Running one day after the other

[Henpecked]

Hello, I am new here so thank you for having me. I wonder if one of you experienced runners could possible offer some advice please. I am on my third week (running for 3 mins) and due to my son's commitments I am unable to leave a day in between running. Do you think as a one off it would hurt if I ran 2 consecutive days if I take it easy? Thank you so much and sorry if this is a really silly question, I am just not very confident yet and really do not want to loose momentum.

[mrrun Graduate]

Running on consecutive days in the early stages is one of the ways to getting injured. Your muscles/tendons/ligaments/bones need time to recover between the runs. It doesn't matter how slow you run, running is a weight bearing exercise and your body needs time to get used to it. Some of us take six months before we are ready for back to back runs, some longer. I took over a year. An injury in the beginning will almost certainly send you back to square one and that's one of the main reasons why new runners quit running altogether. Go slow and easy and rest up properly between the runs. For now, at least.

[Henpecked in reply to mrrun]

Many thanks for taking the time to reply. I will most definitely take your advice on board. I have re thought it and realised that I do not actually have to run in the morning, so shall do it in the evening just for that day. Many thanks again.

[sTrongFuse Graduate]

If it's a one off, you could try it, but as mrrun has already said, the risk of injuring yourself by not having a rest day is greatly increased. Rather than try to run on consecutive days, maybe allow yourself an extra rest day. My philosophy to running has always been, taking an extra rest day won't hurt, missing a rest day might.Every time we run, we actually cause micro tears in our leg muscles due to the stresses of impact. It's the body repairing these tears that make the muscles stronger. New runners really do need that day to maximise the healing process and be ready for the next run.

FWIW, I'm 2 years in and I still run 3/4 times a week. usually twice (Tuesday/Thursday) during the week and once/twice at the weekend (and the second run is always shorter and generally slower).

Ultimately, it's up to you. You can do it and you may get away with it, but you might not and a lengthy period of needing to recover could put you right back where you started.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on your progress.

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.

This guide to the plan is essential reading 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.

[Johnnylewis Graduate]

Personally I wouldn't recommend it. I'm speaking from experience lol. It's OK to have a few extra days off. it's OK if your week stretches over more than a week. Your body will thank you for it in the long run