Too Much Rest?

How long is too long for rest days? I feel like I have taken too many rest days lately, from running at least. Last Friday I took a Body Pump class then ran 8 miles. It was a nice day so I wanted to make sure I got a run in before the weather was about to change. The next few days it was cold, windy, and rainy. I could have been a Bad A$$ and run outside but I am more of a fair weather runner and that did not appeal to me at all. Sure I could have gone to the gym to run on the treadmill but I just wasn’t feeling it. Instead I went to the gym and took group fitness classes. I was still being active, just not running.  

Four days later and still no run, what is wrong with me? Did I lose the running bug or did I just need a break? I couldn’t tell you the last time I took 4 days off from running unless I was coming off a marathon, and even that was rare. And to tell you the truth, I wasn’t even missing it. Usually if I go that long without a run I go a little stir crazy. Maybe it was because the weather wasn’t very nice. So didn’t feel like I was missing out, plus my schedule was keeping me pretty busy recently.  


Fast forward 4 days later and the sun finally came out and it was a little warmer than it has been days prior. I got up super early to take Body Pump then came home and went back to bed.  #sleep deprived. When I woke back up it was much nicer than it has been. I didn’t have anything on my schedule finally so I thought today I am going to run. I have no excuses now.  


I was hoping to do a decent run since I haven’t run lately. I didn’t know how this was going to go. I thought I would feel very sluggish and slow not having gone, but it was completely the opposite. I don’t know if it was the podcasts I was listening to or maybe my legs just felt fresh.  But my pace was much faster than it usually is during my runs and I felt great during the whole time. Is that just what I needed, a break from running in order to come back refreshed? I know recovery is so important and taking rest day but I guess it wasn’t until I actually did that that I felt the benefits from it. I finished my run with what felt like 10 effortless miles. Maybe I need to take more rest days.    Now I feel refreshed and ready to race this weekend! 

Do you ever take a break from running and come back feeling stronger?  L

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35 comments:

  1. I actually took a little running break this week and Im hoping to come back feeling refreshed! I think it can be really beneficial to take some time off of running. It sounds like it was a good choice for you!

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  2. I think it is completely normal to lose the bug for a couple days. The best thing to do is what you did- just listen to your body. Surprisingly, I get like that in the summer sometimes. I think it's because while I do love running, I "need" it less in the summer because I am off work and not as stressed. I have a lot more me time in the summer so running doesn't serve that function for me as much in the summer. But of course I do still run because I enjoy it. I just think I take more days off.

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    1. I think when it is colder out I tend to take more time off, just because I don't want to bundle up so much for my runs.

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  3. I used to almost never take running breaks, but now that I cross train more, I run less. I still can't resist the lure of a perfect weather day, even if I don't have a run planned. Sounds like the break worked for you.

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    1. I tend not to run as much when I cross train as well. But I still feel like nothig compares to a run.

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  4. I think the main thing to take away from this little break is that you didn't miss the running while you were "on sabbatical." Your body probably needed it (and possibly your mind as well). A few years ago, I took several days off. I can't remember the specifics, but it was in the summer. The summer is my favorite running season, so there must have been an injury at play. Anyways, after those (4-5?) days off, I ran what was one of my fastest 5K's ever. The brief time off served me well ;-)

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    1. Yes, I think I needed that break. It helped with my race this past weekend.

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  5. I always think back to a half marathon I ran about 6 weeks after the Chicago Marathon. There were no long runs during that time period--I think my longest run was probably 6 miles. But that half turned out to be one of my fastest. I think running on rested legs was the key!

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  6. Sometimes you need to take a step back, breathe, and then run again. Your break was probably the best thing for you. Good luck!

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  7. I think we all need a break from running and workouts sometimes. Either to avoid mental or physical burnout we hav to listen to our bodies

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    1. I am so bad at listening to my body. I am the type that will push thru because I feel like I need to.

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  8. I rarely run more than twice a week these days, but also rarely take a rest day. I try to keep up my long run base and don't worry about the rest.

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  9. I actually often have better runs with a little extra rest. I used to take off a whole week after just a half but Rachel usually has me running! Sometimes I still end up taking that week off -- I just need the extra rest.

    And I wasn't feeling great a couple of days this week, so I skipped my easy run yesterday & feel a lot better today. I've gotten much better at listening to my body!

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  10. Yes! I actually feel that my runs are actually stronger after I take a break

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    1. I guess I feel like I am missing out if I take a break from running.

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  11. For me there's a fine line between taking a break and coming back stronger, and taking a break and losing every ounce of my running stamina...and I swear, there's about a day's difference. So I usually don't take many breaks...the lazy in me comes out too quickly otherwise.

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    1. That is what I was afraid of, but luckily that was not the case.

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  12. I almost always feel stronger/faster after a short break from running, intentional or not.

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  13. Yes yes yes! Taking time off almost always makes me feel better when I start up again. It's like the love is rekindled, haha.

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  14. I haven't had a run rest in a long time but it sounds beneficial!

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  15. Sounds like the break is exactly what you needed!

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  16. Rest is good, rest gives your body the chance to regrow and recharge. You are a very strong runner, so you are doing it right!

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  17. Running is a funny sport like that! I have definitely seen benefits of well-timed rest in my own running. Seems like you're really listening to your body and seeing the benefits!

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  18. Sometimes I do run "better" after one or a few rest days.

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  19. I ended up taking an extra rest day the week before my 6-miler, thanks to a sinus headache. I felt really good during those 6 miles.

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  20. My breaks from running nowadays are for giving my bad knee time to become less cranky. The rest of me feels refreshed ;)

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