"Rest: Despite my listing it at the end, rest is an important component of this or any training program. Scientists will tell you that it is during the rest period (the 24 to 72 hours between hard bouts of exercise) that the muscles actually regenerate and get stronger. Coaches also will tell you that you can't run hard unless you are well rested. And it is hard running (such as the long runs) that allows you to improve. If you're constantly fatigued, you will fail to reach your potential."
From Hal Higdon's Marathon Training Guide, Intermediate Training Programs,
http://www.halhigdon.com/marathon/Mar00intermediate.htm
A Visit to Mount Felix
15 years ago
5 comments:
Timely for me. I'm taking (another) extra rest day hoping to be in better shape for my 5 mile race in 2 days.
Vern! Great comment, it was exactly the perfect one for me today! Cheers!
I can definitely appreciate this...=) Great training tip.
Something so simple, yet sometimes difficult to learn...I learned my lesson last spring when, instead of taking a week or so off after a long race, I ended up having to take a few months off because I tried to rush the recovery. Better to follow the advise than to learn by experience.
So true, Brian! It seems like every runner I talk to has a similar tale! Unfortunately, most of us learn the hard way, and then become smarter runners because of our bad experience! I lost a week last December with a knee problem, and suffered seven additional weeks of reduced mileage, just from pushing too hard for 4 consecutive days without rest!
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