Hating rest days, feeling anxious and twitchy when having to take one.

MitchellSS1

Hi,

Recently started a 4 day intense training plan to improve my 5K PR in a short space of time, and I also play football on one of the days off that plan but I really struggle with rest days.

I feel like I should be out there training more to get to my goal quicker and get this anxious twitchy feeling of should I or should I not run again even though I know my body needs that rest.

Does anyone else get this feeling of hating rest days, and if so how do you deal with it?

I think it's because I'm so hyper focussed on my goal within a certain timescale that it's making me feel like I'm missing gains by resting.

Thanks

TheBrixtonRunner

I feel the same anxiety. However, my performance is always better after rest days (or even rest weeks). My PBs at 5km, 10km and 21.3km have all been after3-4 rest days, so I know it pays off.

If I don't have planned rest days my runs feel labored and sluggish by day 5, and the usual aches and stiff joint associated with over training come into play. I've over done it before and think its just something we all have to go through. In truth the rest days are essential. I try to place it in my mind as a repair day rather than non activity.

Cal Jones

You need the rest days or your body can't rebuild itself and help you get stronger. I take walks on my rest days so I feel like I've done something but without putting myself under stress.