Should I stick to the plan?

[Rookie46]

Hi- yesterday I completed week 5 with my first 20 minute run!! 🎉 I’m so buzzing from doing it I feel like doing another run today. Is this wise? Or should I just stick with the plan and have a days rest? Trouble is, I have a really busy day tomorrow so probably won’t get a chance to run again until Saturday. Thoughts? X

[Pete654 Graduate]

Stick to the plan!

An extra day of rest cannot hurt, over enthusiasm at this early stage can.

Great that you are enjoying it so much though.

[SueAppleRun Graduate]

Stick with the plan, you need the rest day to tackle week 6 run 1 which feels tough for a lot of people and a rest day or two is healing time

[LeeU Graduate]

Here's the reason why rest days are important, as a new runner you are building up your running muscles, this means that you are creating micro-tears in the muscles which is the normal way muscles thicken and strengthen.

You need to ensure that you rest to allow these micro-tears to heal correctly, as you progress and have been running for a long time then running an extra day per week isn't frowned upon but I'm talking 12 months plus as a minimum.

If you don't allow these micro-tears to heal properly then you are at extra risk of getting an injury that could stop your running for a while.

[Annieapple Administrator Graduate in reply to LeeU]

Agree👍🌟

[Rookie46 in reply to LeeU]

Thanks, that’s really helpful info 👍

[Buddy34 Graduate]

I'm sure you already new what the answer was going to be, but as LeeU says about the rest days are there for a reason and you wouldn't want an injury now and undo all your great progress so far. Good luck and we'll done 😊

[steviej99 Graduate]

Perfect summary from LeeU as to why more days rest is better than less. Rest days are non negotiable and the risk of injury leading to an extended layoff should not be underestimated. I speak from experience!

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate]

Nope! Stick with the plan!

If you can just go for a cycle, a walk or do some cardio and burn off that buzz a bit!

You don't want to increase your risk of injury just as you get to the long runs! 👍🏻😉

[Annieapple Administrator Graduate]

Run on Saturday! 😁

[Rookie46]

Thanks for the feedback guys- it’s the first time I’ve posted here so it’s nice to find such great advice. I will get on my bike and wait until Saturday! 👍

[Annieapple Administrator Graduate in reply to Rookie46]

😆👍👏

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on your progress.

This guide to the plan is essential reading healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

If you want to be the best runner you can be, then doing extra, non impact cross training on your rest days will be more beneficial than overdoing the running.

Rest days are rest days from impact exercise.

Enjoy your journey.

[Rookie46 in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thank you

[shrinkingjaz Graduate]

Definitely have the rest day! That huge buzz is addictive but the last thing you want to do is injure yourself.

Trust the process and the plan. There's a reason behind everything!