Just something to look at 
The “rest” day is often underestimated and striving to reach a goal in a specific amount of time, similar to my goal of finishing the Philadelphia Rock N’ Roll Half Marathon. I have recently been anxious about reaching the high milage since my long runs have been a tad halted at around 6 miles, but I chose to give myself one COMPLETE rest day, as well as a simple circuit workout “rest” day yesterday evening – and ya know what – IT WORKED!
Saturday, I set out to do a scheduled 6 mile run, and could barely get through 4.5. I was so disappointed in myself. The same thing happened last Thursday night when I set out to run “a what would usually be simple” 3 miles. It was hard and very exhausting. Not my typically reaction to running.
I listened to my body after Saturday’s run, thinking back to how even though it is difficult to sit around sometimes when you know there is a goal you want to achieve – that single rest day could be the one to push you past your so called “limits”.
And that is just what it did tonight. 
I started off running, carefully pacing myself in order to not run too fast too early. My goal was to complete 4 miles today – and I did it and felt AMAZING afterwards. I beat my previous 5K time and managed to keep all 4 miles at slightly above 10 minutes, which is pretty good considering they usually fluctuate ALOT. I also noticed that I was able to run longer without even coming close to walking and grabbing a sip of water.
Part of the reason for this successful run may also be because I properly fueled myself with plenty of water! I know I slacked on this last week, too.
Listen to your body. Properly hydrate. Take enough rest days. ESPECIALLY when you find yourself “stuck” in improvement. 2 days seems to be my “perfect” amount of rest days when i absolutely need them.
How do you feel about rest days?
