Can Run every day

[Pebbles64]

I’m normally a gym goer, have decided to start running yet again! But would like to get up to 20 min run quicker, so could I do 6 days a week as I am used to exercise classes at gym x 4/5 per week. I think I will go mad now gyms closed so just trying to think of workouts to keep me sane! Stay safe everyone

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on your decision.

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

Of course it is possible to run every day, but highly inadvisable for a new runner. When you run, unlike other exercise, the impact creates microtears in your muscles, which repair and strengthen on your rest days, not while running. Without rest, repair and strengthening are compromised and injury risk increased.

It is not recommended that new runners do consecutive day running until they have a minimum of six months of regular running on their legs.

Enjoy your journey.

[Pebbles64 Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thank you yes sounds sensible

[Mands50 Graduate]

Run alternate days and do strength exercises at home on the other days. There is lots online to tap into. Lots of companies are releasing free virtual classes for the next 3 months to help us keep fit during the lockdown. Running outside is great for clearing the mind as well as the exercise. Happy safe running x

[Pebbles64 Graduate in reply to Mands50]

thank you yes worked out a routine now

[GoogleMe Graduate]

I think people conflate running with other exercise and if they are generally fit, thinks that translates straight into running but it doesn't. If you use the C25K programme, you will still be exercising for about as long at every session anyway right from the off (and longer than 20 minutes from the off), and as others have said, there are other options to be doing on the non-running days.

And frankly, we all need to learn how to pace ourselves, mentally and physically, in this new world. It has got to be especially important not to get avoidably injured.

[Sandraj39 Graduate]

Some good advice above, I think - for me personally, the rest day is holy!Good luck.🙂

[Fors Graduate]

You perhaps could alternate days of walking and running or if you have a bike cycle one day and run the next. The jogging and Strength and Flex programmes are designed to minimise the risk of injury so don't be tempted to overdo your exercise

[Speedy60 Graduate]

I thought I was quite fit before I started c25k! I swam, played badminton, cycled, gym and stability ball classes. I soon discovered running is a different thing. Please take your rest day, it would be awful if you really had to spend the next 12 weeks on the injury couch!

It's not all bad though. A line from a Paul Simon song comes to mind - I can't run but I can walk much faster than this. 🎶😉

[Pebbles64 Graduate]

Thank you all for helpful advice