why are planned resting weeks better than rest by feeling?

planned ez rest weeks are important but if in spite of having rest built into your training you feel run down then take unscheduled rest.

The idea of rest before you are tired is similiar to drink before you are thirsty.

most runners only rest once they are injured;)

"The idea of rest before you are tired is similiar to drink before you are thirsty."

Simple and good explanation!

but is it not more efficient to delay supercompensation as much as possible to keep pressure on the system?

most serious runner know the bad feeling during the first runs after one week of "resting".

achim

jba wrote:

"The idea of rest before you are tired is similiar to drink before you are thirsty."

Simple and good explanation!

but is it not more efficient to delay supercompensation as much as possible to keep pressure on the system?

most serious runner know the bad feeling during the first runs after one week of "resting".

achim

Did you just answer your own question?

i do not think that i answered my question.

my coach plans resting weeks. i do not feel fine with them. i feel better training through and rest by feeling. but my coach told me, to keep the planned resting weeks.

i am wondering about the reasons of my coach.

of course, i could ask him directly. i will. but before, i want to think by myself and would ask you for your opinions.

achim

often if your running you always think that you are just being soft if you opt for having a few easy weeks, its pretty hard to really know what your body is saying. So if you take schedueled weeks then there is no saying "oh but i feel pretty good" or "oh im just being soft"

I remember reading something about Mottram's training where it said he took rest days "when it felt right".

I plan my rest weeks, partly due to non-running commitments and partly to coincide with big races that I'm aiming for. Of course I have days when I'm scheduled to do a hard session but just feel too tired. If so I'll try to do the planned distance but reduce the speed, sometimes very significantly. Usually means that a couple of days later I feel OK again.

However this is also one reason I'm glad I've never had a proper coach, I'd rather make my own decisions.

Don't forget, "unplanned" rest weeks come at you throughout the year in the form of sickness, work/school/family schedules, social obligations, etc, that only add up to more inconsistency. Forget rest weeks. Sleep more when you need it, and drink lots of water. Rest comes in many forms, not just backing off your training.

"Don't forget, "unplanned" rest weeks come at you throughout the year in the form of sickness, work/school/family schedules, social obligations, etc, that only add up to more inconsistency. Forget rest weeks. Sleep more when you need it, and drink lots of water. Rest comes in many forms, not just backing off your training."

Thats my intention, because i have a girl-friend, children, and a fulltime job at an university. i allways fear, that my training is not as consistence as it could be, if i plan additional resting weeks. but my coach recommend them! are there any "hidden" reasons?