If I always leave a day in between runs, can I just go on to the next week when the 3 runs done rather than do it in actual weeks?

[pinkhat]

[gdeann Graduate]

I think as long as you feel like your body is okay with it, then you should be fine. Personally, I needed the extra recovery days as I went into the longer runs. I enjoyed running on a Thursday eve. Then having Fr. Sat. Open, then running again Sun. And Tues. Find whatever works for you and go with it! Gayle

[pinkhat Graduate]

Thanks, gdeann. I've just completed Wk3 so maybe my enthusiasm carrying me at the moment and, like you're finding, maybe when it comes to the longer runs I'll want a bit extra recovery.

[Saruma Graduate]

No problem in running every other day if you feel up to it. As Gail says, I'm about to start week 8 and am finding it better to leave 2 days between runs now but that's just a personal preference!!

[pinkhat Graduate in reply to Saruma]

Thanks, Saruma - will bear that in mind!

[GoogleMe Graduate]

Yes, every other day is fine. It took me a long time to achieve 3 complete Week 1 runs, but as I ran every other day after that, I completed the 9 weeks in 3 months. I think fundamentally it depends on the structure of your running routine - some people find it helpful to have fixed days of the week when they run. I'm not sure how you'd fit in 3 runs a week/7 day period with two days rest between each one though...

[pinkhat Graduate in reply to GoogleMe]

I found Wks1&2 not too bad but I think that's because I'm used to walking fairly briskly for 3-5km when I'm out with the dog most days. Wk3 was noticeably tougher, however, and having had a listen to the Wk4 podcast already, I suspect this could be when I'm going to start struggling - not that I want to psyche myself out with negativity in advance! It was just that I wasn't sure if, in the long term aim of building endurance and stamina, it was better to keep it strictly to weeks. I think, from the advice above, I'm not going to be too regimented about it an aim for every other day but if I'm struggling too much, I'll drop to a couple of days in between.

[gdeann Graduate]

You got it pinkhat!!! An extra day or two between runs can actually be beneficial to your body. We found we enjoyed having 2 days between runs of run 3 and run 1 of the next week. It prepared us mentally as well as physically for the challenge. Gayle

[vixiej Graduate]

I had booked a 5K race for charity, so when I had 10 days off for flu and a broken toe I had no choice (I had started every other day prior to illness). I didn't find it a major problem, but you do feel the benefit of extra day of rest between longer runs. I sometimes take 3 days off now, if I have really pushed myself, and just do other things to recover and build other fitness.

Good luck in finding whatever suits you best.