I have two toddlers so I ran when I could get it in. I'd do two days in a row. Never three - I just don't feel like you get a lot out of that third run - and not more than four days a week.

Some people double up on runs during week three (it seems to be a light week for some people) but I don't see the point in graduating a few days early. All it means is that you have to build you own structure during your runs faster.

I'd say early on you risk injury (as you've said) but you also risk burn out. You can easily become bored of it and want to lay down for a day or two which could turn into a week, etc. If you feel any pain, you should probably take a day off from running. The debate about running while sore will live on but do what you think your body is capable of. I run everyday but do not follow the C25K program aside from the 3 days per week (T/TH/S for me.) On the off days, I tend to do what I feel like doing. This could either be a long walk or a jog to see how far I can go without walking.

You know your conditioning and body better than anyone so listen to it! But just keep in mind, people do run/walk everyday so it is not like you're going to have negative repercussions (unless you hurt yourself, of course.)

And the rule is always to listen to rduhlir.

Yes, rduhlir has experience so please take her advice haha. I actually have a question in response to what rduhlir said about cross training. With everything that you mentioned (Yoga, Swimming, Walking, Hiking) out of the question for tonight and me wanting to take a day off of my legs, would you suggest some sort of weight training/other muscle building activity or a complete day off??

Sure, weight training is very good for runners. It strengthens your muscles which will make your stride stronger. Yoga is a good one was well, as it brings in body strength exercises with deep stretching, which is great for sore legs.

With strength training you want to focus on your core. In the New Rules of Lifting this past year, I read something that totally made complete sense. The author wrote about how the entire body is entwined together. How basically your muscles create a sort of giant "X" across your body starting from your toes, running up your body and then to your fingers and it made complete sense to me. The author spoke of paying deep attention to your core. And if you think about it, it makes complete sense.

A strong core radiates in a run. Having a stong core helps to maintain a strong posture when running, which helps your legs maintain power. Your core also helps with your arm swing...so the entire body is tied together. Forcus on something that is full body or core dedicated. There are lots of strength workouts on Women's Running, Runner's World, and all the other runner websites out there.

I often run 2 days in a row, but try not to have them to close together. Sometimes I run before work and sometimes after, so if I ran after work, I would not run the next morning but would do it after work. (Does that make sense!?!?!)

I do Zumba on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday and then run 3 days a week during the week. As long as you use good form, good shoes, and stretch and don't have a history of issues you'll be OK.