Is it ok to run on rest days?: I’m currently on... - Couch to 5K

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Is it ok to run on rest days?

Preserved_Moose profile image
10 Replies

I’m currently on day 2 with all the new pains that go with it. I’m just wondering, is it ok to run at all on rest days or should you stick to just walking?

I couldn’t resist jogging up the road a little on my lunch break, nothing too strenuous and I’m definitely not going to do another full run today. Apart from taking personal comfort into account, how strict do we need to be with this?

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Preserved_Moose profile image
Preserved_Moose
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10 Replies
telford_mike profile image
telford_mikeGraduate

You really shouldn’t. Even jogging involves impact, which you should avoid on rest days. But bravo for your enthusiasm!

Preserved_Moose profile image
Preserved_Moose in reply to telford_mike

Thanks I best take it easy then!

Blistersnbliss profile image
BlistersnblissGraduate

I am using my rest days to do meditation. All tips around novice runners I have come across have all centred on one fact and that is never to over stretch. Rest days are there for a reason ( not to sustain injuries)

Ang33333 profile image
Ang33333Graduate

Very strict! Your body needs a full day to recover. 😳

Preserved_Moose profile image
Preserved_Moose in reply to Ang33333

Oops, guess I messed that one up! Ok, I had a 30 second jog, hopefully that won’t set me back *too* much...

Ang33333 profile image
Ang33333Graduate in reply to Preserved_Moose

Ha ha! I'm sure you will survive!! It's so tempting early on to run on rest days. A few weeks after graduation and running 5k now I take two rest days!! 😁😁

Cornet-Carolyn profile image
Cornet-CarolynGraduate

Follow the programme and definitely have rest days. Your muscles need to recover or you will get injured before you get very far, sorry!

Have fun with you running 👍

UnfitNoMore profile image
UnfitNoMoreGraduate

You need to be very strict with yourself for a lot of months to avoid massively increased injury risk. Walking is great on rest days though... but the admins will know if you have both feet off the ground at the same time, they’re on it more that the 50k walk judges at the olympics 😂

Beccym profile image
BeccymGraduate

As a new runner rest days are important. You could go for a walk or swimming instead

JacquiAM profile image
JacquiAMGraduate

Walking, swimming, cycling or strength training on rest days are all good 😊

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