Sometimes, it takes more skill to turn around than it does to keep going.
Now… runners. Rest is our kryptonite. Our overly ambitious, competitive, perfectionist (or terrified-of-being-seen-trying ...oop, that’s a whole different conversation) neurotic selves, yes, I can say this because I am one of us, constantly gets in the way of actually making gains.
But here’s the truth: Don’t be scared of your rest. Nothing bad happens to your fitness when you take a day off or do less milage one week. In fact, resting gives your body the best opportunity to come back stronger. If you’re always tired, always grinding, always pushing through, your body never gets to do the magic part, the rebuilding. That’s when the fitness actually shows up. When you skip that, you plateau. Instead of leveling up, your body uses everything it has just to keep you functioning. If you want your body to perform for you, you’ve got to give it room to do its job. You’ve got to rest!
How to Tackle a Recovery Week
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We’re still running! On the schedule you’ll see the overall volume dip in workouts and the long run. The goal isn’t to stop; it’s to keep moving just enough to flush out the legs while giving your body a break from accumulating fatigue. Less volume keeps you out of the red zone (injury, burnout, chronic exhaustion).
2. Reframe it as more room for life. Recovery week = extra time to do the low-stress stuff: get your laundry done, watch something new, go to a concert, see a show. Let this week feel spacious.
3. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Water, electrolytes, and water-rich foods like fruits, veggies, or soups are crucial right now. Hydration helps repair muscle, reduces inflammation, and flushes out the waste your body creates during training.
4. Remember: fitness shows up in recovery. You don’t get stronger from the hard workouts alone, you get stronger when your body has the chance to absorb them. Recovery is where the adaptation actually happens.
- Coach Marielle