Rest days

[cvgough]

Just finished W8R3 today. Due to other things getting in the way It's taken me 18 rather than 7 days to complete week 8. Funny thing is I actually feel better for it. Has anyone else found that leaving a longer gap between runs has been beneficial?

[Legion Graduate]

I'm hoping to find this is the case! My last few runs (end of week 5/start of week 6) have been so tough, that I've decided to give myself an extra day off this week. If that doesn't help then I'll try an extra 2 or 3 days rest, until I can complete a run as comfortably as I was before.

[dwalters81]

im only on week one and between run 2 and 3 i had 2 days off rather than one and felt like i smashed it last night

[RhonaL]

Yes, listen to your body and do what feels right for you. I think this applies particularly after week 5. I am reading John Galloway's book on running. He is emphatic - don't run if you feel you have niggles, that is when you get injured. He has run for 27 years without injury. He also says that during the first year of running your body has some major adaptations to make so it is normal for you to feel tired (especially if you are slightly older). If more rest = better runs and fresher mental attitude I think that is a win/win.