Why Recovery Days Can Make You a Better Runner

How to Recover

Maybe you’ve heard the advice to slow down for specific runs and you’re thinking, Slow down? Really? But what if you’re already slow?

No matter what type of runner you are (slow, fast, something in between), it can be a struggle to slow down your pace. But is there even a benefit to going slower? We think there is! Check out these tips and consider taking it slower on your next run. Plus we’re detailing why it’s essential to incorporate days where you don’t run at all.

Recovery Days: 5 Steps to Make It Count

Recovery is a key element when you’re training. You don’t have to be training for a race for the benefits of a recovery day to make a big difference in how your workouts go. We’ve set up some general guidelines to follow to keep it simple when it comes to recovery.

1. Select a specific day that you incorporate slower speeds and less distance into your regular training schedule.
2. Commit to the recovery workout. Don’t switch it back to a regular training run because you’re feeling especially good.
3. Include a day of rest in your training schedule where you are not running at all.
4. Remember that walking is a great option for a recovery workout.
5. Stick to the plan!

While those 5 steps might sound simple, it’s not always easy to commit to a routine that includes recovery. Here are some of the benefits of a recovery workout and why recovery days can make you a better runner.

5 Benefits of Recovery + Bringing Recovery to All Aspects of Your Routine

There are so many benefits to recovery, including helping you become a better runner. We want to encourage you to not only choose a recovery day regularly, but once you realize how important recovery is for your body, we hope you’ll include the recovery process in all aspects of your training. Here’s what that looks like.

1. It can be counterproductive to your body to run hard all the time, and can even lead to injury. Prevent injury through recovery workouts and rest days. Our bodies require sleep every night of the week. Remember that your body requires a break from workouts, too.
2. Cross-training is a great option because of the different muscle groups that are used. Weight training, for example, is anaerobic, whereas the workout you’ll get from a run is aerobic. Pickleball, swimming, cycling, walking, yoga…the list of other types of workouts could go on.
3. Complement your training schedule with proper nutrition and hydration. These are inherent recovery elements. Your body is fueled with proper nutrition and hydration in order to complete your workouts. Remember that electrolytes are lost during activities that make you sweat. Keep those electrolytes replenished with drinks like LMNT.
4. Get a full night’s sleep. Most people need 6-8 hours a night. Discover what works best for your body and stick to your bedtime routine. Your body does a lot of recovery while you’re sleeping. Give it the time it needs to do so.
5. An easy run is still a run. A rest day is still part of the training plan. Sticking to your plan will lead to consistency and allow your running to improve. You’ve got this!

While You’re at it, join a Group!