Why a day's break in-between?

[SVR28]

I'm due to run Week 8 Run 1 tonight but a close friend of mine, who is going through a really bad time, needs to see me so I will need to skip my run so I can be there for her.

But to make up for it I was thinking of doing Run 1 and Run 2 of Week 8 Thursday evening then Friday evening, so no day in-between.

Is this a major problem and if so why, if just a one off? Would I better just doing my Friday run as normal and not making up my Weds run on Thursday? (Hope that makes sense)

And on top of this I now feel a rubbish friend because I'm thinking more about my running schedule as a priority, which I never thought I would do!

[Be11adonna Graduate]

I think it depends on your fitness level SVR. I did runs on consecutive days during week 5, but I'm not sure I could do it now that we are running for longer periods (I'm also heading out to do w8r1 this evening). But maybe you are fitter and it won't be a problem?

You can always try and just see how it goes. The worst that will happen is that you'll have to stop halfway during Friday's run and repeat it later on. All in all, not a disaster. And you may just end up surprising yourself by completing both runs without too much hassle. If you do manage that I would tack on an extra rest day (so two consecutive rest days) just to be safe.

My 2 cents.

[SVR28 in reply to Be11adonna]

Hmm, you make a valid point. I'm not very fit at all and I think you are right that possibly these longer runs might require a bit more rest in-between. I have pushed through week 7 out of sheer stubborn determination.

I've not given up on a run halfway through since starting and I don't plan to now so I think I won't risk it and leave Week 8 Run 1 until Thursday, then do the next one Saturday morning and so on. I just need to be more patient about getting my Graduation badge...and t-shirt! 1 or 2 days here or there won't harm really in the grand scheme of things.

Thanks for your 2 cents and have a good run this evening!

[dottiemay Graduate]

Much better to take that extra day off. Pushing yourself too far too fast can end in injuries or at the very least, sore muscles. An extra day off will do no harm and you might even feel better on your next run!

[crox Graduate in reply to dottiemay]

I pushed too hard and ended up having to take 3 weeks off, really not worth it.

[scater82]

Rest days are as important as the actual exercise this is when the body does all of the repair to the damage done when exterting yourself e.g. repairing any minor tears in muscles or replacing glycongen stores in muscles. If you dont want to have a day off from exercise then maybe swap it for a mobility or low impact stretching activity to loosed up tight limbs.

always over looked

[SVR28 in reply to scater82]

Thanks, that's a good suggestion about low impact stretching.

[runningnotwalking Graduate]

I would stick to the rest day and maybe suggest your friend joins you for a walk so that you don't feel too bad about missing a day. Some light exercise and getting outside with you might make them feel a little better too !

[SVR28 in reply to runningnotwalking]

Thanks that is a good idea but sadly we ended up in a pub instead! I might suggest the walk next time. I think she could do with some fresh air to chase the gloom away.