Coach Jay - I'm used to running one race for cross-country and being done. Now
my coach is having me double up and run more than one event at each meet. Is
this going to wear me out? What’s the secret to having enough energy left to do
well in both events. Should I hold back in the first race?

Kelly -

This is a great question now that we're in track season. Doubling is definitely part of being a distance runner and doubling is something that every serious runner has had to do at some point in her career. I'll answer in vauge terms of the double(s) you're being asked to run as the 1,600m/3,2000m double is much different than the 1,600m/4x400m relay double (i.e. the fist one's pretty hard but the second is not and is a double I think every HS 1,600m runners should be asked to do).

First thought is this - you need to do what your coach asks you to do and you need to be as positive as you can with that assignment. I've seen it at both the high school and the collegiate level: athlete is told to run a double, but the athlete doesn't want to and so that athlete ends up running a horrible second race. As my college coach used to say, "Fake it 'til you make it" and to me that's a great attitude to have with a double. Talk yourself into the idea with your frontal cortex and when the gun goes off there is a chance your lizard brain will have you racing as if it's your first race of the day. You run your first race, you rest and refuel and after you find out your second assignment, you simply say, "I'm going to compete as hard as I can." It's hard to muster good self talk after the first race (regardless of if you ran well or poorly) but you've got to do it.

Relative to energy, you need to get some fluids and eat, assuming there are a couple hours between. If you'll be doing this all season, doubling that is, make sure you get to know what your body needs. I coached an 800m athlete who could sleep between his 800m and his 4x400m leg, but for me that would have never worked.

Finally, while you obviously need to ask your coach what your strategy for each race is, most often you race both races all out. So the first race is an indication of your fitness and the second race has more to do with guts. Coaches, parents and collegiate coaches all take into account that the second race came _____ minutes after the first race.

Kelly, doubles are hard. You can do it. Have fun this year!

Jay Johnson

*Coach Jay's advice is provided as general training information. Use at your own risk. Always consult with your own heath care provider for questions relating to your specific training and nutrition.

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