Is a rest day important?

[Gilliano666]

Hi all, just completed w5r1. Due to work and other commitments, I can only run on Sunday, Monday and Friday. So far 2 days consecutively have been fine, but as the runs get longer will this still be ok?

Anyone else done similar routine?

[CatMo13 Graduate]

The programme is quite strict about the rest days. Could you maybe run at a different time of day mid week?

[Gilliano666 Graduate in reply to CatMo13]

I wish i could fit in another run inbetween, but thanks for your reply x

[Ripcurlrana71]

I would say rest days are important. I did a couple consecutively in week 4 and really felt it in my last run. You don’t want an injury. At least try and have a 24hr break. Good luck!

[Sussexmalc in reply to Ripcurlrana71]

I needed extra day rest after R3 W5 20 mins. I think the rest days are important for me. In the past I have cycled every day for a week averaging 100 miles per day. So not impossible but rest days are definitely keeping me on track!

[Gilliano666 Graduate in reply to Sussexmalc]

I think I will take a rest day afer w5r3, its quite a step up. Thanks for your reply

[Nictwit Graduate]

The rest days are really important I'm afraid. Your body uses the time to repair the micro tears in your muscles. Without letting them repair you're running a real risk of serious injury. Sorry.

Oh and well done for getting this far!

[Gilliano666 Graduate in reply to Nictwit]

Sounds very much like you know what you're talking about, thanks for the advice 😊xz

[HoagyM Graduate]

I’ve just done my third day in a row, but it’s not something I particularly planned or would recommend. I think the advice from others is good, and yes rest days are important to let the body recover. My rest days involve some activity (walking or golf) and the problem I now have is walking feels boring and I want to get on and do another run!

[Gilliano666 Graduate in reply to HoagyM]

Thanks, seems we are like minded on the subject

[TailChaser Graduate]

I’ve just finished Week 8 and I certainly couldn’t do consecutive days, much as I’d like to. The longer runs take more out of you than you realise.

Rest days aren’t really rest days anyway, you can do the Strength & Flex exercises or go for a walk or gym, just don’t repeat the same thing as you did the day before as you’ll do some damage to yourself at this stage.

Hope you can find a happy compromise 😊

[Gilliano666 Graduate in reply to TailChaser]

Thanks for your reply. Makes sense really, but I was hoping to get 3 runs in per week

[Jude1963 Graduate]

I think you might start to struggle with consecutive days. Rest days are repair and build muscle days. 😊

[Gilliano666 Graduate in reply to Jude1963]

I was thinking the same. It's been pretty easy so far, but the runs are getting longer now. Thanks for your reply x

[Jude1963 Graduate in reply to Gilliano666]

Good sign it’s quite easy for you. I’m sure you’ll be fine. But respect those rest days from now on and you’ll fly through this. 👍🏼

[Tasha99 Graduate]

I ran consecutively on week 9 as had been ill and that was the only way I could finish on my chosen day, but apart from that had rest days after every run. I think they’re important.

[Gilliano666 Graduate]

Thank you for your reply 😊