Taking it too fast?: New here. After averaging... - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

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Taking it too fast?

EEPaul profile image
EEPaulGraduate
7 Replies

New here. After averaging 5-6 miles of walking a day for months, I decided to add some running. Started Couch25k on Sunday. Week 1 Day 1 seemed so easy, I did Days 2 and 3 on successive days, then Week 2 over three more days. Six days in, and I am set to start Week 3 tomorrow. I've experienced no adverse effects so far, but has anyone else started like this? Are there downsides to not taking rest days? (if I didn't run, I'd probably be doing a long walk any way)

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EEPaul profile image
EEPaul
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7 Replies
Debston profile image
DebstonGraduate

Yes there are downsides! The rest days are for your muscles to repair themselves and skipping the rest days makes you much more prone to injury. Walking is fine on your rest days as it's not high impact like running is. Swimming is also a good option if you want to be doing something active. Have you read the advice for newbies? There's lots of good info about it all in there - will try to find the link..

Debston profile image
DebstonGraduate

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

EEPaul profile image
EEPaulGraduate in reply toDebston

Many thanks for that. I hadn't considered the impact repair aspect, so will take things a little more easily from now on

Debston profile image
DebstonGraduate in reply toEEPaul

Great! It would be such a shame to end up on the Injury Couch when you're clearly doing great and feeling full of enthusiasm for your runs. I learned recently that as well as giving the muscles chance to repair themselves and grow stronger, the rest days also allow your body to grow new bone cells - I had no idea that running can promote bone strength! So you're not really resting at all, your body is very busy doing its own thing. ☺

Debston profile image
DebstonGraduate

healthunlocked.com/couchto5... Have a look at the links which explain it all far better than I can! And well done for getting started on the programme!

Buddy34 profile image
Buddy34Graduate

Rest days are so important they give your muscles much needed rest. Walking on rest days is ideal, keep to that or you could get an injury that could put you out of running 😊

EEPaul profile image
EEPaulGraduate

Thanks, Buddy34. As a running novice, I'm learning every day.

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