Easy run days as in like, slower than marathon pace Z1 running to recover from muscle soreness. I don't like resting (when I take just even 1-2 days off the return day heartrate is especially high and things are kinda hard), and I always recover by doing a day of like 4-6miles super slow. Is this hurting my performances/recovery times without benefitting me? When do I draw the line?
Philosophy of rest days vs easy run days?
Training Advice/Discussion
-
12
-
A recovery run just enhances the process of recovery. It is not supposed to be a stimulus for improvement. Certain increases in metabolic precursers and enzymes take time, and going lightly provides good circulation and avoids disrupting that chemical process. No need to jog super slow if your system is used to running fast, but if you need time to get your chemistry adjusted in time for your next stressful run, you might just cross train other muscle fibers while you are waiting.
31 -
what to do wrote:
Easy run days as in like, slower than marathon pace Z1 running to recover from muscle soreness. I don't like resting (when I take just even 1-2 days off the return day heartrate is especially high and things are kinda hard), and I always recover by doing a day of like 4-6miles super slow. Is this hurting my performances/recovery times without benefitting me? When do I draw the line?
If 4-6 miles super slow is affecting your hydration levels negatively, then run further, wear more clothing or run faster on the upgrades to make you sweat more.
30 -
RyecorDone wrote:
A recovery run just enhances the process of recovery. It is not supposed to be a stimulus for improvement. Certain increases in metabolic precursers and enzymes take time, and going lightly provides good circulation and avoids disrupting that chemical process. No need to jog super slow if your system is used to running fast, but if you need time to get your chemistry adjusted in time for your next stressful run, you might just cross train other muscle fibers while you are waiting.
Metabolic precursers and enzymes? Go on then biochemistry genius, name them?
33 -
Brother in Christ, as long as you're not injured slog out those recovery miles. The increase in blood circulation and stretching out your legs in that manner does make a huge difference. Plus the added benefit of getting in more volume.
30 -
It might just be me, I'm more of a speedy mid-d guy, but I've found that taking days completely off running every week works better than doing "recovery" runs. Your body is not improving while you're training it's improving while you're resting. For me, 5 days of running/week was my sweet spot but I was an 800 guy so I didn't need as much mileage. For distance guys I'd say 6 days would probably be a better sweet spot.
42 -
RyecorDone wrote:
A recovery run just enhances the process of recovery. It is not supposed to be a stimulus for improvement. Certain increases in metabolic precursers and enzymes take time, and going lightly provides good circulation and avoids disrupting that chemical process. No need to jog super slow if your system is used to running fast, but if you need time to get your chemistry adjusted in time for your next stressful run, you might just cross train other muscle fibers while you are waiting.
WTF? ALL running is training. You only recover when you are NOT running -- sleeping, walking, eating, passive activity. You can go ahead go ahead and call your easy runs "recovery" if you want, but thats in a relative sense, make no mistake about it, running is training -- all of it.
Metabolic precursors and enzymes? Huh?
52 -
what did I just read wrote:
Brother in Christ, as long as you're not injured slog out those recovery miles.
Maybe a minor point, but if you are "slogging out your miles" then you arent training, you are addicted.
31 -
malmo wrote:
what did I just read wrote:
Brother in Christ, as long as you're not injured slog out those recovery miles.
Maybe a minor point, but if you are "slogging out your miles" then you arent training, you are addicted.
So you're telling me this 2:09 marathoner is addicted?
00 -
what did I just read wrote:
So you're telling me this 2:09 marathoner is addicted?
Well he is on strava.
41 -
And malmo kept a diary. So there's that.
30 -
You don't lose fitness in 1-2 days off. If your heartrate and perceived exertion are high, I'm guessing you just feel anxious about having taken a day off.
I like a day off every week for high schoolers. Keeps them healthy and gives them an easy way to improve when they get to college.
40
What People Are Talking About On LetsRun
No top threads at the moment. Check back soon.