How long can you have a break between runs?

[Slem78]

On Wednesday I run W5R1 was pleasantly surprised it wasn’t to bad. Later that day I done lots of walking ended on 24,000 steps on my Fitbit. My right ankle has been swollen and sore since weds night. Today should be W5R1 but I can’t chance making it worse. I can’t 100% rest it with Work having a 5y old etc. If I do my run say Sunday/Monday will it make much difference? Tia x

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate]

Don't run until your swollen ankle is no longer swollen, it would just make it worse if you did, hopefully by Monday you will be able to resume your running.

[Slem78 in reply to AlMorr]

Thank you!

[thegirlfrommarz Graduate]

Definitely rest it until it is back to normal - you do *not* want to damage it further (I have a weak ankle which I have sprained multiple times, so I’m speaking from experience!). Definitely sounds like a good idea to wait until Sun/Mon, or even longer if it’s not right by then. You won’t lose your fitness in that time, and you will protect yourself from further injury.

In the meantime, make sure you follow PRICE (Protection, Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) as much as possible.

Hope you feel better and can get back to running soon!

[Slem78 in reply to thegirlfrommarz]

Thank you!

[MrskittyC Graduate]

Yeah definitely rest it and run again when you’re ready. A few days won’t make much difference. Hope it feels better soon 🤞

[Slem78 in reply to MrskittyC]

Thank you!

[Jay66UK Graduate]

Many people have a gap within the programme and you should be able to just carry on from where you were. Hope it heals quickly for you. Don’t be tempted to run before it’s completely pain free.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

You lose negligible condition in the first two weeks of non running.

Rest and recover.