Is it a bad idea to miss a rest day?

[Sallysensibleshoes]

I did run 1 of week 7 this morning and felt great. I’m feeling like I want to go again tomorrow, especially as I know I won’t be able to run the day after due to travel plans. Should I just go for it? I’m a stickler for following rules and they’ve served me really well since I started C25K in August. Don’t want to risk injury.

[damienair Graduate]

Go for a run on Wednesday instead. Don’t run 2 days on a row. It’s important to rest the legs. Well done on your success so far.

Damien

[Sallysensibleshoes Graduate in reply to damienair]

Thanks, I’ll do as you suggest and have a brisk walk instead. Don’t want to risk undoing all the benefits so far, my main fear is injury stopping me as I’m getting so much out of this programme and want to keep going.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

When you run, the impact creates microtears in your muscles which repair and strengthen on your rest days, not while running. Without rest, repair and strengthening is restricted and injury risk increased.

It is not recommended for new runners to run on consecutive days until you have an absolute minimum of six months of regular running on your legs

You will be a better runner quicker by doing non impact cross training on your rest days rather than running consecutive days.

Take care.

[Sallysensibleshoes Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thank you, it’s really helpful to understand all this stuff. I think C25K is absolutely brilliant. I’m 57 and have never enjoyed exercising until now. Or felt so motivated. The forum is fantastic too, I love how supportive everyone is.

[maria1808 in reply to IannodaTruffe]

This is a very valued info. I am also new to C25K, currently on week 6 and wanted to run on my rest days. I am glad I didn't 😊. Thank you very much for this information.

[Annieapple Administrator Graduate]

Run on Wednesday! 👍You are doing so well! Don’t risk injury!

Good to walk or do other cross training on rest days. Enjoy! 😀

[shrinkingjaz Graduate]

As someone who missed a rest day a week ago, I highly recommend you take the rest day. No matter how good you feel, your body will thank you for it!

[MummyTum Graduate]

What everyone else has said - don’t miss your rest day!!

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate]

Have you had chance to read the guide to the programme?

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

To get the best from it, it really does pay off to follow the guidelines 👍🏻😁

[Sallysensibleshoes Graduate in reply to GoGo_JoJo]

I just read it from the link you sent, and feel such a twit for not reading it before! It’s absolutely brilliant, so much useful information and so many links for more. It should be headlined on the app, so that everyone gets to see it sooner. Very well-written and comprehensive and with a good bit of humour too. Thank you!

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate in reply to Sallysensibleshoes]

Don't worry! We try to put it in front of everyone as soon as we can 👍🏻😁

[Astra5 Graduate]

Very tempting especially after a good run but always, always have a break day or more. I do not know the techie reasons but I have a break between runs. If I have a bad run or slight injury I maybe have a few days or a week before going out again. Hydration is key too so make sure you drink water all the time, especially after and between runs.

[Fluffiness Graduate]

Never, ever miss your rest day unless you want to cause long term injury to yourself - only experienced runners can run on consecutive days! As others suggest go for a walk, cycle, swim but not a run!!

[SteveJoh]

It’s great that you have energy, but I agree with the others regarding rest days. Why not use your energy in the gym for some strength training, or just swim! (Both will help you run). Anything that uses completely different muscles. Keep up the good work!

[AmyKart]

It's definitely not a good idea to miss a rest day, because rest days are super important to letting your body re-coop. This is true not only for runners but for anyone that works out regularly. Like Damien said, it's not good to run 2 days in a row because that's a lot on your legs, but most importantly your knees. Now just because you rest doesn't mean you need to sit on a couch all day and do nothing. Active rest days are super beneficial to your overall health and lets your legs rest while keeping your body moving: openfit.com/active-rest-day

Active rest days are exactly what they sound like. Light exercises like swimming, cycling, and yoga all help your body recover from a week of intense exercise. Light activity on your rest day also helps increase your overall calorie burn, so if you're trying to lose some extra fat then active rest days are great for that.

[Sallysensibleshoes Graduate in reply to AmyKart]

Thanks, “active rest days” sound just the thing! I already do yoga, and want to start strength and flex exercises too. All I need to do now is make the time...