Thursday, May 14, 2009

One Day, Two Runs: The Experiment

My running friend Isaac (who needs to start his own blog, hint, hint) was telling me that he's been doing 2-a-days, two runs in one day.  He runs in the morning and then runs the same distance in the evening and tries to beat his time from earlier in the day.

So, today I decided to experiment and give it a try.  My schedule and the weather actually worked to allow me to get two runs in.  Here's how it went:
      Before work:  3 miles in 27:15
      After work: exact same 3 miles in 26:29

So I beat my morning time by exactly 46 seconds.  (Maybe I should start running in the evenings.)

6 miles total, and although my legs felt slightly heavier in the evening run, my body was much looser and I felt faster.   For the morning run it took my the entire first mile to wake up and feel loose.    I don't know what time of day is the best to run or train, and frankly I don't think it makes a great deal of difference (although I do think there is some wisdom in doing your training runs around the same time that your actual race will occur, usually mornings).   I don't plan to regularly do 2-a-days (mostly because of scheduling), but I kind of liked having a time to try to beat from earlier in the day, and I would like to do this type of running at least once a month.  

It's great now that the weather is getting warmer, I'm seeing a lot more people outside now, even other runners sometimes.  Where were they all winter??


17 comments:

Unknown said...

I've done two-a-days, but usually different things. like swim and run. or weights and yoga. never run and run. that would about kill me. lol

Rookie on the Run said...

That sounds tough! I don't think I could do two runs in one day.

That's great you're seeing more runners out there. Good weather will do that, I guess. :D

Melanie Tait said...

That's hard core, Oz, but very admirable!

2 in one day... well done!

TNTcoach Ken said...

A lot of folks will do their long runs with two-a-days. Your body doesn't recognize the break in between, great job in the afternoon.

RunnerMom said...

I've been wanting to try two-a-days. After reading this, I might just do it!

"Fair weather runners" don't know what they are missing. I'll take a cold day (20 degrees or above, please!) over the Tennessee heat and humidity in the summer!

My running coach did say that I shouldn't do my 20-milers for the marathon or any of my key long runs (16, 18, too) as a two-a-day because I had to practice being on my feet for 3.5+ hours consecutively.

RunToTheFinish said...

I used to do 2 a days a lot when I was really cranking out the mileage, it's a great way to get in more miles when you don't have time for one long run and the goal of them is to run slightly faster since you aren't going as far at one time

Brandi said...

I've never tried that.. Hmm.. something to consider.. My problem right now is getting back the motivation to get one run in much less two! I used to love running in the mornings though. Really started my day off right.

Stacey said...

I've been thinking of starting the two-a-days. It's gotta boost the metabolism! ( : Have a great weekend!

Unknown said...

I've done two-a-days a few times when I couldn't get in the mileage I wanted with a morning run and did an evening run as well. I don't like doing it very often though, because it really cuts down the amount of time to recover between runs.

Unknown said...

OzRunner, fascinating article. After reading, I did some research and found an interesting article on the subject (see Saturday's posting - http://half-marathon-mark.blogspot.com/). I hope you don't mind the attribution to you - always find your blog one that makes me think (Ow! That hurts my head!). Mark

Elisabeth said...

I was just thinking about giving this a whirl this summer, maybe I'll actually give it a try.

Thanks for stopping by my blog :D

Have a great weekend!

Jess said...

Nice job on beating your own time!

FLATOUT JIM said...

Thanks for checking my blog. Missy is one of my favorite reads.

So when are you buying a bike and a wetsuit?

TRI TRI TRI!!!!!!

Lindsay said...

2-a-days are cool, but very tiring! congrats on beating your morning time. i think you may find that some days your morning time is faster and others the pm time is. sometimes after work i'm worn out from a long day and the run is not as good, but sometimes in the morning i'm half-asleep and then run isn't too good either. sounds like a fun self-challenge to do periodically! (i may even try it one day) :)

Jason said...

I would love to do 2 a days once in a while but it just doesn't seem like there is time. Good luck with the experiment.

carrie said...

I can't remember ever running twice in one day! Wow! Thanks for stopping by my blog. :)

Tony said...

Cool blog. I like the idea of two a days and do this often, but most of my races are in the morning. I feel like getting your body used to running in the morning will help with morning races. That is of course if your shooting for P.R.s and such. Your absolutely right though you are much looser in the evening.