Help - do I need a break?

Training Advice/Discussion High School

1 month ago 03/17/2024 5:51am EDT

Yesterday I had the last (and biggest) cross country race of the season. I'm opening my track season in mid April. Should I take an end of cross country season break?

I was originally planning on taking 6 days or so of end of season break. I haven't been running high mileage at all this season though, because I've been managing and rehabbing shin splints, so maybe I don't need the break. I also had a bad race yesterday which makes me think I should just go straight back into training for track season.

Also, if I do take some time off, I don't want to take it completely off, so should I just train easy every day, or would every other day be better.

1 month ago 03/17/2024 8:05am EDT

re: breaktime?

Maybe just a down week? I know it's hard to end the season like that but I've seen so many people just train harder (not smarter) & end up injured. You just raced so you should be taking some easy days/not working out until later in the week. What I would do is take a couple days off (short cross train is fine) and then treat the rest of the week as a reverse taper. Go for some shorter, easier, runs. Don't do a workout. Do a shorter long run. Get to the next week feeling like you're ready to train hard. Don't stress about the way the season ended -- plenty of opportunities coming up this spring. Fitness doesn't go away.

1 month ago 03/17/2024 10:06am EDT

re: breaktime?

You are obviously young, so even an extended break won't put you back much. Sometimes less is more. And many times doing what you want (specifically, training "easy" instead of taking a complete break) will set you back further. But it's your game and your plan, so listen to your body instead of me.

1 month ago 03/17/2024 10:55am EDT

re: JustMe22

JustMe22 wrote:
You are obviously young, so even an extended break won't put you back much. Sometimes less is more. And many times doing what you want (specifically, training "easy" instead of taking a complete break) will set you back further. But it's your game and your plan, so listen to your body instead of me.

Nothing but easy over distance running is taking a break and if the OP enjoys running, there’s no reason to shut it down for a few days.

There’s no way that doing easy training over a complete rest, will set anyone back.

1 month ago 03/17/2024 11:16am EDT

re: 4:20 is not that fast

4:20 is not that fast wrote:
JustMe22 wrote:
You are obviously young, so even an extended break won't put you back much. Sometimes less is more. And many times doing what you want (specifically, training "easy" instead of taking a complete break) will set you back further. But it's your game and your plan, so listen to your body instead of me.
Nothing but easy over distance running is taking a break and if the OP enjoys running, there’s no reason to shut it down for a few days.
There’s no way that doing easy training over a complete rest, will set anyone back.

He has been battling shin splits and finished the season with a bad race. This does not indicate a need for continued training... but the opposite. He needs at least 1 week off. People don't see the value in taking actual, dedicated breaks, but they are important for both physical and mental longevity. Even coaches make this mistake.

1 month ago 03/17/2024 11:33am EDT

re: Appreciation??

Appreciation?? wrote:
4:20 is not that fast wrote:
Nothing but easy over distance running is taking a break and if the OP enjoys running, there’s no reason to shut it down for a few days.
There’s no way that doing easy training over a complete rest, will set anyone back.
He has been battling shin splits and finished the season with a bad race. This does not indicate a need for continued training... but the opposite. He needs at least 1 week off. People don't see the value in taking actual, dedicated breaks, but they are important for both physical and mental longevity. Even coaches make this mistake.

An injury is a different issue and shin splits can take much longer than a week to heal. I’ve read about a few elites that will take a week off after a competitive season but I believe most, outside of an injury, run 365 days a year.

1 month ago 03/17/2024 11:44am EDT

re: 4:20 is not that fast

4:20 is not that fast wrote:
Appreciation?? wrote:
He has been battling shin splits and finished the season with a bad race. This does not indicate a need for continued training... but the opposite. He needs at least 1 week off. People don't see the value in taking actual, dedicated breaks, but they are important for both physical and mental longevity. Even coaches make this mistake.
An injury is a different issue and shin splits can take much longer than a week to heal. I’ve read about a few elites that will take a week off after a competitive season but I believe most, outside of an injury, run 365 days a year.

Most elites take 1-2 dedicated breaks from training per year ranging from 1-2 weeks long. There is more to gain from resting/resetting than from adding extra easy mileage at the end of each season.

1 month ago 03/17/2024 4:22pm EDT

re: 4:20 is not that fast

The shin splints are fairly minor at this point. I'm seeing a physio about them, but a week or two off wouldn't help, since even if the inflammation went down the underlying cause wouldn't be addressed by the time off, I'd just get weaker.

Thanks everyone for all the advice. I ran easy today, I'll take the rest of the week easy with short easy runs or cross training, and a couple of rest days. I've got a session on Sunday which can't be moved but I'll feel fresh by then.

Reply Replying to

Username

Password

Leave the password field blank to post anonymously.

Post Preview

By posting you acknowledge that you have read and abide by our Terms and Conditions.

Remember me on this device.

Help - do I need a break?

Of General Interest

This thread has already been deleted.

You have been subscribed.

Help - do I need a break?

Follow NERunner03533

Block NERunner03533

Follow JustMe22

Block JustMe22

Follow 4:20 is not that fast

Block 4:20 is not that fast

Follow Appreciation??

Block Appreciation??

Follow 4:20 is not that fast

Block 4:20 is not that fast

Follow Appreciation??

Block Appreciation??

Of General Interest

This thread has already been deleted.

Reply Replying to

You have been subscribed.