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Running and rest day...

josiereside
josiereside Posts: 720 Member
edited December 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
I run 3 days a week and crosstrain the other days. I do my long runs on Saturdays. Right now my mileage is fairly low (6 miles) but building up to a half marathon. Is it better to take my rest day the day before or after my long runs. Note I do not work legs for 2 days before a long run as they are usually sore from the strength training.

Replies

  • scottb81
    scottb81 Posts: 2,538 Member
    The first few long runs it is probably best to rest the day before so that you run with rested legs to build confidence. Later, it may be useful to rest the day after so that you build confidence in running with tired legs. However, from a fitness standpoint it doesn't really matter.
  • josiereside
    josiereside Posts: 720 Member
    Thanks Scott!! I never truly have a full "rest" day as my dog requires his daily walk. I have kind of played with both theories and I think I prefer the rest the day after, unless I actually have a race, and then depending on the distance, I rest both before and after! :smile:
  • brandyk77
    brandyk77 Posts: 605 Member
    I would vote for after if you need it

    Running long on tired legs is great training physically and mentally.
This discussion has been closed.

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