Taking a month off running - good idea?

blackcloud13

I want to get some runners views on whether it makes sense to take a break from running for a month.

My main reason would be to give my knee a chance to stop hurting but I also want to spend more time swimming (rather learning to swim!) this month.

Actual questions

1. Is it "bad" to not run at all for a month? Do you come back refreshed or just set back back months of fitness gains
2. Is it better to rest by just doing a few light runs, rather than stop altogether?

Thanks

southerndream24

You're going to lose a bit of your fitness, but if you're cross-training I don't think you'll suffer too much of a setback. If you are feeling pain in your knee than you should shut it down for a bit. Don't worry, you'll get it back.

UrbanRunner81

if your knee is hurting taking time off to rest it is a good idea.

DavidMartinez2

After a month off you will be a little slower and not able to run as far but you will bounce back pretty quick (usually a week or two for me)

ATT949

I want to get some runners views on whether it makes sense to take a break from running for a month.

My main reason would be to give my knee a chance to stop hurting but I also want to spend more time swimming (rather learning to swim!) this month.

Actual questions

1. Is it "bad" to not run at all for a month? Do you come back refreshed or just set back back months of fitness gains
2. Is it better to rest by just doing a few light runs, rather than stop altogether?

Thanks

Some thoughts:
1 - If you're injured, you will benefit from allowing the injury to heal.
2 - You may find that you're running faster after a break (I'm experiencing this right now).
3 - Quoting "Daniels' Running Formula" by Jack Daniels, page 84. If you cross train, Daniels estimates that your "VDOT" (analogous to V02 Max) will drop by about 7% if you do not cross train and by about 3.5% if you do cross train.

In that you have a running overuse injury and that swimming would give you a chance to allow the injury to heal and that you'll only lose about 7% of your fitness even if you just sit on the couch,…

Enjoy your rest!

beeblebrox82

I'm taking a much needed few weeks off to heal up after a long running season. Even most pros take a few weeks off over the year where they don't run at all. Body needs time to recover!

Zekela

After a month off you will be a little slower and not able to run as far but you will bounce back pretty quick (usually a week or two for me)

This... I took two weeks off from running a while back because of an illness that I had. I was about to whip out a 10 mile run, but called it a day after five miles... my body said, "hell no!"... also did the miles at 9 minute pace which was good enough for me. Within a week, I was back to normal though....

rockstarginaa

If you are injured, rest will do your body good. You will lose some fitness, but it shouldn't take long to get back to where you were (speed/distance).