Rest days..?: Does anyone else want to sneak a... - Couch to 5K

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Rest days..?

EFox89 profile image
8 Replies

Does anyone else want to sneak a cheeky run in on their rest days?

Todays my rest day but my run last night didn't fill me with its usual joy because I went straight from a crappy work day, so I feel cheated out of my post-run buzz. However my body is telling me that it's shattered, I've been a bit naughty and snuck 3 runs into 5 days as I'm going away this weekend and won't get one in.

My real question is does anyone else battle the mental desire to go for a run vs. the bodies desire to sleep for the next 72 hours!

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EFox89 profile image
EFox89
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8 Replies
garyc profile image
garyc

I quench my exercise thirst with cross-training, this not only satisfies my desire to exercise, but can also help improve your running performance.

I think running without a rest day (from running) can yeild negative results and much higher chances of injury, so be careful pushing yourself too far!

But yes, I definitely get an exercise "itch" I feel I have to scratch!

Tomas profile image
TomasGraduate

One of the key things the programme tries to achieve is to get you slowly used to running on a regular basis. It does that by insisting on sufficent recovery between runs to avoid "burnout" and to keep the risk of injury low.

Many decides that they can do more than the programme prescribes. Some succeed, more fail. If you aren't in the habit of having exercising regularly, your best chance of success is by taking the prescribed rest days. It is when you rest that you grow stronger.

CookieM profile image
CookieMGraduate

Yes! But as a teacher I sometimes have to make the decision about whether it is a mental tiredness (when it is really good to go out for a run and tire out my body so I sleep), or actually my body saying "I can't cope with this tonight" (when having something to eat and going to bed early are the better option).

As Oldfloss wrote earlier today - sometimes we just have to listen to our bodies!

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply toCookieM

We do need to listen to our bodies, but it is hard... easier for me, now I am older.. but I can empathise,... as an ex teacher I know exactly. what you mean! :)

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate

We all get tempted... but, try to resist.. do some other exercise.. swim, cycle, walk, do strength and flex... the body does need to rest.. to recover :)

EFox89 profile image
EFox89

In light of all of your advice, I've rested and actually feel a million times more awake, and my knees feel a little less sore so that's all good!

I think I was trying to overload so when I'm away this weekend and can't run I won't undo all the hard work I've already done with c25k. However looks like we're apparently going to be doing loads of walking so I might let myself off the hook and jump back into my last week 4 run on Monday :) Thank you all, I think I needed to read the unanimous -yes you need to rest- feedback!

Have a great weekend peeps =)

misswobble profile image
misswobbleGraduate

You too 🙂 Walking is a good cross training exercise!

melly4012 profile image
melly4012Graduate

I find I most want to run after the previous one and the desire slowly diminishes the longer it gets since my last run... I know my body would struggle if I didn't give it its rest days though so make sure not to run two days in a row. It's those pesky endorphins I imagine, apparently they're addictive... Who knew? :)

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