feeling bad about a day off?

carbons2k

So I ran about 4 miles on Monday and I really wanted to back it up with maybe a quick 1 mile or maybe 2 miles but It was rainy and I was feeling a little sore. I tried to eat as good as possible but I felt terrible that I didn't at least hit the weights. Its ok to take a rest day right? Im not beating myself up over nothing right?

cheshirecatastrophe

It's more than okay, it's a really good idea! We don't actually increase fitness (strength OR aerobic endurance) during a workout--we build it during the recovery period in between workouts. Down time also allows your body to heal the 'damage' (tearing muscle fibers, increasing inflammation/free radicals, etc) of exercise and helps reduce the risk of overuse injuries.

Generally, when I start feeling super guilty about missing a day, it is a sign FOR ME that I am getting too obsessive about working out and I need to start taking *more* days off. Your mileage may vary.