From Happywalker to Happy-runner. How often? - Couch to 5K

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From Happywalker to Happy-runner. How often?

Happy-runner profile image
Happy-runnerGraduate
16 Replies

Hi everyone I've changed my name as some people suggested I do once I was running. Imagine me being called Happy RUNNER? 😱 I'm just wondering, once you have graduated, do you still have to leave a day between runs? It would be my preference to do this but it's not always convenient and I end up doing less because I'm having to leave a day.

Many thanks 😀

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Happy-runner profile image
Happy-runner
Graduate
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16 Replies
JaySeeSkinny profile image
JaySeeSkinnyGraduate

It's probably best to consolidate for at least 6 weeks after graduation with rest days in between. They say your body needs up to 2 years to get really used to running. Of course there's all these fantastic runners who go out every day, but they've been running all their life. I think we newbies should stick to alternate days for a good long while yet if we want to avoid injury! But it is tempting - I was thinking the same myself for next week, as   I have work and travel commitments that don't let me run as often as I want. 

Happy-runner profile image
Happy-runnerGraduate in reply to JaySeeSkinny

Thanks Jaysee I think I'll stick to rest days 😃

Zev1963 profile image
Zev1963Graduate

I would recommend leaving a rest day between runs until you have been running for 12 months. 

secan profile image
secanGraduate

Yes, rest days are still important for a few months after graduation.

Having said that,  if you *occasionally* have/want to run two days in a row, it is not a big deal; just pay attention to the signals your body sends and don't hesitate to stop early if you need to.

Ullyrunner profile image
UllyrunnerGraduate

We are still baby runners when we graduate and it is probably still best to take a rest day. Maybe it wouldn't hurt very occasionally, but when grads get injured it is often because of over enthusiastic training.

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to Ullyrunner

..or because, like me.. they go that bit too far... not intentionally.. I got lost this morning!!!!! :)

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate

Keep the rest day.. that is my advice...I agree with JaySeeSkinny  .

I need the rest days( old)... and when i have had a harder/longer run on a Tuesday.. I have two in between... run Friday. I do exercise  on the rest days..but nor runs. :)

Happy-runner profile image
Happy-runnerGraduate in reply to Oldfloss

Oldfloss what exercise do you do on rest days?

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to Happy-runner

I do strength and flex... I cycle, at least once a week too. I do a Pilates Class... and  I do yoga at home....40 mins.... each day and that includes run days...  :) But.... I am retired.. so have more time than folks who work and have children etc... I know it is easier for me to do this. :

I have always done yoga though... and cycled. The best thing for me was the strength and flex off the link on the C25K site... I still use those.. they work for me...oh.. and I try and walk as much as I can.. and not use the car!

heavyhorse profile image
heavyhorseGraduate

good question, I was wondering this too, and lots of good answers. I think I will stick to my rest days for now after reading the answers here, Thanks!

boogie991 profile image
boogie991Graduate

Yep, agree with everyone else. Keep the rest day and consolidate.

Happy-runner profile image
Happy-runnerGraduate

Looks like the advice is to keep rest days which is good. I think I just need to plan a bit more 😀. It's sort of hard when you've two teenagers cos they so don't plan!!!

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to Happy-runner

Luckily for me, when the children were at home.. they enjoyed the yoga, swimming and cycling too..it helped :)

Happy-runner profile image
Happy-runnerGraduate in reply to Oldfloss

I know but Oldfloss I am NOT going out on to a rugby pitch!!!

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to Happy-runner

Oh..I don't know...could be fun..although no..my Jenny played mixed rugby once..it did not end well.she got a knee injury which still causes problems...mind you..you should have seen the boy who tackled her😉

Happy-runner profile image
Happy-runnerGraduate in reply to Oldfloss

Oldfloss my son plays rugby and last year my daughter started doing tag rugby at school! She enjoyed it. It will be interesting to see if she goes back next season. It's all gymnastics at the moment! 😀

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