When focusing on a goal or upcoming race – it is very easy to want to keep pushing. But rest days should not be overlooked. Rest days, in my opinion, are as vital a component of your training as long runs, tempo runs and speed work.
Rest days gives you:
- a chance to restore glycogen levels
- allows your body to adapt to an increased workload
- protects against over-training which can often lead to injuries
- reduces your overall fatigue, and offers a mental break from the rigors of training
Taking a rest day doesn’t mean you have to turn in to an instant sloth either. These days are perfect for any number of cross-training activities, yoga or taking your dog for a walk — activity that will moderately increase your heart rate and challenge your range of motion is a good thing. Though there may be times too when a day of complete rest with just some dynamic stretching is all that your body needs. I have quickly learned that at my ARA (advanced running age!) that my body needs the rest days and when I ignore them I eventually pay the price.
Do you adhere to the rest days in your training?
I’m a firm believer in rest days. I fully embrace them and enjoy the mental and physical break. I think they are so important for injury prevention as well.
I love my rest days. It gives me something to look forward to during training.
And what they say about “absence makes the heart grow fonder” is true.
You better believe I embrace my rest days…especially after nursing injuries a good bit so far this year. Great post!
Lol ARA!!! I love that! I do embrace rest days since it is a chance to recharge my batteries!
I LOVE my rest days! I tend to do a yoga class or go walking like you said to still move without being ACTIVE. Great blog!
I think rest days are as important as running days for all the reasons you mentioned. I too and at a ARA and I don;t want to get injured.
I am a firm believer in the proper amount of rest, but I have a difficult job of following my own advice or others. When I am running good, I just want to keep running, which becomes a never ending cycle, but hey, I am still smiling and I am doing better than I used to – at least now I put it on the plan :-).
I generally only have sunday as my full rest day.
I love rest days and have no problem taking them. It tok me a few years to figure that out, but it certainly makes sense now.
I think rest days are really important. I took a much needed rest day yesterday and feel so much better for it.
Michelle,
I love that you love running!! It reminds me of the freedom that comes from allowing your body to perform and strengthen itself!!! Thanks for the encouragement!
I needed to hear this today. I’m usually quite good about rest days, but the last few weeks I’ve been invited to run with others and love the social time, so I just go anyway. I’m feeling it a bit!
Heck yes at least one, sometimes two rest days a week for me. They are so important and a vital part of training.
ARA?! Too funny. Yes, rest days are essential! They help prevent mental burnout too. 😉
I LOVE rest days. Sometimes I wish I would be one of those runners who can’t live a day without running, but I’m sure can rest a full day. But on the other side, I’m less frequently injured than my non-stop workout buddies. Resting definitely is part of my training.
I NEVER miss a rest day : ) But I especially like them when it’s the day after a long run, makes me savor it even more!