Consecutive days off

[Ettagirl]

How many consecutive days off can you have in between your runs before it starts affecting your hard work and effort (fitness levels)? I have had 5 days off running (just unable to fit a run in) and I’m worried it’s going to really affect my progress. I have yet to start week 5 as well which of course is more extreme then week 4! Any information/ advice would be helpful. I have planned my runs for the rest of this week and can definitely fit 3-4 in so fingers crossed!

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

According to an article I was reading you need at least two runs a week for progression and one will maintain your level. So, that’d be 6 to stay still or 4/5 to advance. Everybody is different though.

[Ettagirl in reply to UnfitNoMore]

Ok thank you, that’s helpful as a guideline 😊

[Hidden]

I was poorly at week 6 and had a week off. I picked up where I left off without any trouble. I would say try the next run, if it is too much go back to the last run you did. My guess is you will be fine.

However I would say that you should really try to stay in routine (I know!) as it will stand you in good stead in the long term

[Ettagirl in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Helen, sorry to hear you were poorly but good to know it didn’t affect your running! Fingers crossed for tomorrow. Will continue with week 5 and hope for the best 😅

[AnnieW55]

It’s generally said two weeks off before you notice fitness dropping. Try the next run - slowly obvs 😀 - and you should be fine. If not don’t beat yourself up, just pull up your big girl pants and try again 😀

[Ettagirl in reply to AnnieW55]

That’s great to know and very helpful, thank you 😄

[ArthurJG Graduate]

As Annie said. You won't lose much condition in a week or even two. Just pick up from where you left off.

[Ettagirl in reply to ArthurJG]

I will give it my best shot tomorrow, thank you!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

At least two weeks before you begin to see a slight dip! I have been on the IC for over ten weeks... ( although doing strength and stamina exercises each day...)... and I am back up to 5K after 3 runs

[Ettagirl in reply to Oldfloss]

Good to hear even with 10 weeks it didn’t take long to get back into it, makes me feel a lot less worried thank you 😊