Question to graduates who have successfully completed 5k or are near the end of the programme (weeks 7 plus)

[jzane]

Do you still have a rest day? ie not run alternate days?OR do you sometimes do 2 days in a row?

[Hidden]

Hi, i still take the rest days and have 2 days at the end of each week i.e sunday and monday, and run tue/thur and sat . I definitely need them , old geezer here

From what i have seen most programs have rest days which could mean no exercise or something else other than running , cross training of some description ..

[AndyD Graduate]

I've recently graduated and will always take a days rest, but I do try to run every other day even if its just for 20mins. Some people do carry out some other exercise on their rest days... but I prefer to rest up and keep a relationship with my couch

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Hi again......you're keen!! It is generally recommended that you need to have been a regular runner for a year or so before you do away with rest days. As you know, I used to be 57 and at that age it can take longer for your body to develop and the strains can take longer to get over. Obviously if you are younger and generally fitter then you may be able to take more liberties. I am just recovering from injury and would definitely say err on the side of caution because I have found I don't bounce back as quick as I used to.

[ancientrunner Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Ha - that made me laugh out loud. I used to be 57 as well, in fact it seems like just a couple of months agol

[runningknitter Graduate]

Definitely still have a rest day. I learnt the hard way last week....ran a 5k on the Sunday and went to my running group on Monday, and haven't run outside since (achy thigh/hip)! I only graduated a month ago so should have know better really.

[Hidden]

I still have one or two rest days, and need them. I have learnt the hard way that a 50+ body can only take so many exercise surprises...I do try and walk or cycle in-between though.

[pinkangel16 Graduate]

Yep, definitely.

Having said that, I MIGHT fit in an extra little run in the weekend between my Friday morning and Monday morning run. A Saturday afternoon is pretty much a day and half in between so that's still a good rest.

So if I were you I would certainly plan in a rest day (or two!).

Good luck with your remaining runs up to graduation.

xx

[Hidden]

I normally take between 36 & 48 hours between runs. Why run more frequently, get injured and then find you have to take weeks off as a result?!

[Hidden]

I rest from running if I have done more than 5k. I do run to the gym, do a class and speed walk home- often 2 nights on the trot 1.6 mile to gym.

Last week

Mon run to gym, class walk home

Tues repeat mon

Wed run 1.5 with partner (new runner)

Thur rest

Fri ran 6.2 miles after work

Sat rest

Sun 3.1 run

I ran to gym yesterday and will again tonight but they are short distances and a good opportunity to do a short run and avoid taking the car!

But I'm on a drive to loose weight before Xmas and marathon training in the new year!

[helenbones Graduate]

Usually I do take at least one rest day but have been known to run 2 days consecutively but make sure that one (if not both) is (are) short run(s) and work on pace (which I very much need to as very slow) but then probably have 2 rest days. But don't push it if you are feeling sore as will most likely result in an injury.

happy running

[GoogleMe Graduate]

2 years post-grad. I've run on a consecutive day only a couple of times I think. I do other stuff on the in between days, which supports my running.

[sprynn Graduate]

Agree with all the comments as each of us is completely individual. If you feel up to it, try it but build up very slowly to see how your body reacts - maybe just half your normal distance at a gentle pace. I run occasionally 2 days on the trot, but try and make the second run a gentle run - not a long distance or super fast (not that I am ever really super fast!!). And plenty of stretching. Good luck!

[sprynn Graduate]

Oh forgot to say - another idea, which I sometimes use if I really want to run the next day is to try and make it a day and a half between runs, i.e. morning run on day one followed by an evening run on day 2. Depends on your schedule of course. Have fun.

[DownNotUp Graduate]

I'm on my last week (9) but since I've started at 66 I sometimes take 2 or even 3 rest days in between but then I also play badminton, walk, swim, do a couple of gym classes and cycle so its hard to fit it all in and listen to my body at the same time.

[Realfoodieclub Graduate]

I always take a rest day but I do other things like walking, swimming or cycling. I always try to force myself to take a complete day off. That's hard but it helps.

[baronblaze]

Depends on how i feel. I normally run on both saturday and sunday. If i feel stiff on the sunday i either don't run or i go for a long slow run which i find easier than a shorter quicker run. I think you know whether your body is not up to it.

[kfeedil Graduate]

I graduated about a month ago. During the programme I always took rest days (sometimes two or three). However since the evenings have been getting darker I have been tending to run twice at weekends (generally mornings) and once during the week. Sat - Sun - Tues or Weds.

That generally works for my lifestyle and schedule. I'm 31 and I have only built up to about 5.2km in 33 mins or so. Potentially if I become able to run for longer the consecutive days might not work. But for now it's a good fit for me.