Is it bad to skip the rest day in between runs? - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

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Is it bad to skip the rest day in between runs?

arel profile image
arel
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I began the couch to 5k program while I was already working out daily, so not exactly on the couch. I've been going without doing the rest day usually except for weekends. Is this bad?

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arel profile image
arel
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Bxster profile image
BxsterGraduate

not sure, but from reading running magazines that say it is bad not to have rest days, you can do something else like cycle or swim or whatever but 'they' (who are 'they' exactly? as they seem to get everywhere and know better) say you must rest between as that is when your body repairs muscles ready for next time

TrickyHicky profile image
TrickyHickyGraduate

A seemingly simple question with a lot of potential answers.

I think for the majority of people coming to this program from a "Couch" point of view then the answer is - Yes it is bad to skip the rest day in between runs.

Running is one of the highest impact activities you can do and even the top athletes recommend having rest days during their running week. A lot of them use a "cross-training" methodology whereby they do another cardiovascular activity on the days they don't run (quite often swimming as it has no impact of the joints that get stressed when running). You could argue that your weekends off are enough, but only you can tell.

Personally I've had to stop running at the moment as I got to week6run3 and my knees have been hurting so much I've had to give it a break (now booked in with my GP to try and find out what the issue is). I am reasonably fit and am currently cycling instead.

I would recommend that you take it easier than 5 days back-to-back and mix up your running with something else that doesn't put the same large amounts of stress on the same areas on your body. Personally I found swimming, cycling and an elliptical trainer are all good cardiovascular alternatives.

Good luck!

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