Racing too much?

[Deleted User]

Simple question. I tend to race something like two weekends in every three, over the usual range of distances and almost always trying for the fastest time I can manage. I reckon it's got to be a better version of a brisk tempo run, so it's a good thing - isn't it? Or, as I have heard, would I be better off targeting half a dozen (or so) races a year? And if so, how much racing is too much?

By the way, it's a hypothetical question - I love my racing too much!

[Deleted User]

Swerve, you set a PB at the weekend so it's doing any harm. When you stop getting PB's then maybe look at other way's of racing & training.

But hey just enjoy yourself, I do!!!!!!!!

Stickless

Listening to you over the year, you seem to be happy in your racing. Yes you might, possibly, but no promises do better choosing a few races which are really important for you, and forgoing the others, but would you enjoy that style of training more - all the eggs in a few baskets, and less to look forward to?

I don't think so from reading your posts. Take it as it comes. Occasionally you will pay the price of an injury - but heck, that's part of running if you are in the habit of pushing your boundaries.

[Deleted User]

I had my glory years racing every weekend. It was part substitute for training which I could only manage once or at best twice a week. It's rather along the lines, less high intensity = more low intensity training. Just don't ignore the 'niggles' and if you are also training a lot, if you feel like a day off, think that you deserve it rather than feeling guilty!!

[Deleted User]

7 races in the next 5 weekends on my schedule. I do have a problem. I dont have time to fit my long runs in!

[Deleted User]

KorsaKing, That is a real problem. And how do you taper before the next taper?!

[Deleted User]

Cheers all - wise words. The gist of it is that it's a pretty pointless question! I think I'm optimising enjoyment rather than results at the mo - certainly not overdoing the training (partly because I've had a spell out - boo!). Rather than not race, the best way to go quicker would be to chuck in a couple more sessions per week - probably will up it before long. I'm glad to say that I never have to force myself out onto the road, and I'll do my best to keep it that way.

KK - yep, I have that problem too! Weekends off racing are long distance weekends. 7 in 5 might compromise that a little bit though!

Oh yes, Tim, that PB. Anyone want to hear about it? ;-)

[Deleted User]

If i didnt have to work every other SODDING weekend, id be "racing " loads too
im really slow, but the atmos of a race makes me feel ill and excited all at once

[Deleted User]

ALl the pros will race a lot as well. The difference may be that some of these races are 'appearances' and some are races. They will cycle their performance and training to suit. When you start to plateau set yourself 3 or 4 target races each year where you taper more fully and 'go' for it. The rest of the time, use it as you are, as a fast tempo run. Just make sure that you balance the rest of the training around your races...

But hey.... the most important thing is to enjoy it, and as long as you are that's fine. Perhaps once in a while set a deliberate 'non' race weekend where you have a more leisurely run, perhaps in the countryside, just to keep your mind fresh for the racing.

Chaos

There's a lot of enjoyment to be had in pacing someone else through a race - you get the race experience and adrenaline plus the "glow" of doing your good deed for the day! Any newbie racers in your club who lack race experience would probably welcome it so perhaps that could be the "non" race weekend DB is suggesting?

[Deleted User]

I like the approach suggested by Big Tim a few months ago - A B and C races. A being top priority, major event of the year, B being an important race to do well in and C being a race run because you like the course / event, to make up a team or to complete a series.

[Deleted User]

I am not a experienced runner but I'll say as long as you enjoy it it's the main thing, and if you are still getting pb's it probably means you are not overdoing it.

[Deleted User]

You're lucky you can race so often. I have to grovel, be reasonable and make all sorts of arrangements. Have you noticed how many forumites are divorced? I bet its because they spent every weekend racing.

[Deleted User]

Im a young forumite without a serious relationship. Does my racing volume possibly contribute towards this d'ya reckon?

Hilly

I'm happily married and race at least 25 times a year!!

My partner doesn't run btw, it's all down to compromise and having your own individual space and interests without taking away from what you have together!

Hilly

If you enjoy racing Swerve then carry on. I tend to do similar to BR & BT racing often but some will be important races while others not so much.

Muttley

Oh all right, if nobody else is going to take him up on the offer -

Tell us all about your new PB, Swerve!

Ratbag

in detail..

[Deleted User]

We're waiting......

Ratbag

<drums fingers......>

[Deleted User]

Shan't.

[Deleted User]

Go on Swerve. You know you want to.

Muttley

Oooooh, he's SUCH a tease!

Ratbag

I thought he was gagging to tell..


...not sure I want to know now...

[Deleted User]

What distance are we talking Swerve. I'll tell you mine if you'll tell me yours.

Ratbag

He's gone all shy....

Hilly

Swerve, now I'm full of curiosity?

It Was a pb wasn't it and if I remember on an off road route?

The distance wasn't short was it?

NOW, you didn't miss some of the course out did you?

[Deleted User]

Hi Hilly, I used my new water bottle today and guess what! It has "Hilly" written on it. How cool is that! Do you have one?

Hilly

LL-I don't have the water bottle, but I do have some socks, which I wore for Cardiff marathon. I quite like the 'Hilly' range!