Topic: When to Pause and When to Push
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David
WV
Member Since:
08/13/2006 Total Posts: 80
2.2 Years Ago
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I've run four days this week, three miles a day. I've just finished week 4 of the couch potato to 5K plan. This morning I slept late, and my body is telling me to rest. My head is telling me however, I should go ahead and run once more this week, and take tomorrow as a rest day (exercise on Sunday is almost impossible for a pastor). I've been running for nearly a month now, and I'm injury free.
Should I pause or should I push? How do other runners here know when you might be pushing too hard?
Thanks,
David B. |
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Re: When to Pause and When to Push
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Gary
MA
Member Since:
09/03/2006 Total Posts: 12
2.2 Years Ago
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David
I've been running casually for several years and just recently started more aggressively. In the process I've been reading a lot about fitness, training, physiological impacts and benefits. What I keep hearing is a theme of 'listen to your body'. As much as your head says one thing, you're probably in it for the long haul so why not listen and feel comfortable resting two days...
best...
Gary |
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Re: When to Pause and When to Push
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Beverly
MO
Member Since:
05/31/2005 Total Posts: 1143
2.2 Years Ago
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David, how old are you? In Jeff Galloway's 'Book on Running' he states that once in the 40s and up body/legs will need recovery days where it didn't before. I believe, I'd have to check for sure, that he says after 40 years old, 4 days is good (I think you stated somewhere you're 45). I know I don't run more than 3-4 days a week, but I do cross train (elliptical, walking, bike, whatever) in between those days. Hope this helps :) |
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Re: When to Pause and When to Push
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Gary
AR
Member Since:
04/13/2006 Total Posts: 715
2.2 Years Ago
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David,
May I suggest doing other training runs besides the 3 miles per day routine? If you are training for a 5K, I would break up the training runs and do some intervals by running 3 or 4 x 200 meters, walking in between another 200 meters. This is best done at a local track. This will integrate speed into your routine. Rest at our age is a good thing. Gives the legs a chance to repair themselves and become stronger. Like Beverly said if you want to do sometime on a rest day, cycle or walk, but no pounding the road from running. |
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Re: When to Pause and When to Push
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David
WV
Member Since:
08/13/2006 Total Posts: 80
2.2 Years Ago
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I became restless as the day progressed and pushed it. I did the three miles in walk/jog intervals, but walked a little more than the routine said. I admit, once I start running I get addicted to it. I begin to need my "fix" at least 5 or 6 days a week. I try to listen to my body even while running, and if I hurt or am struggling too much, I back off.
Thanks for the input -- all other suggestions welcome!
You know, I can find the ability to record stats on the freebie sites, but this excellent discussion forum is unique to fitness journal! |
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Re: When to Pause and When to Push
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Seema
PA
Member Since:
01/20/2005 Total Posts: 176
2.2 Years Ago
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I've done well, and been injury free through a lot of running, by not running when my body says rest, but also not taking a total rest day, to get that "high" from pushing a bit, so when my body says rest, but I've got a workout day schedule, I will swim or take a spinning class, lift weights or do a yoga class and find I am exhilirated and proud of myself, but don't tend to end up injured. |
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