2 rest days in between

[Fazwaz]

Morning all

Does anyone else take two days rest between runs? I wasn’t originally but now in week 8 my body needs it. I’ve started running 30 mins already because my route sort of takes that time. Do you think once I get used to 30 min runs I will be able to rest for one day in between. If my body could manage it I’d do it everyday because I’m loving it!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Listen to your body.

You will get stronger as you run more but we are all different and if you need more recovery time that is better than overdoing it.

[Speedy60 Graduate]

Always. As long as you run regularly and consistently you will be fine. I started couch to 5k aged 59 and I deliberately planned 2 rest days. I'm an active outdoors type and I was terrified a running injury would put a stop to all my activities. I graduated with no injuries at all and I'm now a regular runner.

Congratulations on getting to week 8 and good luck. 👍

[Fazwaz Graduate in reply to Speedy60]

Thank you! I’m the same mindset. Don’t want to risk getting an injury that will stop me running and doing other things.

[RoseDay Graduate]

I am also on week 8 and I sometimes take 2 rest days. I’ve done that from the start if I’ve felt I needed to.

I was quite glad of it at the beginning but now I feel disappointed if I need extra rest days.

I guess that means I’ve got the bug!!!

Good luck with the rest of the program

[Fazwaz Graduate in reply to RoseDay]

You too! And yes guess we both got the bug 👍😂

[Peter44 Graduate in reply to Fazwaz]

I think everyone on here, has caught the running bug, all i hear is how bad it is for your joints bla, bla, bla!!! 😂

Well done on getting to week 8, and already doing 30 min runs!

[Fazwaz Graduate in reply to Peter44]

Thank you ☺️

[Buddhagal Graduate]

Hi Fazwaz, I've just completed W8R3, and am going to do exactly the same...2 rest days in between runs. Feels great to be running for that length of time...but still feels a long way to me. Better to stay injury free . And yes my body needs it too, you're not alone. I'm doing more yoga & strength/flex exercises on my non running days to help improve my stamina and strength etc. We're nearly there...keep your running safe and happy. All the best.🙋🙋

[Fazwaz Graduate]

Thank you Buddhagal not long now for you! And I’m right behind you 😂😂

I also do yoga and hula hoop so with the dog walking I try to keep active 😬

Good luck with week 9 🤜🏻

[Buddhagal Graduate in reply to Fazwaz]

Sounds like sound advice for us...lots of people do this. Anyway we're not in a race....only with ourselves it seems. We're doing more than okay😁😁👍. We need to stay injury free...so whatever it takes. Good luck. 🙋🙋

[GailXrunning Graduate]

Yes! I’d say ‘always’ and I think that now true, but mid-programme I upped to alternate days and probably paid the price. Thankfully now back on track and - touch wood - injury free. I also think there’s an interesting balance to be struck between the positive side of pressure and the destructive aspects, where it can start to backfire on you. The extra day(s) off help with physical recovery and with energy, and - I’m just putting it out there - IMHO they might also help mentally too.

[Fazwaz Graduate in reply to GailXrunning]

Definitely a balance and yes I agree with the mental aspect. One of my main reasons to run is for mental health. If I overdo it and can’t run it won’t help me at all and will probably make me feel worse.

[Imoca]

I didn't during the first 5 weeks but do now, went out last Saturday and then Monday and Mondays run was the pits, just felt exhausted and it was a slog. So yes, definitely two days for me. And yes, hopefully as time goes by I can reduce this.

[Fazwaz Graduate in reply to Imoca]

It does get you down when you have a “bad” run and feel exhausted. Sort of defeats the purpose. But overall even feeling exhausted has got to be better than not doing it at all. Hope your next run you feel better 😊

[Couchphoenix Graduate]

I like 2 rest days between runs, but it’s personal choice, nothing set in stone as to how many you should or shouldn’t take, just take what you need👍

[Roxdog Graduate]

I always have 2 rest days! It doesn't matter, unless it extends into several days! Rest if you need to!