Runners who love racing know it’s critical to plan your race schedule for the upcoming year in advance. Sure, there will be time for last-minute changes and adjustments, but having a framework helps you train smarter, budget better, and avoid overloading your calendar. A little planning now makes for a smoother, more successful race season later.
Why Is Planning Important?
Planning out your race schedule is important so you can prioritize appropriate training, and minimize as many conflicts as possible. Knowing what races are on the horizon means you can prepare for things like travel and accommodations, factor in recovery time between events, and balance race weekends with family, work, or other commitments. A little organization now helps ensure you’re not scrambling later, and it makes the whole racing experience way more enjoyable.
What’s The First Thing To Get On The Calendar?
Start with your the big events that matter most to you. Maybe it’s your goal half marathon, your first marathon, or that racecation you’ve been eyeing. These anchor races set the tone for the rest of your year and give you something to build your training cycle around.
Fill in the Supporting Cast
Once you’ve chosen your top priority races, add in the next tiers of importance. These can be tune-ups, fun runs, or local 5Ks that fit nicely into your training. They help keep you motivated, test your fitness, and give you finish-line vibes without derailing your bigger goals.
Be Mindful Of Rest and Recovery
Don’t forget to schedule downtime. Your body needs recovery between races, especially after longer distances. Build in a few weeks to rest, cross-train, or just run for fun before jumping into the next training cycle. Future you will thank you (ask me how I know).
Factor in Real Life
Work obligations, vacations, kids’ activities, and holidays will all pop up, and they all matter just as much as races. Look at your calendar realistically so you’re not cramming long runs between airports or missing family events. Running should fit into your life, not overshadow it.
Set A Budget For Time AND Money
Races aren’t just about the medal at the finish line and bragging rights… they’re also about logistics. Travel, hotels, race fees, and gear all add up. Planning ahead gives you time to save, find deals, or choose races that work for your budget.
Planning your race calendar might not sound glamorous, but it’s the secret to a smoother, more successful season. By mapping out your priority races, sprinkling in supporting events, and leaving room for recovery and real life, you’ll set yourself up for stronger training, better races, and way less stress. Remember, the plan isn’t set in stone. Stay flexible, have fun, and let your race season work for you, not against you.
Join us next week —> Short sprints vs. long distance… which do you prefer?
Link Up With Tuesday Topics
This year, I am joining up with Zenaida, of The Running Teacher for Tuesday Topics! Please join us every week for a new topic!
This would have been very helpful for me to read about 30 years ago, Jenn! While I never let my running get in the way of family life, I spent way too many super early hours out running to get my long run finished before family events or kids’ sports.
And of course, I must ask for the story behind “ask me how I know” when you were talking about rest and recovery. 🙂
Ha! I am terrible about taking rest days. I had a nasty case of plantar fasciitis for almost a year because I didn’t ease up, and I had a nasty hip flexor strain that I insisted on running and racing with, which did not serve eme. Sometimes, we get lucky and make it through without injury, but sometimes…. we get hurt.
So true, Jenn! A little planning makes such a huge difference.
I like how you’ve broken it down into “anchors” and “supporting cast” races, that’s such a smart way to think about it. I’ve definitely learned the hard way that not allowing enough recovery time between events can derail an entire season.
Do you already have an A-race in mind for next year?
Right now, my “years” are academic years (august-july) vs calendar years. I have a few things in mind, but I sort of want to see how senior year and the start of college shakes out before we solidify any travel plans. Then I’ll start making bigger decisions.
All great tips.
I am often guilty of clicking register and then realize that it wasn’t a good idea.
Also I rarely have A races anyone. I just want to stay healthy and have fun.
Tee hee. I love hitting “click.”
This is so useful! I’m good at picking the races I want but not very good at always ensuring it fits in with other aspects of life and this year, I’ve had to cancel a few races because of poor planning. Will definitely use this to be more organised in 2026.
Shathiso recently posted…My Running Journey: From Gaborone to the World | 2025 Update
I’ve been better, especially because school activities come up pretty quickly. However, going forward, I’m trying to be way more organized.