Why You Should Incorporate Smaller Races Into Your Marathon Training

I love running, but I do not love racing.

And yet, I’m addicted to crossing that finish line after 26.2 miles.

Smaller races provide invaluable opportunities to practice your race-day routine.

By the time your goal race arrives, you’ll have a tried-and-true routine that feels like second nature.

Here’s how to maximize the benefits of racing during your training cycle.

You’ll learn to manage pre-race jitters, pace yourself effectively, and push through discomfort.

Each race is a chance to strengthen your mental game, making you more resilient when it really counts.

Nutrition and hydration strategies

Race day nutrition can make or break your performance.

Use smaller races to test different fueling strategies.

There’s a reason plays have a dress rehearsal before opening night.

Participating in smaller races familiarizes you with typical race day logistics.

One of the most crucial aspects of racing is pacing.

Smaller races offer a low-stakes environment to experiment with different pacing strategies.

Training races serve as excellent benchmarks for your fitness.

They provide concrete data on your current capabilities, allowing you to adjust your training or goals if necessary.

The post-race period is just as important as the race itself.

Smaller races give you the chance to refine your recovery routine.

If you’re free to find races on courses similar to your goal race, even better.

You’ll gain experience with similar terrain, elevation changes, and weather conditions.

This familiarity can give you a significant mental edge when you toe the line for your target event.

They offer a holistic approach to race preparation, addressing everything from mental preparation to logistical planning.