The Double-Down: A Runner's Guide to Conquering Two Marathons in One Season

Today’s newsletter is written by Letty from Marathon Media. Letty hosts both, the Marathon Running Podcast and LettyRuns YouTube Channel.

For many runners, completing a single marathon is a monumental goal. But what about two? Doubling up in a single fall season, a strategy often called the "A & B Race Strategy," is a challenge that requires careful planning, smart training, and a resilient mindset. It’s not for the faint of heart, but with the right approach, it's an incredibly rewarding experience. If you want to listen to this on our podcast, please click here.

Setting the Stage: The A & B Race Strategy

The core philosophy behind running two marathons in one season is to acknowledge they are not created equal. You can't treat them both as a "peak" race. The goal is to choose one as your primary focus—the A-Race—and the other as a supportive, but still significant, B-Race.

• The A-Race: This is your big goal race. All your training has been meticulously planned for this day. You’ll be rested, tapered, and aiming for a personal best (PB) or a specific time goal.

• The B-Race: This race is a key part of your A-Race training block. The goal is to use it as a structured long run or a tune-up race. You might not be fully rested, and the primary objective is to complete the distance efficiently, practice your race-day nutrition, and build mental toughness. Your time goal is secondary to the overall training plan.

When considering a major double like Berlin-Chicago or Sydney-Chicago, the A-Race would almost always be the second marathon, which is typically the Chicago Marathon. The time between these two events is often only a few weeks, which is simply not enough time to fully recover from one marathon and properly train for another PB attempt. The first race, whether it’s Berlin or Sydney, serves as a test of your fitness and a final long run before the taper for the Chicago race.

Training and Recovery Between Races

The period between the two races is a delicate balance of recovery and maintenance. The training block is exceptionally short, and the focus shifts from building fitness to preserving it.

• Immediate Recovery: The absolute first thing a runner should do after finishing the first marathon is to focus on refueling and rehydrating. This includes a mix of carbohydrates and protein to start the muscle repair process, followed by some light movement like walking to keep the legs from stiffening up.

• The Training Block: A typical training block between two marathons with only a few weeks in between is very different from a standard marathon plan. It’s not about building mileage; it's about active recovery.

  • Week 1 (Post-Race): Very little running. Focus on gentle movement like walking, foam rolling, and maybe one or two very short, easy runs to flush out the legs.

  • Week 2: Introduce a little more running, but keep it very easy. This is the time for a couple of short, easy runs (3-5 miles) and one slightly longer run (6-8 miles) at a relaxed pace.

  • Week 3 (Taper for Race #2): This is a true taper week. The mileage drops significantly. The focus is on a few easy shakeout runs to keep the legs from feeling sluggish.

• Key Workouts: Given the short window, there’s not much time for traditional hard workouts. The priority is to maintain aerobic fitness without adding stress. A couple of short strides after an easy run can help remind the legs how to turn over quickly. A short tempo run of 2-3 miles at a controlled pace can also be effective, but only if you feel fully recovered.

• Nutrition and Recovery Challenges: The biggest challenge is often under-fueling and dehydration. Many runners underestimate the toll the first marathon takes on their body.

  • Tip 1: Prioritize Protein. Protein is crucial for muscle repair. Aim to include a source of protein with every meal and snack.

  • Tip 2: Carbohydrate Loading. Start your carbohydrate loading for the second race earlier than you normally would. Your glycogen stores will be depleted from the first race, so you need more time to replenish them.

  • Tip 3: Hydration is Key. Continuously sip water and electrolytes throughout the day. Don't wait until you're thirsty.

Race Day Execution & Mindset

When you get to the start line of your second marathon, the most important mental shift is to be flexible and listen to your body. This is not the time to be stubborn about a specific time goal.

• Pacing Strategy: The pacing strategy for the second race needs to be adaptive. Throw out the strict time splits. Start conservatively and spend the first half of the race running by feel. If your body feels good after 13 miles, you can consider picking up the pace slightly. If it doesn't, be prepared to slow down.

• Biggest Mistakes: The most common mistake runners make is going out too fast in the second marathon. Your legs may feel fresh in the first few miles, but the residual fatigue from the first race will catch up to you. Another major error is neglecting hydration and nutrition on the course. What worked for the first race might not be enough for the second, especially if you're still recovering.

• Coaching Advice: In the final week, the advice is simple: "Trust your training." The hard work is done. The key dos and don'ts are:

  • DO get plenty of sleep, stay hydrated, and eat familiar, healthy foods.

  • DON'T try anything new. No new shoes, no new gels, no new last-minute workouts.

Logistics and Lessons Learned

Beyond the running itself, the logistics of doubling up can be a challenge. The biggest logistical hurdle for races like Sydney to Chicago is managing the time zone difference and jet lag. Arrive as early as possible to give your body time to adjust, and prioritize sleep and hydration immediately upon arrival.

From a coaching perspective, the biggest lesson learned from helping runners with this process is that a runner's mental fortitude is more important than their physical fitness for the second race. You can be in peak physical condition, but if you don't have the mental toughness to push through the fatigue, it's not going to happen.

If you are on the fence about attempting this type of marathon challenge, my advice is to give it a try, but with the right mindset. Don't go into it expecting two personal bests. Go into it with the understanding that one race is the goal and the other is a learning experience. You will finish the season with a deeper understanding of your own capabilities and the satisfaction of having conquered a truly unique challenge.