Results Of Week Off From Running

[dindy]

I mentioned in last post how while on the step ladders decorating the kitchen my calves were killing me when I went onto my tiptoes so I decided to have a week off from running . I was also finding that after say a Monday run (5k) my calves would be stiff in the evening but ok by the next run on a Wednesday and then Friday (5k).

When I say ok I found that even though my calves were not stiff if I flexed them I could feel they were not fully recovered from the last run. It did seem that a days rest in between runs was not enough for calves to completely heal athough not really a problem.

I did not know what to expect come this Monday`s run as they do say 1 week rest does not effect your fitness and a week off is recommended every few months. I did decide to do just a gentle run but it did not turn out like that.

My calves did not hurt one but after 30 mins so carried onto 5k and they still did not hurt. No stiffness at all in the evening. The same happened come Wed & Friday`s run.No pain and no stiffness. To say I was surprised is an understatement and just goes to show what a week off from running can do. I in fact was running faster than I normally do.

You tend to think that you must keep on running come what may and to stop is a step backwards,it is not. That coupled with the building up endurance and running a lot slower than you normally do to increase you distance & also speed is something that that I now practice. I used to be panting & puffing and struggling for breath thinking that it will go away and I will be a better runner but I was wrong.

[Sadie-runs Graduate]

This is a heartening post, thanks Dindy. I may have an enforced week off coming up, as it is going to be icy and maybe snowy. I will not run in snow and ice! If this does pan out I shall enjoy the rest and focus on my yoga and resistance training. I have been running 5ks regularly and also have slightly tight calf muscles some days...

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate]

That's great news Dindy..the 'rest' while you redecorated your kitchen did you good...

Got any other rooms needing attention😆 😉...

[Peepalmer]

This is really helpful. I’m only 5 weeks into the programme but have been unable to fit next run in (W6R1) until today - so nearly a week’s break. Enforced by work and kids. Was a bit worried about the gap but also had tight calves and a slight knee twinge which has resolved itself over the few days off. Fingers crossed today’s run will go well because of extra rest time.

[dindy Graduate]

Jan-now-runs I will do all I can to make sure that my wife does not see your post about more rooms need decorating(-: Too late!!! she was looking over my shoulder while I was typing this post. My wife is very crafty,when I am not looking she will perhaps just pull a bit of wallpaper away then declare that room needs decorating. She will somehow doctor the paintwork and also say we need to decorate. I am scratching my head thinking that wallpaper & paint was ok yesterday (-: