For most runners, running is not an obligation, but rather represents that moment of disconnection that allows them to get rid of the stress accumulated during the day, or that helps to prepare the body to face a new day first thing in the morning.
The main problem is that, if recovery and rest days are not taken into account, our body can be negatively affected.
We may think that running every day for a few kilometers will make us stronger and faster. Some runners believe that in this way they can reach their goals in the short term.
However, this method of ignoring recovery can take its toll. It all depends on each case.
For most runners, running is not an obligation, but rather represents that moment of disconnection that allows them to get rid of the stress accumulated during the day, or that helps to prepare the body to face a new day first thing in the morning.
The main problem is that, if recovery and rest days are not taken into account, our body can be negatively affected.
We may think that running every day for a few kilometers will make us stronger and faster. Some runners believe that in this way they can reach their goals in the short term.
However, this method of ignoring recovery can take its toll. It all depends on each case.
Is it healthy to run every day?
According to some experts, there are certain profiles of athletes who could train every day, but what about mental recovery?
Rest not only helps us physically, but also allows us to clear our minds and come back to work more motivated.
On the other hand, if we do not allow our muscles to recover, there is a greater risk of injury.
The body goes through a process called adaptation in which a series of physiological changes are generated at the cellular level: production of more mitochondria, blood vessels and stronger muscle fibers. When you don’t respect rest periods, you are denying your body to go through such a process.
If you decide to insert a run into your recovery day, it should be short and easy. Don’t do any fast runs or fast paces. Of course, if you are prone to injury or overuse, it is best to rest completely and not run every day.
What happens if I run slowly every day
Deep in mind that if you run a few kilometers every day at a slow pace, you will not improve your performance in the long run.
To perceive an improvement in speed, for example, it is necessary to do series work, hills, changes of pace… All these sessions are usually quite intense, so our body and mind will need to recover.
Despite this, there is also another profile of runners who go out to perform this activity with the sole purpose of alleviating symptoms of anxiety and feel more relaxed. In these cases, the volume and intensity are usually very low, so more continuous sessions could be carried out.
How long is it necessary to rest
We come to one of the key questions: how long do I need to rest to run again? We cannot give an answer to this as it will depend on each type of athlete and the training he/she carries out.
However, there are both physical and mental signs that tell you that you should stop running for one or more days:
- You find yourself unmotivated in front of your workouts.
- When you start to feel too exhausted.
- If you are suffering from regular sleep disorders.
- If you notice an elevated heart rate in the morning.
- Inability to fight a cold.
- Feeling of generalized fatigue.
- Loss of appetite.
- Stiffness or pain in one area.
- When you cannot maintain your usual running pace.
Conclusion
Respecting breaks and not running every day can be beneficial in improving paces and avoiding the onset of tedious injuries. Even elite athletes have off days.
In addition, taking a day or two off from running will also make us more motivated to return to training.
Despite this, we must be clear that there is no single answer for all runners, so the training and rest routine must be carried out by a professional who studies each case in a personalized way.
For example, a person who goes running every day to improve anxiety symptoms has a very different objective than someone who does it to slow down in a race.
In general, the key to performing better and safely is to provide the body with both stress (intense training sessions) and rest (recovery).
And you, do you go out for a run every day or do you respect recovery?
