This week’s Tuesday Topic is What are your thoughts about rest days? You can write about this topic or feel free to post any running related blog post. Remember to link up with Kim and Zenaida! Visit at least two of the other linked posts – the more the merrier! Remember to come back for later linkers!
I haven’t taken any rest days from running since August 29. Today is day #46. Let’s see how long I can continue this streak. I feel good. The weather has been fantastic and I am enjoying running in this weather.
My coach has me running 5-6 days a week and no more than 30 miles a week. On the days he does not schedule a workout, I run for 20 minutes. The pace is very slow and easy and it is never more than 2 miles.
Some benefits of rest days include:
✓ Allows your muscles to recover.
✓ Reduces the chance of injury.
✓ Helps you sleep better.
There was a time when I would look forward to my rest days. I would rest on my rest days, like really rest meaning that I would not do anything. My body wanted that rest day. I even looked forward to that day when I wouldn’t “have” to run. I am the type of person that can spend all day on the sofa watching TV or reading a book and only getting up to get something to eat and use the bathroom.
However, a rest day doesn’t mean you don’t do anything. You can still do some kind of light activity. You can walk, swim, do yoga, or do an easy bike class.
Me? I take it easy on those rest days and even walk if I want to. No pressure. Again, the weather has been great and I am enjoying it. Who knows how it will be during the Winter.
Everyone trains and recovers different. We do not train the same way and expect the same results. It is the same thing with rest days. Everyone’s body does not need the same amount of rest days. You know your body and what is best for YOU!
20 responses to “Tuesday Topics: My thoughts about rest days”
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Wow, what a streak, Zenaida! Already 46 days! Well done!
It sounds like you’re being very careful about it, too, so that you don’t get injured.
I don’t do anything cardio-like on my rest days. I stretch, do a bit of easy yoga and go for walks. I love walking, especially now in autumn.
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Thanks. Last thing I need/want is an injury right now. I know that if something starts to hurt or bother me then I will end the streak.
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Total agreement on the rest days. I think we all need them, but we have to “do” them in a way that works for us and our needs (and not someone else’s). Great job on the streak!
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Great minds think alike! 🙂
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I think because I’m not training for anything right now is why I don’t look forward to rest days. If I’m not working, I now have so much free time so it just makes sense to do something to fill that time, even if it’s just a walk.
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I totally understand what you mean!
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I think you hit the nail on the head – it is so important that you do what works for your body! Congrats on your streak!
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Thanks, Michelle!
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I think it makes a lot of sense to be outside as much as possible right now, because we won’t have that option in the winter. I definitely need rest days where I don’t run or lift, but I don’t go to a standstill either.
I don’t think I’ve ever run for more than 7 days without a break, but I do enjoy hearing about “streaks”. Have fun with yours!
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I agree with you. I am loving this weather. I hope Winter isn’t too cold but part of me wouldn’t be surprised if it is. Can we get a break this year?
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I embrace the occasional COMPLETE rest day, but it doesn’t happen very often… usually I get some form of lighter exercise in.
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I used to also embrace it. I loved being on the sofa watching TV or reading a book. Now even though I run everyday, I still take care of my body and run my easy runs at an easy pace.
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Despite the rain today, yes, we really have enjoyed some spectacular weather this Fall.
I’m not sure I ever take a complete rest day, the dogs always need to be walked. Not that that’s very taxing (although sometimes it is mentally, LOL!).
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Well it seems like many people like to take a walk during rest days. I feel like Fall is perfect to enjoy the weather and the beautiful color of the leaves.
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I agree! Sometimes fall is super cold or really rainy, but thankfully not this year!
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Hopefully Winter isn’t too cold either.
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I like to walk on rest days as well and do a little stretching to keep things loose!
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Ah yes, stretching is something I also need to add to my routine.
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My rest day normally involves a good walk. Either 10k or a couple of 5k walks at a decent pace. Every now and again I might jump on my exercise bike on a rest day. My rest days are only ever a rest from running, never a total rest.
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Do you have a Peloton bike?