Taking it too fast?

[EEPaul]

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)

[Debston Graduate]

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 Graduate]

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

[EEPaul Graduate in reply to Debston]

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

[Debston Graduate in reply to EEPaul]

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 Graduate]

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 Graduate]

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 Graduate]

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