W3R3 - can I run consecutive days? I have run Tuesday and Thursday this week but I am not able to run over the weekend. Am I able to complete my final run of the week tomorrow if I run in the evening or am I better to wait until Monday? Thanks!
W3r3 - can I run consecutive days?: W3R3 - can I... - Couch to 5K
W3r3 - can I run consecutive days?
The number 1 rule of C25K is not to run on consecutive days, you can miss a few days if you have to go to work then do the runs later.
You should rather miss a run than run consecutive days at your stage. I did and l got hurt twice, both times badly. Don't go there yet, wait until the body is ready, a year or so down the line.
You're 3 weeks into what is hopefully many years of enjoyable running ahead of you. You're a beginner and as such your body will take 1-2 years of regular running to fully adapt to it. At this stage, you absolutely need to take non-running rest days.
Complete the 9 mine weeks, then consolidate for a month or so. 3 runs a week, maybe extending a little bit each week.
Then re-assess your goals and see where you want to go with your running.
Maybe after 3 or 4 months, you can extend to 4 runs a week. Or even running every other day. In time, you'll be stronger enough to run every day but even then you'll need to be careful.
"Walk" before you can "Run"
Run then rest golden rule
Welcome to the forum and well done on getting started.
This guide to the plan is essential reading healthunlocked.com/couchto5...
and explains how to manage the plan.
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 are compromised and injury risk increased.
If you want to be the best runner that you can be, then do non impact cross training on your rest days, which will be far more beneficial than running every day. It is not recommended for new runners to run on consecutive days until they have a minimum of six months regular running on their legs.
Enjoy your journey.