Resting Periods

It is totally logical to rest and the concept of recovery. However, I have found through unfortunate circumstances that even what seems like just a little rest can be detrimental. I was sick for almost a week and then I traveled for work for almost a week, back to back. This made for 1 run in almost a week and a half.

I tried going for a quick 2 mile run last night and after the first mile was done, so was I. The side shin splits were burning so bad, and it didn't matter how much mental toughness I wanted to apply the pain got me. Last time I ran I did a fulfilling 4 miles, and I swear it wasn't much harder than last nights 2 miles.

The moral of the story: Resting does have value. Too much rest seems to have no value. At least not for starting amateurs such as myself. I did read an article about Bernard Lagat, the U.S. Olympian who's pushing the boundaries of running and age. Most people figured he'd be out of his prime and competitiveness because he's 37. Yet, there he is, competing in the brightest stage of all. He said his secret is... resting! He takes 5 weeks off after the end of his season. That's crazy by running standards I guess. But I does prove that sometimes less is more. That being said, he does have to work pretty hard to get back into top shape.

I thought that was interesting, resting does have value; just make sure you're being honest about how much rest you're getting. Too much rest can set you back pretty fast and discourage you. That can be avoided by simple consistency. In my early experience so far, I feel that a resting period of 1 or 2 days is more than enough and keeps me rolling enough to keep improving. 1 or 2 days in between and keep doing 2-3 miles, then try to add some extra mileage every time you go out.