves, especially if you treat it as a slow-ish training run.

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