the importance of rest

Training starts again today.

I've enjoyed the past week, in which I put in a measly five miles total - mostly just to make sure the legs were still working. Staying off the roads got tough over the weekend, as my mind and my body starting rebelling against the rest, wanting to pound out a few miles and restore mental equilibrium. But I reminded myself that this time off was crucial for making sure I get through the rest of the spring in one piece.

It's a lesson that has taken me awhile to learn.

The temptation when you first start running is to never take a day off. To push on every run. To run long runs just as fast as you can.  Farther, faster, harder. It's easy to get caught up in the cycle. But what usually happens is that your body will force a rest through injury - an Achilles will get inflamed, an IT band will tighten, a stress fracture will develop.  If you are lucky enough to dodge an injury, you might find yourself dreading your runs, feeling miserable, suffering mentally. That's why you need to rest.

I actually found in my last run-up to the 50ks that by cutting back mileage and adding in more rest days, I was much more successful with my long runs. I got them in, I recovered without getting sick, and I ran stronger than I have in awhile. This is my magic training formula. You have to figure out yours.

If you are finding yourself constantly on the edge of injury or dreading the run, try a rest day or two instead of pushing through. It just might be the boost you need.