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It is possible to run two marathons very close together (2-3 weeks apart). Indeed, some people can run the marathon distance nearly every day - see [[Back to Back Marathons]]. However, racing the marathon distance is very different. To race the distance means you are running to perform as well as you can. For some, racing the marathon means hitting a specific time, for some it means just completing the distance in the time allowed. Either way, it means running at the limits of your abilities. Racing the marathon requires tapering and necessitates some recovery. These facts make racing two marathons in close succession tricky. Here are some thoughts on approaching racing two marathons in short succession. (If you are not racing the marathons, see [[Running Frequent Marathons]].
* The #1 goal [[Golden Rule of any training program should be Training]] is to avoid getting injuredso you can continue training. This should shape everything ;} .* A good recovery from the previous marathon is critical. Depending on how well prepared you are and how hard you push yourself, you may suffer very different levels of damage. Follow the steps in [[Post Race Recovery]]. ** Refueling after the first marathon is absolutely critical - see [[Nutrient Timing]] for more details. I would suggest aiming for 50-100g carbohydrate and 50-100g of [[Protein]] within 30 minutes of the race finish, then a similar amount within the following couple of hours. * For the few days after the first marathon, do some gentle running. The best cure for A little light exercise may help with [[Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness]] is more exercise, but only a small amount. 'Hair of the dog that bit you' runs will help speed up the recovery. These [[Recovery Runs]] will not build or improve fitness - that is not the goal, so don't push it.
* If you are injured from the first race, be realistic. It's not worth crippling yourself to finish the second race. Discuss your injury with other experienced marathon runners to get their advice. They can give you valuable perspective.
* [[Long Run|Long runs]] will not give you any benefit for the second marathon, though they would help with future marathons (maybe). The benefits of endurance running take about 3 weeks to be realized.