I Still Struggle with Rest Days

Hello My Dear Darling Friends!

I wrote myself out a training plan for the next 16 + weeks.  That was an undertaking in itself.  In this plan, I included 4 days of weight lifting and 4 days of running.  I was pretty satisfied to see it all on paper in front of me, but honestly felt unsettled about that fact that I would be training every single day without a full recovery day.

I think my gut feeling was accurate.  It felt like I was setting myself up for failure early in the game.  In the past, I have set lofty goals and hit the ground hard only to fizzle out after a month.  This reminded me of that same pattern.

I showed the plan to my sister and she suggested that I take a day to recover.  I think she has a very good point.  I have decided that Monday is going to be my rest / recovery day.  If I must do something, I can do pilates or yoga.  It also makes sense since Sunday is going to be my long distance run day.

This is my current plan:

• Monday- Rest / Recover
• Tuesday-Morning run + Weights
• Wednesday- Weights
• Thursday-Run
• Friday-Weights
• Saturday-Run
• Sunday- Long Run

This plan gives me 3 days of weight training, 4 days of running, and 1 full recovery day.  I feel better about this plan.  I am honestly a little disappointed because I was hoping to get 4 days of weight training in a week, but I know that a full recovery day is going to be important with my training schedule.  My biggest focus is injury prevention.

I also considered running less and focusing more on weight training, but this is the first time that I have ever been able to coordinate a running training plan that starts at the beginning of the year.  It is also the first time that I have lived in a place that is warm in the winter time.

I took some time to reflect on my past patterns and realized that I have always struggled with rest and recovery days.

This is a good chance for me to practice.

Do you have a current training plan or are you training for an upcoming athletic event?  Comment below to share!  I would love to hear all about it and cheer you on!

❤ Alana