Just thought I’d post an explanation I recently received of why recovery periods are so important for us runners. As runners progress to running regularly during C25k / after graduation, many runners, including me, are often tempted to run on consecutive days.
I have to remind myself at times that those important recovery days are part of the training. Keeping them makes a runner stronger.
So here is some guidance from a leaflet I received from my physio friend, explaining why maintaining recovery days are so important.
Happy running AND recovering!
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Understanding the recovery cycle
When you exercise, you stress your tissues (bones, ligaments, tendons, muscles, joints), and they develop tiny micro-injuries.
In response, your body goes into repair mode and removes unwanted injured cells, repairs the remaining ones, and adds new, stronger ones. In this way, your tissues heal and are made more robust.
This micro-injury-repair cycle is a normal stress reaction and response to exercise. It helps your body adapt to higher loads, which is why you get stronger and your activities get easier.
Repairing and strengthening your body requires a period of rest after an exercise session. If you train too often, the micro-injuries can accumulate and cause a flare-up of your injury or new overuse injuries to develop.
Frequently asked question - What can I do on rest days?
Phew a long 15 days without a run. 😬
FEBRUARY ‘24 GRADUATION BADGES RIGHT HERE!! 🏅 ⭐️ 🏃🏼♀️ 🏃🏻♂️ 
