The rest day is probably one of the most undervalued elements of running due to the fact that its hard to not do what you like. Out of the many characteristic traits that are common amongst great athletes is routine. As humans we like to be comfortable with knowing what comes next and we like to do things that we enjoy. So when your going through your workout schedule and you see rest day listed , don't be disappointed. A rest day is valuable part of your training.
The first thing is that running is hard on our body's. Think about all the different physical motions that your body goes through when you run. It takes a toll on your body. Furthermore you can injure yourself by not allowing yourself the appropriate amount of rest. Injury's are not a fun thing to go through while training, you could potentially get behind on your workout plan or not accomplish those important goals that you have your mind set on.
Secondly I will share some general information on how to make the most of your rest days. This may seem tacky but the reality is that the little things will add up to be things(think of it like a big puzzle, lots of little pieces but put together correctly make for one big master piece). The amount of rest days that you should have depends on what your training for and good of shape your in etc. Let's take me for instance I am training for a 5k so I typically have about 1 rest day a week. This should stay the same for the last week of the race , because you want to keep your legs loose(light runs during that week are preferable)
If you are someone who is just taking up running then I recommend taking 2-3 rest days per week.
While on your rest focus on the little thing that will speed up recovery. For instance take the elevator instead of the stairs, park a little closer, items of that nature.
Stay tuned for the importance of the recovery day!
The first thing is that running is hard on our body's. Think about all the different physical motions that your body goes through when you run. It takes a toll on your body. Furthermore you can injure yourself by not allowing yourself the appropriate amount of rest. Injury's are not a fun thing to go through while training, you could potentially get behind on your workout plan or not accomplish those important goals that you have your mind set on.
Secondly I will share some general information on how to make the most of your rest days. This may seem tacky but the reality is that the little things will add up to be things(think of it like a big puzzle, lots of little pieces but put together correctly make for one big master piece). The amount of rest days that you should have depends on what your training for and good of shape your in etc. Let's take me for instance I am training for a 5k so I typically have about 1 rest day a week. This should stay the same for the last week of the race , because you want to keep your legs loose(light runs during that week are preferable)
If you are someone who is just taking up running then I recommend taking 2-3 rest days per week.
While on your rest focus on the little thing that will speed up recovery. For instance take the elevator instead of the stairs, park a little closer, items of that nature.
Stay tuned for the importance of the recovery day!
