Does walking up a mountain count as a 'rest' day??

[NewlifeLil]

Hi folks, I did my first week 4 run on Friday. Astonished that I could keep going for 5 whole minutes (twice)... and am generally very pleased with progress. Then I walked up a mountain/hill (Cadair Idris) yesterday with some fit young people and boy do my knees and legs ache. So, do I allow myself an extra day of rest or push on with the programme? I really don't want to get slack - and it isn't raining at the moment - but nor do I want to give myself any injuries or too much pain to put me off. So should I go or should I not?

[Oldgirl Graduate]

OOhhhh that's a lovely part of Wales, I stayed at Arthog in my early teens and we climbed up Cadair Idris. Visited Barmouth this summer and drove through Arthog, it brought back lovely memories.

It won't hurt to give your achy legs an extra day, a gentle walk will help loosen off those tight muscles.

[NewlifeLil Graduate in reply to Oldgirl]

Thank you. Good advice!

[runningnearbeirut Graduate]

I'd give it another day. Maybe have a (gentle) walk to stretch get those muscles going after yesterday...Give your legs time to recover properly, that's what rest days are for and you definitely didn't have a rest day yesterday!

[NewlifeLil Graduate in reply to runningnearbeirut]

Thank you. You are right, that certainly wasn't a rest. My decision is also helped because the promised rain has arrive and going out doesn't look nearly so appealing! I will go for the walk though.. my dog will be grateful!

[annasee Graduate]

I've had a couple of extra "rest" days in Wk 8 because I had some knee pain for the first time. Though I did walk 4 miles (on the flat) both rest days. But just thought it's better when there's any actual pain to rest legs and especially knees from running. You don't want to be one of the injury statistics - it would be very disheartening I think. And mountain climbing will have definitely used muscles you didn't know you had! Take it easy - we've got nothing to prove, it's the hare and tortoise all over again

[NewlifeLil Graduate in reply to annasee]

Thanks. I took a gentle walk, and am hoping the aches will be reduced tomorrow.