One of my strategies for Ragnar training is to add a few double runs to my schedule–running twice on the same day, in the morning and in the evening. While many people run at different times of the day depending on their schedule, the weather, or their mood, that is not me. I like to run first thing in the morning. I probably could count on two hands the number of times I’ve hit the treadmill in the afternoon, and I probably could count on one finger the number of times I’ve run outside in the afternoon (and I won’t say which finger!).
One concern I have about running doubles for my Ragnar training is the weather in the Washington, D.C. area this time of year. I really don’t do well in the heat and humidity, no matter what time of day it is.
Well, Mother Nature took that worry away with amazing weather last week. After seeing this forecast on the OutSider App, I planned to do a double run on Tuesday.
Did you see my review of the OutSider App?
The weather Tuesday morning could not have been better!
Notice that my bangs are not plastered to my forehead as usual!
Work got hectic on Tuesday, but I was able to stick with my plan of working until 5:00 pm, and heading out for a run from my office. I even remembered to bring some Nuun to put in my water bottle.
The weather was as good as it gets, and the loop I thought would be about 5 miles turned out to be exactly 5 miles.
Seriously! How lucky am I to be able to run here?!
I’m not going to lie. This run was hard, especially at first. As usual, I spent most of my day sitting at my desk, so my hips were really tight and my butt felt sore. I probably should have targeted a slower pace, but I was trying to finish my run by 6:15 so I could be home by 7:00 and have time to shower before a conference call at 7:30.
I still hurt all over after my run (and shower, and conference call, and dinner) and spent most of the evening stretching my legs, hips, and glutes. I even tried to read with my legs propped up against the wall. I was feeling better and about to head to bed when I got a vicious Charlie horse. Yowzie! I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to make by 6:00 am spin class the next morning, but by the time my alarm went off at o’dark-thirty my calf had mostly recovered and my hips and glutes felt fine–I guess all that stretching paid off.
I’m sure the weather for the rest of my double runs won’t be quite this fantastic, but I am grateful that my first attempt was so nice–it really was like Christmas in July. 😀
[Tweet “Running Doubles For Ragnar Training”]
Here’s what my Ragnar training and other workouts looked like last week:
Monday: 1 mile treadmill; 45 min strength training
Tuesday: 4.6 mile run; 5.0 mile run
Wednesday: 45 min Body Ride spin class at Revolve DC
Thursday: 2 X 1200; 3 x 800; 1 X 400 at the track
Friday: 1 mile dog walk; 45 min strength training
Saturday: 9 mile run (1:24:26, 9:22 pace)
Sunday: 42 mile bike ride (2:48:00)
Have you run doubles?
Do you usually exercise in the morning, afternoon, or whenever?
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Awesome job!! Yes- this weather has been amazing. The perfect week to bring a newborn home. 🙂 I’ve occasionally worked in a few doubles into a training cycle but not very consistently. It’s a great training tool for Ragnar!
This weather has been great! I haven’t done any double runs yet for Ragnar. I’m afraid of getting hurt again. I usually run in the mid morning. I don’t have much energy left in the evening. I’m hoping the adrenaline of Ragnar will pull me through!
I am trying to be cautious with my training. If you run mid-morning at least you are used to running in full daylight! Of course, I heard my first Ragnar leg might be in the middle of the night!
I think running later in the day, out of your comfort zone is going to improve you overall as a runner. You’re going to be more versatile! Maybe there’s a moonlight 10k or something in your future?
Maybe even a New Year’s Eve mile at the track? 😉
Like you, I prefer running in the morning. Running in the afternoon or evening usually doesn’t agree with me because I just feel spent at that time. I do think that it’s great that you are splitting up your runs so that your body can get used to it. Great job!
lately i way prefer running in the mornings, just to get it out the way for the day. I have never tried doubles tho! I do running in the morning, then work out at the gym in the afternoon.
Wow, that’s still a double workout! Usually I am DONE after work – trying to change that!
I never did a double for Ragnar…I just winged it and luckily that worked for me 🙂 If I don’t have my workout in by noon, it probably isn’t going to happen! And I LOVE the Outsider app!
Wow – great job on that training!
I haven’t run doubles since I coached at a university (20 years ago!). I’m a morning runner/exercise fan!
I don’t think I have ever run a double before. Great idea to train for Ragnar.
I’ve done double workouts and it hasn’t been frequent for me. It is a mental thing I believe. You are doing great and what an awesome view during your run. I reside in Baltimore and visit DC e’er once in a while so what a wonderful and gorgeous view. I love the DC mall.
Yay for great training! You’re going to be ready to crush Ragnar and I’m sure have a great time too!
GREAT job!! When you get closer to the start of Ragnar, they will put up a predicted schedule of the race and when everyone’s runs will go based on your estimated times. Check their website. You’re pretty close, right?
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Looks like you have another great day for a double if your schedule permits. It’s gorgeous out there!
Today I ran 4 miles at 6 AM, and then ran/walked 3 miles with a client an hour later. I usually do that a couple of times a week, but today was my first “double” when I went back out again (just now), and ran 2 more miles at my pace (I’m must slower with my client). We’ve got 3 weeks to keep this up, and then it’s show time! 🙂