Is it a 6 or 7 day week..?

[Minimoose]

Do people take a second rest day at some point each week or just run every other day (effectively a 6-day week)? I completed week 1 with 1 day between each run but can’t decide whether to take 2 days now or just the one...

[Jacqui1992 Graduate]

I’d say one day is fine in between, that’s what I did and it works 👍🏃‍♀️

[Ian5K Graduate]

My three runs usually happen on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. I take the weekends as rest days.

[LadyLuxe]

Hubs and I run Monday, Wednesday, Friday Weekend is a long rest treat x

[Birdlady64 Graduate]

It's entirely up to you.

I did my runs, with a couple of exceptions, Monday Wednesday and Friday with a double rest day at the weekend.

I'm convinced the extra day in between every third run helped

[Wobblelegs Graduate]

I just take the one day so tha means that the days alternate too every week. I've just completed wk7 and this has worked really well for me. It's up to you really. If certain days work better, then take the extra day. For me, I knew I could potentially get 'lazy' and make excuses so I take just the one day and that keeps the momentum.

[JetsNanna Graduate]

I just had one days rest between runs so there were calendar weeks when I ran 4 times. As with jacqui1992 - it worked for me doing it that way and kept me focussed on run day/non run day etc in a simple rhythm. That said - do what you feel with work for you. Good luck and well done for starting the program - it’s amazing!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum.

This guide to the plan is essential reading and explains how to to approach the plan healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

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

Enjoy your journey.

[Lonmayloon Graduate]

I think the best advice is to do what works for you. I’m 62 and retired so there is no rigid routine into which the running has to fit, especially during the strict lockdown period. Others will obviously have work and family commitments and running has to be accommodated within that.

During C25K I ran every second day but then occasionally my old joints would niggle a little bit after a longer run and I simply took another day off. The same with a couple of times when the weather was atrocious.

That’s the most important thing, listen to your body and if it says, “Take an extra day off” don’t worry about it.

Enjoy your running and I look forward to seeing you graduate in 8 weeks......or 9 weeks......or?

[John_W Graduate Ambassador]

A 2 day break is the norm.

[Minimoose Graduate]

Thanks all - I will see what the weather and work schedules are like tomorrow and then decide. Over the weeks I might need more of a break so might prefer the 2 days but I guess I can flex it as I go along

[Oldgirlruns Graduate]

I ran every 2 days Minimoose, especially as the runs get longer. If you’re a young fitty, you might be OK running every other day, lots do, but don’t do more than your body can cope with. It’s entirely up to you how you manage it - there’s no rush to finish and no-one’s keeping tabs!