New runner: when to take days off?

petemeep

I've been doing the couch to 5k and I know you are supposed to take days off. I ran on sunday and was supposed to rest yesterday so I did but I really had the urge to go for a short run. Do I have to rest or is it ok to go ahead and do a short run will I be wearing myself down if I do this? I've only been running since January I have done C25k once on a treadmill and took a couple of weeks off when I finished it in March and now I'm doing it again but on a track this time instead of the treadmill but it's still very challenging I'm on week 5.

Is it ok to do short runs on rest days?

Thanks,

LilRedRooster

If you feel good to go for a shorter run, there's probably nothing wrong with doing it. There are days when I'm supposed to rest, and I'll run, and days where I'm supposed to run but take a rest instead. I've been running long enough to just know if I'm going to have a decent run or not, and you'll figure out as you run more often when you need to take a rest, and when you don't.

I wouldn't do some crazy long run, or go for speedwork or anything, though. On days when I'm not sure, I just do an easy run so that I enjoy it, but don't feel like I'm pushing too hard, and call it good.

Pisc2749

I made the mistake of trying to run almost every day when I started. You need rest days. Listen to your body, if you start feeling like your not making progress anymore or it feels harder, it's a sign you need a break. A day or two off from running can make a big difference. I noticed that I ran better after I rested. I think it's better to have fewer quality runs than a lot of so-so runs.

christynek

I am not a runner, but I feel like since the rest days are there, they are there for a reason, ya know? But you are the only person who knows your body's capabilities