If you can get into the mindset that “Rest Days” are Training Days too, then it can help you respect them and make sure you give your body the best chance to recover, adapt and get stronger.
It’s actually when we rest that we get fitter. During the workouts themselves we create small tears in our muscle fibres. It’s then when we rest that that damage is repaired and our muscles get stronger.
Our sessions also deplete our glycogen stores, so we need to make sure these reserves are built back up during these rest days.
If we train when we are fatigued then it can lead to bad form and it will significantly increase the risk of injury. This approach that we need to “Run more Miles” isn’t necessarily always true. If we are young, fit and healthy with loads of time on our side, then yes, running lots of miles can be the answer.
But most of us have busy lives, jobs, families and other commitments. Therefore taking rest days is crucial to destress and give yourself a break.
The number of rest days will be determined by different factors such as your goals, your availability, the level you are training at and how old you are.
But it’s important in my opinion that you take at least 1 rest day per week, more often two. The more advanced you become as a runner, the fitter and stronger you get, the fewer rest days you will need.
Please do respect the rest day though and know by taking it easy you are giving your body the chance to adapt for your next session.
Thank you.
Enjoy.
