Exercise the day before a 5k walk/race?

serenity216
serenity216 Posts: 512 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I have a 5k coming up on Saturday. Since my doctor will not allow me to run, I am doing the walk but am going to try to complete it as fast as I can as I am allowed to speed walk.

Over the last couple of weeks I had been dealing with some knee pain/minor swelling as a result from overdoing the walking. I did get a knee brace for walking which has helped and after icing it and soaking in an epsom bath the swelling went down the next day.

So my question is this: I tend to work out 6 times a week for between 30 minutes-1 hour and I mix it up between Zumba, walking, circuit training and Swimming. Should I take a rest day before the 5k or do some light exercise? Back in 2010 I was back on the fitness track until I was rear ended and ended up with whiplash and 2 months of physical therapy and as a result I now tend to fear an injury as it could set me back from the progress I have already made. Any suggestions/help would be much appreciated.

Replies

  • mmarin81
    mmarin81 Posts: 241
    I say use the day before as your rest day. Even if that week you take 2 rest days it won't hinder the progress you have made.
  • nuttyfamily
    nuttyfamily Posts: 3,394 Member
    I'd take a rest day the day before.
  • theblackbirdtree
    theblackbirdtree Posts: 168
    If you feel incomplete without your exercise, then why stop? Your body loves to move, even if it's light exercise or movement.
    I exercised the day before a half marathon with knee pain and was fine. Honestly, I preferred the day off after all of the hard work.

    Good luck, and remember that you know what's truly best for you and your body! :flowerforyou:

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