Image: Runners World
There are some people who run twice a day. Sounds crazy, right? But for those trying to increase their weekly mileage, it makes sense.
I logged my first “double,” as they call it in the running world, on Sunday. I didn’t plan for it; it just happened.
My original plan was to do one morning run on the Cabin John Stream Valley Trail in the Bethesda/Potomac area of Montgomery County, Md. I set out around 10 a.m. It was my first time checking out the trail, so I wasn’t exactly sure how to get there. I didn’t think it would be that hard to find. I mean, it’s a trail located in an urban area, near major highways. Shouldn’t be too difficult, right?
I was wrong. I couldn’t find it. I admit, I probably didn’t search hard enough, but it was getting hot and late, so I went with plan B instead. I ran around Cabin John Regional Park and on some of the roads around the area. It was a so-so run, about 3 miles. Not the most satisfying, but it was still a run.
A few plans changed that day, which allowed me to squeeze in a second run in the evening. The weather was beautiful, but I wanted to ensure a solid 8 miles, so I opted for the treadmill. I know, I know… waste of good weather. I did my post-stretch outside though, so it wasn’t completely wasted.
I felt satisfied after the second round, and then started thinking… I should run doubles more often, maybe once a week. It’ll be a good way to log in more miles.
A year ago, I never would have considered running twice in one day. It’s hard enough to get one run in, let alone two. But then again, a year ago, I’m not sure if I would even consider running more than one race a year, and now here I am…
Notes on running doubles
Benefits:
- Good way to increase weekly mileage
- Trains body to recover from runs faster
- Minimizes physical and psychological stress on body
- Boosts hormonal response, which helps increase speed
- Increases weight loss
Downsides:
- Takes up extra time from the day
- Not beneficial if maximum weekly mileage goal is 20
Other notes:
- Runs should be spaced at least 5 hours apart
- One of the runs should be easy, the other more difficult
- Running doubles should not replace long runs
- Re-hydrate and consume sufficient carbs and protein following first run to speed recovery
Good articles:
- Strategies for Doubling — Runner’s World
- Is Running Doubles Beneficial? — ACTIVE.com
