Runners - help? Especially Buddha!

[MaineDolFan]

I am quite sure I've bitten off more than I can chew for this weekend and I need some advice as to how you would approach this if you were faced with both events?

Saturday morning I'm running a Warrior Dash with a buddy.  For reasons I'll keep to myself, I didn't feel like I could say no.  For folks who don't know what the Warrior Dash is, it's a 5K obstacle course up (and down) a mountain (some aren't - this one is located on a ski resort in New Hampshire so it's going to be straight up and straight down). 

Web site here:

http://www.warriordash.com/

Here is where my "problem" comes in...

I'm running a 10K the next morning:

http://www.mainetoday.com/enternews/042514.html

Three slight things working in my favor: 

1:  My heat on Saturday is at 11 am, so I should have almost 20 full hours to recover my legs.
2:  Once you get into the "thick of things" the Warrior Dash can be "hurry up and wait" to get on to an obstacle, so it's not constant movement.  IE - I'm not running 3.1 miles up a hill the day before.
3:  The 10K is a trail run, it's not paved.  It starts paved for the first quarter mile and then it's trails the rest of the way, so it will be much easier on my lower body than a typical road race (pounding wise).

Bottom line - the Warrior Dash is going to take a lot out of me.  I'm running this as a favor.  My buddy wants to post a sub :45 time.  Would you:

1:  Blow up one race and sacrifice the other?  What I mean by that is - shoot for the sub :45 on the Warrior Dash knowing darn well it's going to mean I'll probably be running a 12:00 mile pace the next day.  Or do I take the Dash slow and steady and put something in the tank and maintain for the 10?
2:  Take it easy on both and feel accomplished to have finished two pretty big events, back to back?

How would you attack this weekend?  Thoughts?

[Buddhagirl]

See, this is weird to me. I didn't know people ran those obstacle course races for time. To me they're all about just finishing and having a good time. Of course, I'm kind of old school. I like to run FAST. A race with obstacles is NOT meant to be run FAST. So, I'd just chillax on the Warrior Dash and then kill the 10k.

I did the Down and Dirty Mud Run 10k and it took me well over an hour and I did not care. (I also basically lost my shorts in the final mud pit.)

Either way, I'm totally jealous because it's still too hot here to race.

[fyo]

I'd give my all on the first race and whatever's left in the tank the next day...

Make sure you hydrate and get plenty of energy. Massage and stretching can help cut the soreness.

[Brian Fein]

I'd do the opposite.  I'd lollygag through the first one and save up for the 10K.

Then rope your friend into running the 10K with you the following day.

Is there a rule that the two of you have to stay together for the Warrior Run?  Or would it suffice that you were a few paces behind him.  Maybe get "squeezed out" on the first or second obstacle, get stuck in the crowd and let him go ahead without you, then take your sweet time finishing.

[MaineDolFan]

The race is timed, just like any road race.  I think a person who has a realistic shot of finishing in the top three of their heat would want to "run fast."  You get your name engraved on a steel helmet and other prizes, etc.  Other than that...I'm not sure what his deal is with wanting to finish so quickly.  He's all "I'm not waiting for people, I'm this...I'm that."

Me?  Obstacle courses aren't really my thing.  I don't mind them, but I'm definitely more of a road race guy.  I had my fill of obstacle courses in the military!  These things - I'm not seeing the rush.  You're exhausted, which could cause errors.  You're wet, the course is wet, you're muddy, the course is muddy.  A huge part of me is thinking of telling my buddy "I'll see you at the end" and just doing my thing.  My worst case scenario would be to fall off a cargo net and break an ankle because I'm trying to post a :45 minute time on a freakin' Warrior Dash...

I'm in a weird place with my road races.  I'm running, generally, around a 9:15 mile right now until I hit the four mile mark.  At that point I'm a little all over the place.  I ran last night with a migraine (not the smartest thing I've ever done, but I had to get some work in) and was under 10.  If I could chose the order of things, I would much rather have the 10K be first - my pride would want to post a 60:00 or better (that would be a PB for me on a 10K, I haven't broken 60:00 yet...and I don't think I'm going to this weekend).

Weather wise, we've caught a break.  Today and tomorrow highs are in the 80's and it' muggy.  Saturday is looking to be 65-70, no humidity at all.  Should be even cooler in the mountains.  My race on Sunday is on the ocean, which will be perfect (especially with a 9 am gun).

[Brian Fein]

 A huge part of me is thinking of telling my buddy "I'll see you at the end" and just doing my thing.  

That's what I'd do, and then take your time.

My worst case scenario would be to fall off a cargo net and break an ankle because I'm trying to post a :45 minute time on a freakin' Warrior Dash...

That's what I was thinking too.  The worst case scenario would be to get hurt on the one you don't really care about that prevents you from doing the one you have trained for.  And with muddy shoes and muddy courses and over-eager people climbing things, up and down a hill...  its a real possibility!

[Buddhagirl]

The race is timed, just like any road race.  I think a person who has a realistic shot of finishing in the top three of their heat would want to "run fast."  You get your name engraved on a steel helmet and other prizes, etc.  Other than that...I'm not sure what his deal is with wanting to finish so quickly.  He's all "I'm not waiting for people, I'm this...I'm that."

Me?  Obstacle courses aren't really my thing.  I don't mind them, but I'm definitely more of a road race guy.  I had my fill of obstacle courses in the military!  These things - I'm not seeing the rush.  You're exhausted, which could cause errors.  You're wet, the course is wet, you're muddy, the course is muddy.  A huge part of me is thinking of telling my buddy "I'll see you at the end" and just doing my thing.  My worst case scenario would be to fall off a cargo net and break an ankle because I'm trying to post a :45 minute time on a freakin' Warrior Dash...

I'm in a weird place with my road races.  I'm running, generally, around a 9:15 mile right now until I hit the four mile mark.  At that point I'm a little all over the place.  I ran last night with a migraine (not the smartest thing I've ever done, but I had to get some work in) and was under 10.  If I could chose the order of things, I would much rather have the 10K be first - my pride would want to post a 60:00 or better (that would be a PB for me on a 10K, I haven't broken 60:00 yet...and I don't think I'm going to this weekend).

Weather wise, we've caught a break.  Today and tomorrow highs are in the 80's and it' muggy.  Saturday is looking to be 65-70, no humidity at all.  Should be even cooler in the mountains.  My race on Sunday is on the ocean, which will be perfect (especially with a 9 am gun).

Maine, you need to start adding in some speedwork to your training. Some tempo runs and mile repeats will get you faster.

[bsfins]

My knees are swelling to the size of basketballs,and aching just reading this thread...Maine is going to run this weekend than I will this entire year...  

I would have fun with the obstacle course,and save myself for the race the next day....(Schedule knee surgeries for first thing Monday morning...)

I think most friends would probably understand you're also running a race tomorrow..

I just wanted to wish you good luck...

[Dave Gray]

I can't speak for your particular Warrior Dash, but I have some friends that did it and it wasn't athletic.  They're all fat, out of shape bums.  You run in the mud wearing silly costumes (one dude wore a chicken suit) and then, when it's over, there's a big celebration and everyone drinks beer.

If you're looking to go be a serious competitor, Warrior Dash might not be the place for that.

It's like the Red Bull flying contest of races.

[Buddhagirl]

I can't speak for your particular Warrior Dash, but I have some friends that did it and it wasn't athletic.  They're all fat, out of shape bums.  You run in the mud wearing silly costumes (one dude wore a chicken suit) and then, when it's over, there's a big celebration and everyone drinks beer.

If you're looking to go be a serious competitor, Warrior Dash might not be the place for that.

It's like the Red Bull flying contest of races.

That's exactly how I see it. I ran it for my birthday and it was just for fun. People walk the entire course. If you want to run fast, do a road (or trail as long as it's not aggressive) race.

[Brian Fein]

^^ not all are like that.  Some are competitive like adventure races and stuff. 

[CF DolFan]

My personal opinion is that if you are going to do it ... then do it. Carb up before your Saturday race then it's ice baths, re-hydration and more carbs to prepare for the Sunday race.

Best of luck to you. Sounds like a tough weekend

[Brian Fein]

Actually sounds like a fun weekend.

[bsfins]

Ahem..Mr Maine..can we please get an Update? 

[Brian Fein]

^^ Don't think you want that...