Running everyday - when is it a good idea?

[avocato29]

So I completed the C25K plan over a month a ago and I'm currently considering skipping rest days. I'm curious to hear from others - at what point after graduating have you started running everyday? Or do you perhaps think it's not a good idea at all?

[John_W Graduate]

"... at what point ...".

Stop!

This gets asked a lot. See more replies to the same question today, here: healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

The answer is no, not until you've been running regularly for, at the very minimum, 6 months to 1 year. For very good reason - it takes 1-2 years of regular running for the body to become fully adapted to the rigours of it. Running is hard but the body can become stronger as a result but it takes time.

Do you realise what the rest days are for? They should be called repair days. When you stop exercising and rest (recover) is when the magic happens. If you stop that magic happening, you increasing the risk of injury.

You're a beginner and only at the start of what is hopefully a wonderful, happy and long running journey. Be patient now and reap the rewards later on.

[Jell6 Graduate]

"Or do you perhaps think it's not a good idea at all?"

Yes, what you said!!!!

There's no hurry, and you really do have to build up your running legs.

I occasionally do two on the trot, but I didn't do that for at least 2 years, even then with a high degree of caution.

I agree with John_W , I think they are best described as repair days.

Consolidate, then maybe think about increasing your distance.

You can safely do low impact exercise on the non running days 😊

[Hidden]

Running everyday?

There by lies disaster.......

John_W is right. Rest days = Repair days. Microtears occur in your muscles each time you run and your rest days allow them to heal.

Try non-impact cross training instead, such as Pilates, Yoga or cycling or other strengthening exercises that compliment running well.

[Instructor57 Graduate]

As above (or below depending how your messages are set up)

[nowster Graduate in reply to Instructor57]

Seconded!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Many congratulations on your graduation, fellow runner.

This guide to post C25k running may be helpful healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

and includes a link to an article about this issue.

Keep running, keep smiling.

[Tasha99 Graduate]

At 6 months I did the odd consecutive day but I could tell! Now, 2.5 years on, I can do several and sometimes two runs a day but that’s going slow. It takes a lot of miles in the legs to be able to do it.