Running on consecutive days?!

[Rkip34]

Hi everyone, I completed week 6 r1 yesterday and feel I could attempt run 2 later today. Is it important to have a rest day and wait until tomorrow, or should I go with how I feel? Thanks 😊

[vascowhite Graduate]

See this post healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

There is a paragraph called "The rest day is non-negotiable". Lots of good info in there.

It's worth reading the whole post, there is a lot of good advice. I wish I'd read it earlier on.

[Rkip34 Graduate in reply to vascowhite]

Thank you for this, it’s really informative 👍🏽

[nowster Graduate]

Don't think of it as a "rest" day. Think of it as giving your body time to repair and prepare for the next run.

The day after a run is when your body is doing the magic.

[Rkip34 Graduate in reply to nowster]

Yes you’re right, I might do some mobility exercise and go for a walk with the kids.

[nowster Graduate in reply to Rkip34]

Walking's great for non run days. You could do the suggested "Strength and Flex" exercises too.

nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/g...

[Speedy60 Graduate in reply to Rkip34]

Nowster is absolutely right - you get fitter on your rest days, not your running days!

When you run you cause small micro tears to your muscles, it's perfectly normal. On your rest days, your body repairs your muscles and builds them up ready for the new stress you're putting on them - you get fitter!

If you don't give your body time to adapt (along with good nutrition and hydration) you risk injuries.

For older runners like me, I'd even consider two rest days because those adaptations can take longer. I've been running for nearly a year now and it's only in the past couple of months that I've felt happy running every other day.

[Tasha99 Graduate]

Definitely take the rest day. 6 months to one year before attempting consecutive run days.