letsrun 8 Ball- Should I race a 400m the day before a 5k?

I wouldn't advise but it think it would have little effect unless you are out of shape.

It would probably, worse case scenario, loosen you up for the race.

It's good that your legs are used to the speed. However the strides and hill sprints might not fully prepare you for the big dose of lactate, and it might take a little out of your legs. If you do it, make sure you cool down very thoroughly...jog a couple of miles after, and maybe same again the next morning if stiff...

Thanks for the advice. I just ran a 2:17 800 last week,so I know my legs can deal w/ some lactic acid. Good warm-up and cool down is a must.

2.17 is crap

coach bigfoot wrote:

It would probably, worse case scenario, loosen you up for the race.

That's not worst case scenario. That's best case scenario. If he's not used to it, an all-out 400 might leave him feeling slightly dead the next day.

Reply hazy, try again

mauirunner wrote:

Thanks for the advice. I just ran a 2:17 800 last week,so I know my legs can deal w/ some lactic acid. Good warm-up and cool down is a must.

As a 2:17 800 runner, you won't be able to run fast enough in the 400 to hurt your 5k the next day. Also, it is doubtful that you will run a fast enough 5K for it to really matter whether or not you run well. It will be slow either way.

should be ok wrote:

mauirunner wrote:

Thanks for the advice. I just ran a 2:17 800 last week,so I know my legs can deal w/ some lactic acid. Good warm-up and cool down is a must.

As a 2:17 800 runner, you won't be able to run fast enough in the 400 to hurt your 5k the next day. Also, it is doubtful that you will run a fast enough 5K for it to really matter whether or not you run well. It will be slow either way.

Assuming the OP is a guy

You know the 'recovery rule'. 1 day for every mile you race...so you're OK.