The Importance of Rest and Recovery for Runners – 5 Reasons why you should Recover just as hard as you train!

13th Mar, 2020

Many people fear the words rest and recovery and see them as weakness. However, proper recovery is just as important as your regular training. For most runners, rest and recovery are the most under-rated facets of training. They fear that all the hard-earned new fitness will just be lost again if they rest. But actually, choosing the Sofa instead of the running tracks or the gym from time to time can be more beneficial than any hard workout. Here are 5 Reasons why you should include a rest day or weekend every once in a while:

1. You Reduce Your Risk of Injury

Training, especially running, causes micro-damages to your muscle tissue. Without rest and recovery sessions between your workouts, your body will not be able to repair the micro-damages and become prone to overuse injuries such as stress fractures and tendonitis.

1. You will become fitter

It may seem a bit odd, but the gains in fitness don’t happen while you are exercising. They happen while you are recovering. Therefore, in order to absorb the work you put in, allow your body some rest in-between your workout sessions. Your body will thank you with greater endurance and power.

1. You will be able to recharge mentally

The mental aspects of training are just as important as the physical aspects. In phases of overtraining, athletes are often not motivated and they can’t push themselves to train hard and consistently. If that’s the case, take a few days off and recharge mentally. You will be able to return with a much better mindset, which will help you train at higher levels.

1. You will be able to train harder and more consistently

Giving your body the chance to rest and recover will prevent injuries and over-training which are often the cause for lengthy breaks from a regular training schedule. To avoid these long, unplanned breaks, add recovery days to your training plan. This will lead to a more consistent training routine and better performance of your body. Because ultimately, great fitness is not built in one training session, but in weeks, months, and years of consistency. 

1. You will drop time in your races

If you are planning on entering in races, your ultimate goal is to drop time and be fast. Aside from the above-mentioned tips, you should also consider prioritising rest and recovery in the final weeks leading up to your race. In order to get the maximum performance from your body, we advise you to reduce the length of your runs and rest up before your races. There is no point in putting in hard work the days before the race – it will just wear you out. 

If you have more questions regarding recovery and how to get the most out of your training, our coaches at the Randburg Harriers Running Club are happy to help you!

<< Back to News Index