hubcyclist

Just curious how folks approach doubling up races. I'm looking at an event next week that has a 5 race (30mins) followed by a 4/5 race of 40mins. Would be nice to get some additional race experience and get that much closer to getting my 10 races for the season, but depending how hard I go in the first the 2nd one might be tough. On one hand, I usually train between 90-120mins a day (mainly sweet spot), so endurance is good but I don't do a lot of over threshold efforts so my legs might not be happy during a 2nd race. Anyhow, was curious to see what others experience in instances where they've done back to back.

Carcosa

It depends what you want to get out of it.

If it's just for training and knowledge you'll be fine, but I don't know that you can hope to at your peak competitiveness in the either, whether you're holding back in the first to save some for the second or going all out and then end up gassed come the second race.

Can't hurt. I'm only saying to build the right expectations. The series I'm racing in makes your second race of the day only $10 so plenty of people do two. Not a ton do back to back though.

redlude97

90-120 mins of sweet spot won't translate to race pace. I'd just do the 4/5 race. If there is a single speed division later in the day then you can consider doubling up by zip tieing your shifters after some recovery time.

50voltphantom

Y'all 2-a-day people baffle me. I'm perfectly content to do my race and then watch my friends and have beer(s).

Carcosa

This.... Although at the end of the day Sunday I'm sad I have to wait another week to race again.

bbbean 

This. If the OP is a cat 5, it's worth racing more to get more experience (and get in your 10 races to move up to a 4). Look at one or both the races as training (as you generally should as a cat 5, anyhow), and enjoy yourself. If you find yourself on the front in the last lap, however, forget this advice and hammer.

BB

bbbean 

I've consumed a lot of alcohol in my years, and I've enjoyed the mix of adrenaline and endorphins. Adrenaline and endorphins are better (especially when followed by a cold beer).

HOWSER

If you're looking for experience, then do it.

You're second event will likely suffer, but you may not care.

I double up often. Around here Masters go 1st in the day. I'll do that then the open race (1, 2, 3) in the early afternoon. That race always hurts.

Have fun.

caloso

Personally, I'd race the first for a placing and the second for fitness. If you happen to place well in the second, that's gravy.