Good morning! I slept SO MUCH last night, it was amazing. I didn’t get out of bed until 8, and I feel great. I’m starting to feel really run down, so I’ve decided to take it easy this week. Walking, resting, and stretching. It’s amazing.
I wish I could spend all my time here: (source)
Amazing.
I’ve read numerous times the importance of rest in training plans, this article from Running Times says, “Without recovery blocks, I can almost guarantee you will eventually lose enthusiasm for hard training and your racing performances will become mediocre.”
Something I really don’t want that to happen! Because I begin Phase THREE of my half marathon training plan I am ready to really kick it into gear. I also think this will be the best decision for my shins as well.
Do you build rest periods into your training plans? Why or why not? What do you do (besides the obvious) when you’re “resting”?
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Your shins will love the rest 😀 I like to do yoga when I’m ‘resting’ and lots of walking of course 😉
I love yoga but it tends to go by the wayside when I am training. I am excited to dust of my DVDs 🙂
Do you build rest periods into your training plans?
A: Yes along with a set of clearly defined goals and objectives.
What do you do (besides the obvious) when you’re “resting”?
A: Resting is a state, a time to release and reflect. It’s not a planning stage for the next ultra or 100k trail run.
Oh and read a book, preferably not about fitness or running.
You are so right, taking a menal break is just as important as a physical one. I was going to make my training calendar this week, but I think I will put it off a few more days 🙂
Absolutely, recovery periods are one of the most crucial parts of training, you become a stronger runner in those periods of rest. For me, during the week I typically have one day of cross training in the week and then my rest day is on Friday right before my long run which is on Saturdays. Then of course the taper period which is usually 2 wks before your race where you scale back on your mileage. But yes, and much as I don’t LOVE to rest at times, it’s very important! 🙂 Good luck on your half marathon!
GREAT POST!! I don’t usually plan in extra recovery days/weeks but take them as soon as I feel like I am doing too much. I am so stoked for your half, I can hardly wait!
Thanks friends! I am always impressed that you are getting so much better at listening to your body when it needs a rest. Something I am really trying to learn 🙂
Rest keeps me sane. I prefer to only run three days a week, but have lately been running four. Every now and then I skip a run. When I rest, I rest! I don’t walk or crosstrain which is probably the wrong answer. Too much working out really makes me cray-cray!*
I know what you mean! Luckily I have very little life so I can spend more time working out.
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