Running 2 days in a row - when is it ok?

[orchards]

Thinking about this after reading about your knee Flossie22 (hope it's ok now) because I read your post after running 2 days in a row. I do normally have at least one rest day, although there was another recent occasion where I did a very short run the day after a more typical length one.

This time, I did the first one when I stopped off half way through a rather tedious drive - I'd seen the walk and running maps for the area and it looked a lovely place to break the journey (see picture). As time was getting on and it was off road so not lit it had to be a short run - I will allow more time there another time - and it was flat and easy running so next day, Saturday, I felt just as I would if I'd had a rest day so, after dealing with rather a lot of tricky problems, decided I would feel much better for a run so went out, had my second go at Stepping Stones and came back feeling much better for it.

Mostly the ground was a lot trickier than the day before being rather muddy, but it's a route I quite often run and I took it carefully. The distance I covered in the 2 put together was actually a bit less than I often do on a Saturday, so the total distance for the week was ok too (and I would normally do a fair amount of walking on a rest day). Does this seem ok to do now and then, or am I asking for trouble?

[melly4012 Graduate]

I think I've heard the advice on here before that you should have a rest day between runs until you've been running for at least a year? Someone else might correct me but I think you're still considered a new runner until at least a year of regular running. I, for one, wouldn't dare to go against the advice of the experienced runners on on the forum but that's just me.

[orchards Graduate in reply to melly4012]

Thanks - I hadn't seen at least a year so that's useful to know (and at 4 months of running maybe i was pushing my luck...)

[pelicanmike]

The best thing about running is that you start to get really connected to your body. if it feels OK do it. If your body says no then NO. If you read these message boards too long you will always find somebody who justify your reasons to not push yourself.

[runswithdogs Graduate]

You know yourself best, but I personally err on the conservative side and have only done it a handful of times in 2.5 years running. I had an overuse injury that prevented me from running for about a month, I don't fancy having that problem again.

[Flossie22 Graduate]

Stunning photo, thank you. I agree, having run the first week of B210K after a speed podcast C25K+, albeit every other day, it did mean that I had run 4 times that week so came a cropper due to running further than the 10% in the week. It's really hard when you love doing something so much to not do it, especially when it is good for you and you are keeping fit, but I would err on the side of caution. Enjoy your running and stretch and flex on your non running ones! 😊🏃🏼‍♀️🏃🏻🏃🏼‍♀️🏃🏻

[orchards Graduate in reply to Flossie22]

I've been doing various stretching exercises regularly, running days as well as non-running, and I think they've made quite a difference to how I feel when and after running. I need to add in some strength ones too, though

[Pc59 Graduate]

All good advise above I'm a new graduate and been lucky to escape injuries apart from the normal aches & pains however yesterday was meant to be my 3rd run of the week but on the Saturday walked a lot & Xmas party so lots of dancing & aching feet after wearing heels!!! (Trainers so much better😂) so yesterday as I was tired I decided to have a rest day!!! To be honest since doing 30min +runs I find I sometimes need 2 rest days between as hip joint can play up!! At 59 I'm just chuffed to run as never had before! I do believe on listening to your body as what's ok for 1 person may be too much for someone else!! Just enjoy....🏃🏃🏃🏃😊

[Millsie-J Graduate in reply to Pc59]

Great words of advice Phylis ! 👍🏼

[CarolStr Graduate]

Sorry you didn't get your Sunday run in RB, but think you are sensible with the rest days. I sometimes have 2 between runs too - sometimes by necessity (work/bad weather) and sometimes by how I'm feeling - I really don't want to get on that IC just yet and the quads (thighs, not kids lol) have grumbled a little too so taking care of them at the mo.

[Isabel_Smillie Graduate]

Have to echo Pelicanmike's sentiments. Your body will tell you if it's not happy doing consecutive days. If I followed that rule I'd never get out as alternate days just doesn't fit in with my lifestyle. 0 to 10k in 3 months and no injuries for me despite not being able to follow prescribed rest day rules.