Do I need a rest day if I'm only a slow beginner runner?

If you're new to running, still take breaks. You might not need to after every run, but you'll see better progress running 4 times a week than 7 to start off with

At that pace and mileage you're likely OK not to take a break every other day but do take rest days every so often. Running builds cumulative fatigue and it'll catch up with you at some point if you're not careful.

Also, your rest days are when you actually improve.

Throw some walking lunges, bodysquats, and overhead presses or windmills (keeps the shoulders nice and loose and your hands warm) in with your wall push-ups and you a nice little work out.

Cheers, h.

MegaMooseEsq wrote: »

Thanks for the feedback everyone! I'm thinking that I'll plan on giving myself a no-running day after that longer weekend jog, and maybe a second one mid-week? I know cross-training is ideal, but right now I'm just working on not letting perfect be the enemy of the good. I'm planning to add a couple of circuit classes a week by the end of the year, and will probably swap out running for stationary bike while there's snow on the ground. I'm kind of sad about the idea of not getting to run for a few months!

ETA: I've started doing wall push-ups during my morning jog 2-3 times a week, so I've got a little body-weight exercise going I suppose. Baby steps?

I've heard of people using Yaktrax or Microspikes to run in winter weather. I don't know if that's an option for you or not, but if being outdoors is important to you, there are alternatives.

Is there cross country skiing where you are? It's a fantastic way to enjoy winter and will be familiar to you as a runner.

MegaMooseEsq wrote: »

After two months of alternating jogging and walking, I'm up to a mile jog every morning. I'm not going quickly at all, usually not faster than 15 minutes a mile (including breaks while my dogs do their business, although I do try and jog in place as much as possible). I've started looking into beginning runner tips, and I'm seeing a lot of advice saying not to run every day. I'm not doing any sort of formal training program, just 15 minutes with the dogs in the morning, maybe a half-hour on the weekends. I've generally been feeling fine and I love the rush of energy even that short workout gives me before work, but I certainly don't want to hurt myself or push too hard. So I'd love to hear if people think I should work some break days in there or not. I understand strength and cross-training are important in the long run, but I'm kind of easing myself into this fitness thing one step at a time.

Non-runners jog in place at lights and stops. You're a runner now. No need to do that.

Ryokat wrote: »

dewd2 wrote: »

Non-runners jog in place at lights and stops. You're a runner now. No need to do that.

Or do what cyclists do and use it as an opportunity to drink from your water bottle.

Former new runner here lol. Even if you feel good, continue taking running days off, as others have said it's good to alternate running with cross training. Your speed isn't really an issue (FWIW, I tend to have MORE injuries when I run a bit slower than when I go a little faster). It's not really about taking a "rest day" (I hate that term!) so much as giving your body a chance to recouperate and heal up after the inevitable damage of every workout. Alternating what systems you're working out allows you to work out every day (yay, no rest days!) if you're smart about it. But you do have to build in "recovery." So, maybe run one day, strength train the next, run one day, swim the next, run one day, strength train the next, run one day, bike the next ... you get the idea. If you don't go hard, it might work out for you to be able to run every day or nearly every day ... after you've been running regularly for a year or so.

My experience was "I feel good, why not run every day!" but I did develop some hamstring and knee issues that could have been avoided. And those injuries resulted in me having to take a whole month off running. And I was LUCKY -- it could have been worse.