My weekly runs

I have found that I only need one rest day per week so instead of running every other day and having a rest day in between I go running every day except for Sunday’s. So instead of doing the weekly runs 3 times I do them 4 or 5 times and only move to the next weekly stage if I feel I am ready has anyone else tried this method. For example the runs for week 3 I have completed them 5 times and I now feel ready to move onto week 4

[icklegui Graduate]

yikes. No. Rest days after every run day are essential - body needs both time and sleep to repair and strengthen. You might feel fine but you can't tell what's going on in your bones, tendons, and the micro tears in your muscles. They all need repair and rest time. Week 3-4 is even more critical as your bones are weaker - bones get broken down a bit before rebuilding stronger.

Please don't risk injury this way x

[Hidden in reply to icklegui]

Thank you for the advice it’s really helpful I appreciate it

[icklegui Graduate in reply to Hidden]

you can replace your alternate runs with strength and flex exercises - just not anything impactful - lots of people use the NHS plan here nhs.uk/Livewell/strength-an... - core strength helps your running too!

[Hidden in reply to icklegui]

That’s great thank you

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

No... because that is a sure way to the IC...

Hidden damage to running muscles is a very real risk... and the rest days ensure recovery time for those muscles. The C25K programme is a slow, structured build up, to ensure we reach a level of running injury free.

Followed correctly.... there should usually be no need to repeat runs.

[Hidden in reply to Oldfloss]

Thanks for the advice, that’s why I have posted my routine on here so people can tell me where i’m going wrong and why

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Hidden]

By taking it steady we lessen any injury risk...

[Cliff_H Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Spot on Tracey, this is definitely the place for good advice. As previously said the rest days are as important as the running days or even more so, good luck on the programme, sounds like you’re doing well.

[icklegui Graduate]

forgot to add: LOVE the colour of your hair!

[Hidden in reply to icklegui]

Lol thanks

[Elfe5 Graduate]

Uh oh, lots of people are gonna say " don't do it!!"

Rest days are really important to avoid injuries & to let your muscles repair.

Many many points for enthusiasm and dedication 😁- but still wiser to have rest days. You can do other non-impact exercise on your rest days, e.g. I alternate running with cycling, walking and Pilates.

[Hidden in reply to Elfe5]

Some good suggestions thank you, I was planning on getting a bike and starting cycling and also planning on taking up yoga

[the_tea_fairy Graduate]

What that lot said. But if you find you need the headspace/endorphins of running, try strength training or Pilates or cycling as cross-training on your 'rest' days.

[Hidden in reply to the_tea_fairy]

Thanks I’ll give those a try