W3 R2 done but tough....

[lightweightkate]

Inspired by OldPossum and his forest runs, I ventured out for W3 R2 under the trees. He's right, it was beautiful and soft underfoot and the dappled shade helped me keep a little cooler.

However found it harder than the last run and was slower overall on the same distance.

When Laura told me I had 60 seconds left on last run I was so relieved but also flipping' determined to finish and finish I did

I last run Friday morning and I seem to do better with at least 2 day rest days rather than one - those bloomin' calves started aching way too soon today 😡

Has anyone else found that running at a certain time of day is easier or that the number of rest days makes a difference to how they find each run?

[Als_mum Graduate]

Yes, I found that I need at least two rest days. I tried just one and it was really dispiriting, so give myself a either two or three and it's not had any negative effect.

[Ullyrunner Graduate]

Yes, it often helps to take two rest days if you are finding it tough going - no harm in that at all. Don't worry at all about your speed at the moment - just do the time and keep putting one foot I front of the other. Have you got a good stretching regime when you get back from a run- it can really help with stiff and sore muscles.

Looks a wonderful place to run!

[dddd4 Graduate]

I often take 2 rest days and in the early weeks I often took more. I think it helps to really let your muscles recover. Now I see how I feel after one rest day, if I feel any aches or twinges I don't run. I seem to be able to go out after one day more often now. Looks a lovely place to run. I would think the bumps under foot, free roots etc would slow you down a bit and also the grass will absorb some id your energy I think? Worth it for such lovely view though.

[LonelyWalker Graduate]

Do you have trail running shoes? As I understand it they really help with uneven surface running, so I've avoided it so far in my ordinary running shoes. But if you're finding the transition not too bad I might just follow suit!

[lightweightkate Graduate in reply to LonelyWalker]

Hi there and yes I've got trail running shoes and they have really helped