Today’s Topic is: Five Reasons to Use a Race as a Training Run
If you training for a big race: a half marathon, a full marathon or an ultra, it is tempting to skip races during your training cycle so you can complete all the long runs on your plan.
Here are 5 reasons that’s ok to race while training for a big race:
1. Races are more fun.
Running is supposed to be fun, right?
I don’t know about you, but I rarely have fun during my long run. I get them done. Period.
HM in RI or a 13 mile? HM!!
2. It’s a speed drill in disguise.
Even if you say that it’s only a training run, most likely the enthusiasm and crowd support will have you running faster in a race than in your training run.
3. Free water stops, porta-potties and post-run refreshments.
Ok, not free because you have to pay to run the race but you know what I mean.
It’s welcomed support along or after your run.
4. You can practice race pace.
You may often run your long runs too fast or too slow.
Obviously it’s easier to practice “race pace” in a race.
on CP hills no less
5.You can add on the miles before or after the race.
If your plan calls for more miles than the race, you have the option of running more miles before or after.
If after the race then it’s practice running on tired legs, right? We all need that.
7 + 13 = 20 miles
Happy Running! Do you ever use a race as a training run? Or do you stick to your plan?
It’s Friday so I’m also linking up with bloggers, Me (My First 5K and More), Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and Zenaida!
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My First 5K and More... 
I have done this many times. It’s a perfect ay to try out new gear, racing strategies and hydration plan etc
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It’s more expensive but fun
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Yes, I think it’s a great way to train, especially if you love races as much as you do. It’s definitely way more fun to run a race than do a long run alone. And like Deborah said, it’s a great way to practice what you’ll do on the day of the big race.
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i wrote a comment earlier but it may have disappeared? Or you may be getting two comments from me! I think using a race as a training run can work great, especially for someone like you who loves racing so much. Of course it’s much more fun to run a half marathon than a solo long run, and like Deborah said, it gives you a chance to practice everything you’re going to do in the big race.
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Yup. Exactly.
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Well done! This is my favorite way to train! After all, you’re going to be logging those miles anyway. Might as well do it with the motivation of a race!
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Very true.
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Oh yeahhh i do this too! When I run long ones, I know that i just.. need to finish it, and that is actually it. There is no room for fun I think, long runs are more about mental concentration and dedication for me. Let alone the short runs where you can speedrun or run with music or just enjoy the company. This is much more relaxing for me and I usually do this to get my mood up. Just a quick 15 min run and my good mood for the day is set, love short runs for that. But speedrunning is also good cuz I can benefit from it by letting my aggression or bad emotions go.
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I agree totally.
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