Rest

Rest days

I think many times that runners see "rest" as that other four letter word.  I see people streak running daily and my answer to that is that I need my rest.  Of course, I don't have any other choice right now since I'm nursing an injury back so that I can run my next half marathon on Sunday but everyone still needs their rest.

I'm always amazed by how strong my legs can feel when I rest and take more than just a few days off of rest.  Most of us probably don't realize how hard we are on our bodies with all the miles we put in daily so taking time off is not really a bad thing.  I'm already feeling 100% better and it's only been four days.

I think with this latest injury, which really is my first where I've needed to take off this much time(10 days), it's taught me that I need to take periodic rest times during the year instead of just once a year.  I'm hoping that it will not only make my injury go away but help it from coming back and keeping me strong all year.

Another thing that I hope will lead to being stronger and having my legs feeling better is staying out on the trails on the weekends.  The cement and asphalt have not been my friend lately and the more I can get out onto softer surfaces, the better my legs feel -- well, maybe they don't feel better but I can get in the distance that I want in order to complete the races I'm doing this year.

So with that, I will do the smart thing.  I'll continue to rest another six days and I'll take it easy on my half when I come back.  Lucky for me that much of it is trails or dirt roads, and while a harder course, will be easier on my legs.  I can already smell the pine trees.

Have a great day and....Keep Running!!!!