W1R1

[crazycatwoman]

I have just completed day 1 of the c25k programme and i really enjoyed it. Legs ache a bit so might need to spend more time on the warm up.

A question - do you have to have a rest day in between? I am worried that now I have started I will give up if I don't keep at it!

[AndyD Graduate]

Well done for starting... the hardest bit!! Yes, always take a rest day between runs... I'm still doing that now, months after graduating

[crazycatwoman in reply to AndyD]

Thanks. I will rest then, maybr just go for a walk!

[Ullyrunner Graduate]

Yes! Rest days are an important part of the programme which allow your muscles to repair. You should also stretch out after the run - there is a link to some stretches in the pinned posts.

You could also try doing the strength and flex podcasts on the rest days if you are worried about losing momentum.

Just follow Laura's instructions and you will soon be a real runner!

Good luck!

[crazycatwoman in reply to Ullyrunner]

i will have a look for the stretches. Thanks.

[Vixchile Graduate]

Rest days are important- but lots of people here do other activities on non running days such as swimming and cycling. Good luck and well done for doing the first run, its always the hardest one. Trust Laura and in 9 weeks you will be running for 30minutes!!

[GoogleMe Graduate]

Two things about the 'rest' days: firstly, you are giving your body the chance to do the background work which is necessary for you to keep making progress and secondly, realistically most people's lives have occasional hiccups when you can't do stuff like going for a run... so following the plan is probably a better strategy for building running into your life long term than going out every day until one day you can't...

As others have said, it is rest from running not necessarily rest altogether and is a great opportunity to do other things towards all round fitness.