Rest days are vital

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?

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Comments

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. You better believe I embrace my rest days…especially after nursing injuries a good bit so far this year. Great post!

  4. Lol ARA!!! I love that! I do embrace rest days since it is a chance to recharge my batteries!

  5. 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!

  6. 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.

  7. 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 :-).

  8. I generally only have sunday as my full rest day.

  9. 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.

  10. I think rest days are really important. I took a much needed rest day yesterday and feel so much better for it.

  11. 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!

  12. 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!

  13. Heck yes at least one, sometimes two rest days a week for me. They are so important and a vital part of training.

  14. ARA?! Too funny. Yes, rest days are essential! They help prevent mental burnout too. đŸ˜‰

  15. 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.

  16. 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!

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