Running on consecutive days

[Jojamdunc]

Hi I’m currently on week 5 and just done my first run. I fancy doing a run tomorrow as I have a free day and I’m enjoying it, is it really so bad running on consecutive days? I haven’t had any aches after since the first week but what are the actual risks at this stage please? X

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

When you run, the impact creates microtears in your muscles, which repair and strengthen on your rest days, not while running. Without rest, repair and strengthening are compromised and injury risk increased.

If you want to be the best runner that you can be, then do non impact cross training on your rest days, which will be far more beneficial than running every day. It is not recommended for new runners to run on consecutive days until they have a minimum of six months regular running on their legs.

[Jojamdunc in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thanks that makes sense. I am following this program to the tee and would hate to spoil it by getting some sort of injury which then holds me back weeks! On a positive note it’s maybe a good mental attitude that my brain is telling me I want to run! I’d never have thought that a few weeks ago!

[Rennur Graduate in reply to Jojamdunc]

Sometimes those gremlins say you can't run at all, then they turn around tell you can run further or run consecutive days. Ignore them. Enjoy your run - the day after tomorrow!