Rest days

[runmelrun]

How bad would it be to do 2 runs together as a one off? next week is going to be really hard to fit them in due to the kids and appointments!

[runswithdogs Graduate]

Better off an extra rest day than two runs back to back.

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate]

Rest days are important. I agree with runswithdogs, it doesn't matter if you don't fit in three runs in one week as long as you complete each section three times with at least one day in between.

There is no rush to complete this fantastic journey you are on, and many of us report that taking an extra rest day or two makes a better next run.

Sounds like you have a busy week coming up, don't add stress about running to it.

[Simmypie Graduate in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

Sorry to hijack the thread. I am intrigued as I know that as relative beginners we are advised to rest for a day so...an interesting question...

When do more advanced runners who have graduated start to do two or more days in a row? I'm meaning people who can easily run for an hour or more?

There must be people on the forums running 10k, half marathons etc and so on and perhaps running every day, so is it still advisable to have a rest day even for the Mo Farahs of this world?

Or is it that their bodies have adjusted and they are so used to running that they don't need a rest?

Thanks.

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate in reply to Simmypie]

Not sure if many of the graduates on here run on consequtive days simmypie. I think Bazza had just started too though and he is doing half marathons etc. I think he has been running for a few years now.

Most doing longer runs take at least one or two days between runs, overdoing it can cause injuries. Your muscles need to relax and repair.

Not sure about experienced runners or Mo Farah, someone else may know about them😄

[runswithdogs Graduate in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

I've been running for over two years and very rarely run back to back. My legs feel like lead when I do. And I've been out once with an overuse injury - ever since I'd rather run more cautiously.

[givman in reply to Simmypie]

Hi

Yes when I was doing my marathon training years ago I trained five days a week with 2 days off so I would do Monday tuesday (wed rest) Thursday friday (sat rest) long run Sunday worked for me😃😃

[IannodaTruffe Mentor in reply to givman]

Presumably you were not a new runner at the time?

[givman in reply to IannodaTruffe]

No I was a club runner then in my thirties lol now just a park runner

[Simmypie Graduate]

Ok thanks for the advice.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

I agree, totally, with runswithdogs and Bluebirdrunner , at least one day in between

My pattern, through C25K up to Graduation was like many folk, three runs..a rest day in between; any problems, ( weather, appointments etc) I took extra rest days...You can use strength and flex or other exercises to stay loose and strong.

Since Graduation, I run Sunday, Tuesday and Friday..( fits round my week and activities.), , Life does get in the way.. and with children etc, is so busy, but take those days; as the others say, it is your journey in your time, no need to rush.

[Poppy112 Graduate]

I have the same problem with family life but never do back to back runs, tried it once and failed miserably on 2nd run. I have now resigned myself to only doing 2 runs per week as this is all I can fit in so the programme is taking longer but I am getting there, rather this than risk injury or knock my morale. Good luck.

[Miller2]

An extra rest day won't do any harm. From the start of the programme I've always taken at least 2 rest days (I do 2 runs a week) and still finished it so it won't affect your ability in any way. If you have a busy week, just do what works for you but rest days are sacred, don't ever be tempted to skip one and go for a run.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Your question is one of the most frequently asked on this forum and the received wisdom is that as a new runner, you should take your rest days. When you run, apparently, you create micro tears in your muscles, which repair and strengthen on your rest days, so they are vital. Any non impact exercise such as cycling or swimming are beneficial and permitted, along with core strength work such as Pilates.

It is pretty obvious that the more you run the more you are likely to get injured, but as your body strengthens and gets used to the exertion you can introduce running on consecutive days. I have variously read that you should be a regular runner for at least three months or at least a year before running back to back. Either is pretty arbitrary and will be influenced by your general fitness levels and your age. The golden rule is never to follow a hard run with a hard run.

In over three years running I have only run on consecutive days on a couple of occasions and observed the above rule. Once you have been injured and unable to run at all, you develop a caution around this question, but for a new runner I would say rest days are sacred.

[Curlygurly2 Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

I agree with Iannoda occasionally, if the weather is perfect for example, but only short runs, then I will take some extra rest days. Don't skip while doing the programme.

[runswithdogs Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

You are right about the hard runs back-to-back. Last week I had one of my rare two runs in a row. One of them was a fast 5k. The other was Laura W2 at a slow rate just because I really needed a run, and a liberal amount of walking made it manageable. I followed it up with extra rest days.

[runmelrun Graduate]

Decided to go on a long walk instead. Did just over 3 miles steady wandering with the youngest in the pushchair

[givman]

Yes no probs

[Isabel_Smillie Graduate]

I have always read people's posts on here as its nice to read peoples experiences when you're doing the same thing. However, I have never commented until now. My view is that rest days are, of course, important but I don't think the same rules apply to everyone and that you should do what works for you.

I started in the last week of August and I am now on week 7 having done about 4 runs per week since I started the programme. I do back to back runs each week (no more than 3 in a row) with absolutely no problems at all. Of course if I ached the next day I wouldn't do it; it's all about listening to your body.

For me, and with a 20 month old, making sure I get out is the most important thing and I find that this is easiest at lunchtimes on the 4 days a week that I am at work.

Back to back runs may not work for some people but I don't think people should be berated for doing it. After all, in reality, it is 30 minutes of moderate exercise rather than running back to back 10ks.

I just wanted to put forward a different perspective and say that it can work for some people.

[runmelrun Graduate in reply to Isabel_Smillie]

thank you that's really helpful, as im only on week 4 im not exactly pounding the pavements for hours, as it happens the long walk put my mind at rest about not doing anything, today is all about 'running' around after the kids and I have put aside Tues, Fri and one day over the weekend. while I want to keep myself injury free and rest I also don't want to lose momentum as I easily slip out of things and this is something im so far sticking to.