Two goal races in one season: how to fit them in
How to prepare two important races in the same year: minimum gap, recovery and A, B and C priorities.
Having two goals in a season is common: a spring marathon and an autumn one, or a trail race in June and another in October. The key is leaving room to recover and build again.
Prioritise: A, B and C races
- A: the ones that really matter. Prepared with a specific block and a full taper.
- B: important, but without a long taper. They work as tests.
- C: training sessions with a bib.
Two A races a year is a good maximum for most people.
How much of a gap?
For two marathons or two ultras, 12 weeks or more between them is sensible. With less time, the second race is prepared on the fitness of the first, without a full cycle.
After the first one
- One or two weeks of active recovery.
- A few base weeks to rebuild volume.
- A new specific block and its taper.
Tracking your fitness between the two races helps you see whether you've truly recovered or are starting the second cycle carrying fatigue from the first.