Planning for an Evening Race...Need Advice

Training Advice/Discussion

8 years ago 07/31/2015 10:22am EDT

I am a late entrant ("last minute" decision) for an evening 10k being held tomorrow evening. I have yet to run an evening race, and I am not sure how I should approach it. I am currently in a lengthy marathon phase, but I wanted to have a shot at an evening race. I have been running about 55 mpw recently, though this week is 49 and next week will be 63. Should I run a few easy miles tomorrow morning, or simply rest up before the race, which is at 6:30 pm? I ran six miles this morning, at a moderate pace. I have a long run on Sunday. What do you think?

8 years ago 07/31/2015 11:47am EDT

re: outsideruner

do you normally run doubles on your hard workout days, with short easy run in the am and hard workout in afternoon? If so, i might do very easy and short am run with stretching after, just to stay in routine.

otherwise, i would just rest.

I run evening races a couple times a year and never run in the am that day. Balancing act between tiring yourself out vs. just sitting all day and ending up feeling loggy and tired. I find a little bit of light activity like grocery shopping best.

also need to think about timing your eating. If, like me, you usually race in the am on empty or near-empty stomach, evening race can be uncomfortable even from just a normal lunch. For a 630p race I might eat for the last time at 10 or 11 am, light brunch.

obviously that is out the window if you're used to eating more like a couple hours before hard run.

good luck with the race!

Dave

8 years ago 07/31/2015 12:43pm EDT

re: dhaaga

Thanks very much, Dave, as this is quite helpful. I agree about the eating schedule--it is tricky. With regard to running, I will probably rest in the morning, and save my energy for the race.

8 years ago 07/31/2015 4:24pm EDT

re: outsiderunner

Evening races are the best.

Watch your footing (potholes, crap in the road)

You will feel like you are flying but it might not be as fast as you think. Listen for your 1 and 2 mile splits if they are giving them.

Run fast and enjoy.

8 years ago 08/01/2015 8:07am EDT

re: SWEDES

Thanks very much, SWEDES. Years ago, I had read somewhere that the body peaks between 4:00pm and 7:00 pm. I am excited about the race. I have to try to stay calm, though.

All the best to you...

8 years ago 08/01/2015 8:20am EDT

re: outsideruner

I always run best at night, just figured I'd tell you good luck on the race, please inform us on how it results.

8 years ago 08/01/2015 9:31am EDT

re: TDodd22

I appreciate your kind regards, TDodd22. I am hoping for a PR. The weather is the only issue--the forecast is for about 85F at race time. My 10k PR is pretty soft, as I do not do much traveling and there are only a handful of 10ks in the vicinity. My health has been questionable at a number of 10ks, too. My weekly volume is good now and my fitness seems good, too.

Will focus on having good hydration.

Will let you know how things go.

8 years ago 08/02/2015 1:16pm EDT

re: TDodd22

I am happy to report that things went well. Even though I went out too fast, I still put up a PR. I should have been more conservative, especially considering the weather--low-to-mid 80s and fairly humid. In any case, I am happy with the 39:23. Not fast to most here, but at age 46, I feel good about it. I was sixth overall, and would have taken the masters, but the race did not have a masters division, just ten-year age groups.

Glad I ran it, and it was nice to race in the evening. I would do it again. I struggled in the last two miles. I think the 6:04 first mile and the heat got to me. The race was a good experience, though.

Thanks for the input here.

8 years ago 08/02/2015 2:05pm EDT

re: outsiderunner

nicely done! congratulations on the PR. glad you reported back. cheers,

Dave

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