Fitness level feels very up and down

[vck-newton]

Hi, I’m up to week 5 of the app and finding some days I’m really strong and some days I struggle. Can I ask is everyone sticking to the rest day in between? Also, is anyone doing other exercises on rest days?

[Lizcanrun Graduate]

Hello, I'm on W6. Like you, I find some days harder than others. I do stick to the rest days and in between I walk the dog. Usually at a brisk pace.

[vck-newton in reply to Lizcanrun]

Thank you for taking the time to reply to me...I hope it goes well for you

[Decker]

Congratulations on making it to W5. Yes some days will most certainly feel harder than others especially given the current Covid climate. I would say at this stage not to break the rest day rule. The rest days are the ones where the body repairs and strengthens. Unless you are a really seasoned runner, you will reap great benefits from taking the rest days. Many people use off days to do other kinds of exercise like cycling or swimming.

[vck-newton in reply to Decker]

Thank you 🥰

[PurpleCat87 Graduate]

Yes, I’m taking the rest days. I usually do some strength training on those days with my kettlebells and hand weights.

[vck-newton in reply to PurpleCat87]

Thank you 😊

[Hidden]

Well done on your progress so far. Reaching week 5 shows great commitment.

Some run days will inevitably go better than others; it's the same for all runners, experienced or new. The runs where you struggle, but you push through, are the runs that make you stronger. They are the runs that show you what you are capable of. Your determination will pay off as you progress through the weeks and get into those longer runs.

Rest day are non-negotiable. Running on consecutive days risks injury as you won't allow your muscles time to heal from the previous run. There is always the option to take more rest days if needed, but never less.

Pilates, yoga, walking and cycling are all great exercises to do on rest days and compliment C25k well. Also look out for strengthening exercises over on the Strength and Flex forum.

Good luck with the rest of your C25k journey. Keep posting your progress😊

[vck-newton in reply to Hidden]

Thank you so much 😊

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on getting started.

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

and includes advice on minimising impact, stretching after every run, hydration and strengthening exercises, all of which will help.

Everything going on in our lives can impact on our performance as a runner. Restedness, hydration and nutrition are at the top of my list of variables that need to be optimised to enable enjoyable running.

Enjoy your journey.

[vck-newton in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thank you I really appreciate this 🙏

[Tasha99 Graduate]

Definitely need at least one day in between runs for the first 6 months minimum.

With running, some runs are bad and some good. I can never predict it. Keep well hydrated, especially the day before running.

[vck-newton in reply to Tasha99]

Than you ❤️