So, I really hope you are running regularly or at least feeling motivated to get out there!
If you have been increasing your mileage the past three weeks, reduce your mileage this week. Give yourself a break!
It is proven that taking recovery weeks will benefit you in the long run, just like taking recovery days benefits you in the short run. If you haven’t been building your mileage or its been about the same every week, try to increase it this week, push yourself! Set a goal for a little bit more than what you’ve done.
Taking a break means running easier or shorter or both. The point is give your body time to recover through the week. You will feel much more energized next week when you run and your body will feel so much better! I usually had my athletes back off by about 25%-30% but do what feels good for you. If you’ve really been pushing to your limits, scale back more than that.
Your mind will also thank you. Your body will feel so much better you can trick your mind into thinking it feels really good to run, making you more motivated to get out there. Try it, give yourself a break for the full week by running slower or shorter, but don’t take the week off – keep going!
Ryan Hall attributed part of his success to giving himself a rest every seventh day and every 7 weeks according to the bible. Just something to think about.
Day 1: Introduction
Day 2: Start Small, Build Slow
Day 3: It Doesn’t Have To Be Boring
Day 4: Stitches
Day 5: Keep a Diary
Day 6: Dangerous Thoughts
Day 7: Week 1 Done – Some Suggestions
Day 8: Treadmill Training – Baby it’s cold (or raining) outside
Day 9: A Motivational Quote for You
Day 10: Distractions
Day 11: Partner Up!
Day 12: Another Motivational Quote to Ponder
Day 13: A Word on Dehydration and Motivation
Day 14: Week 2 Flew! Check in
Day 15: Mornings
Day 16: Visual Motivators
Day 17: Knees
Day 18: Another Motivational Quote
Day 19: Don’t Forget
Day 20: The Coach
Day 21: Week 3 – Almost There!
Day 22: Give Yourself a Break
Day 23: Lower Legs and Feet
Also, if you want more motivation, you might want to follow my Pin Board ‘Run’!