Extra rest day - oh the guilt! Tell me that’s ok VRBs?

[cheekychipmunks]

I’ve been so good, running on average every other day since lockdown. The same basic route, 10k once a week and 5-7k the rest of the time. I’ve also been doing daily yoga, gardening (my back knows about that), and I’ve been walking my dog. 🐾🐾

So today I looked out the window, saw how gloomy it was - but mostly how windy - and thought ‘nah’, I’ll go tomorrow instead. 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️ I will - I’ve said it here!

But I feel guilty. I shouldn’t, but I do - I need someone to tell me it’s ok! That’s what comes of being institutionalised - all my running has been done by the book, risk free. This is a risk! What have I become. 😅😅

Oh, and I couldn’t possibly disturb my slumbering cat either, could I? 🐈 💤💙

[Oldfloss Administrator]

Relax... refresh...recharge...it is part of the running plan xx

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Oldfloss]

It is, you’re right OF. ❤️

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon]

That's OK. Definitely OK 😍

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

Thanks Linda, I just needed to hear it from running friends - not family! 😅

[roseabi Ultramarathon]

I'm a massive fan of rest days, and spending quality time with a cat is the perfect way to do it! 😻

#restdaybrags instagram.com/restdaybrags/

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to roseabi]

Ahh brilliant link roseabi! ❤️ It’s true though isn’t it? Cats are very persuasive! As are dogs for that matter. 🐕🐈

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon]

Your inner CC is giving you very sensible advice that you have been pushing the boundaries with all of that activity and it is time to take a mini break. Nothing to do with the weather. Good decision cheeky; enjoy your day and spoil yourself a bit. 🙂

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

My inner chipmunk is right! I’ll be having a less active day today BC. I’ve done my yoga, but there’s no gardening planned and I’ll busy myself with cooking instead I think. 😀

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

I may join you. Time to make some more brownie; doesn't seem to last very long ! 😋

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

Phwoar, any chance you can send some virtual brownie my way? I’m a bit partial! 😋

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

If it looks ok it may find its way into a composite picture with a nice cup of coffee. 😊

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

Awwwww 😋😋😍😍

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Decision made. I had a bit of a niggle in my "bad"knee after I returned to the speed challenge on Tuesday (too soon - duh!!!!) so I am having a solidarity two days off so that I can join the virtual Park Run on Saturday. Your wisdom is infectious CC, thanks. 🙂

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

Well done BC, glad to be of service! Look after that knee of yours. You need it to be speedy. 🏃‍♂️🏃‍♂️🏃‍♂️🏃‍♂️

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon]

As good C25K’ers know, rest days are when the magic happens. So just imagine all that work your muscles and tendons are doing while you’re snoozing with the cat 💪😴🙂

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

They’ll definitely appreciate it won’t they IP? I’ve just done a nice stretchy yoga session and that’ll be my activity for the day. A short dog walk and some cooking I think. ❤️

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Sounds lovely 😍enjoy it Munks.

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

Thanks, I will IP. Have a lovely day too. ❤️

[Dexy5 10 Miles]

Duvet days are definitely allowed cheekychipmunks. Your cat knows best 🐈

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Dexy5]

Yes you’re right Dexy. Cats definitely know best - about everything actually! 🐈❤️😀

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

I read once that if we stretched like a cat and as regularly we’d never get stiff joints. Not sure I could do that “leg in the air while licking bum” move though 😳😂

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

I’m remarkably glad you can’t do that IP! 🤣🤣

[C3PO Marathon]

You've been doing so much that it's definitely OK!

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to C3PO]

I have, haven’t I, C3PO? It’s nice to hear confirmation from my VRBs. Family are all well and good, but they don’t “know”. You guys do! ❤️

[UpTheStanley Half Marathon]

You’ll probably never run again ..... 😀

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to UpTheStanley]

Lucky I know and like you UTS! 🤣🤣🤣

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to UpTheStanley]

Bit of naval tough love !! 😂

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

Indeed, it’s lucky we know UpTheStanley isn’t it BC? 😅

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Made the brownie! Left it in a bit too long so it lacks the gooeyness of my best efforts. Blaming the sous chef Mrs BC who was left in charge of the oven! Just have to eat it and make some more I guess. Try try again !!😋

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

I’m sure it was absolutely scrumptious BC, gooey or not. But you’re right, you need to try again - one can never eat enough brownies! 😋😋😋

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Redeemed myself with steak in a piquant creamy mushroom sauce tonight. Amazing what you can do with time on your hands!! 🙂

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

That definitely seems like a good redemption! Yum, I bet that was delicious too! 😋😋😋

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

👍 Got another booking for my risotto tonight anyway 😂

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

Oh BC, you always make me feel hungry! 😅😅😅

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Will put a health warning and calorie count on all future posts 😊

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

Might be a good idea 🐖! (The 🐖 reference was to me, not you btw!) 😅

[misswobble Marathon]

It’s good. No worries 😃👍

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to misswobble]

Thanks MW. I’m happy with my decision. ❤️

[Decker Ultramarathon]

Haha I feel your conflict CC! 😁But yeah, it is wise and healthy to break when you need it.

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Decker]

Thanks for the reassurance Decker! I’m currently out walking the dog and wish I was running. What are we like? 😅

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

I hear you. But a big part of long term success in running is the discipline to not run sometimes too I know, I know...🙂

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Decker]

Less than 2 years ago, if you’d have told me that would be the case. I’d have thought you were bonkers! 😅

[theoldfellow]

I do it all the time.

I'm running for me. If I want an extra day, thankie kindly.

Also, find out if your cat likes yoga....

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to theoldfellow]

I’m so glad TOF! I’m pleased I made the decision now. 😀

My cat often lies on the bed (with the dog) and they observe my yoga routines. It would mean him burning calories if he was to join in - he doesn’t do that if he can help it! 🐈💤

[grumpyoldgirl]

Trapped beneath a cat, what's a girl to do...

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to grumpyoldgirl]

Exactly GOG. It would have been downright cruel if I’d have moved him wouldn’t it? 🐈💤😅

[Hidden]

It would be a travesty to disturb your lovely kitty, rest easy 🤗

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Hidden]

He appreciated it! So did I, so I have no regrets at all jorgeRuns. 😀

[AliHC Marathon]

It's purrrrrrfectly OK cheekychipmunks 😊🐈 xxxx

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to AliHC]

We both thank you Ali (my cat and I!) 💙🐈

[Elfe5]

It’s absolutely ok - I hope you have relaxed & are enjoying your day off by now! 😄

What a beautiful cat - lovely markings. 😄

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Elfe5]

It was a fabulous day thanks Elfe5. 😀 Very relaxing, and I’m looking forward to my run in the morning. 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

Yes, he’s a beautiful cat. He’s almost 10 years old now and he’s my best buddy. I’m definitely his favourite human too. 💙🐈

[TailChaser Marathon]

Chill. You deserve it! x

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to TailChaser]

Thanks TC, I did just that! 😀🐈😀

[Sandie1961 Half Marathon]

Absolutely nothing wrong with taking an extra rest day, but you might need to take another one so that you can run your Virtual Parkrun on Saturday 😬 I’m only running on Wednesday and Saturday and I feel fine about it 😊

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Sandie1961]

I don’t know Sandie, it’s likely I’ll do tomorrow and Saturday. I’ve begun sticking in the odd consecutive couple of days every so often, to no ill effect. One thing’s for sure, I’m definitely not missing virtual PR! ‘See’ you on Saturday! 😀❤️🏃‍♀️

[Sandie1961 Half Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Oh yes, it wouldn’t be the same without you 😘

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Sandie1961]

😍

[JonathanP 10 Miles]

Alternate days is definitely a habit that needs breaking Cheeky!

PS you could take the cat with you next time !😋

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to JonathanP]

Now there’s an idea Jonathan! I could stash him in my hydration vest. 😅

[JonathanP 10 Miles in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Or a little harness and waist belt!😀

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to JonathanP]

Can you imagine the looks? 🤣🤣🤣

[Fabulous450]

🤗🤗 Cheeky, You are having just one day indoors and it sounds like you’re having a proper ‘nothing to do but slumber day’!! That’s perfect! Hope you’ve enjoyed every minute of it!! Guilt free!! 😁🤗🤗❤️

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Fabulous450]

Oh Fab, I did! I did very little - just a stretchy yoga practice and a (wet!) dog walk, but it was wonderful. ❤️

I hope you’re doing ok? 😀

[Fabulous450 in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Fantastic!! 😁

I’m doing ok Cheeky! 🤗 I’m still running when I get the inspiration, but I’m exercising daily too. I’m being a little sporadic with the running 😊, but at the moment things are so uncertain, it just feels right to be a bit gentle with myself too.

I’m glad you had a wonderful day!! 😍😍❤️

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Fabulous450]

I totally agree Fab. Being kind to ourselves is key. I’m running plenty of miles per week, but it’s on my terms. I have to keep loving it. Fortunately I still do, so all good. ❤️

Keep doing what you’re doing. One day we’ll have that PR meetup! 😘

[HeavyFoot Half Marathon]

No worries!! On Tuesday the only thing I did was post a letter. At the end of the day I had only recorded 700 steps. And it was a wonderful day!!

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to HeavyFoot]

Perfect HF, I think we all need days like that sometimes. 😀 I did do 10k this morning to make up for yesterday though! 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

[BaddieThePirate]

I manage weeks and sometimes months without s run and without feeling guilty so I think you're ok with one day 👍😊

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to BaddieThePirate]

Ahh yes I was fine in the end Baddie. 😀 I’m such a creature of habit, and once I’ve decided on something it feels wrong to change it. It worked out well though, as it meant I was able to run today feeling much more positive. 🏃‍♀️👍

Hope you’re still doing well? 😀

[BaddieThePirate in reply to cheekychipmunks]

All ok here. Been doing more digging than running though 😀

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to BaddieThePirate]

Which is an excellent workout in itself! I’ve been doing tons of gardening and my back is feeling it.

Glad you’re doing well Baddie! 😀

[Coddfish 10 Miles]

Definitely ok. In fact sometimes essential.

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Coddfish]

I enjoyed it Coddfish . In fact it enabled me to do my unplanned virtual Bristol 10k on Friday with nice fresh legs. 👍