Rest, and why we need it.

by Erin Masterson

Runners are a strange bunch. We'll be the first to admit it. Not just because of our eccentricities, numerous though they often are, and typically related to the grams of carbs we can eat per day, carefully counted hours of sleep, quality of spandex, stability of shoes, or brand of GPS watch. And not because we travel hundreds (sometimes thousands) of miles to compete in running events that basically tax us so physically that we can't even walk through the airport to get home without the assistance of one of those motorized carts. Nor because of our dogged determination to continue with a planned workout even when weather, sickness, personal emergencies, or "work" (HA) attempt to derail our plans. No, runners are unique because we often simply don't heed critical, loud warning signs from our bodies when they just.keep.telling.us.to.stop. The runner's friend, and yet his enemy: rest. It's what's for dinner.

Why is rest important? Rest is EVERYTHING. Rest is your  past, your present, and your future (as a runner). It represents your ability to believe in the power of moderation, accept your limitations, acknowledge your invincibility. It allows you to rebuild, renew, and return yourself to your pre-race state, to the time before you inflicted unholy damage on your joints, ligaments, muscle fibers, and bones. Before you gave your body a whole lot more than it bargained for, in the days before you became a Runner with a capital R and REST became a four letter word. Rest can, and should be, a natural part of every runner's routine, just as long runs, track workouts, stretching, and strength training all play a role in the delicate balance of power contributing to running success.

Though hard for many runners to accept, your ability to allow yourself appropriate rest reflects not only your sensibility, but your maturity as a runner. NOVA Coach Jerry Alexander is a constant advocate of the importance of appropriate rest following a hard race. In his view, the less running you do in the days immediately after a hard race like a marathon, the better you're going to run the rest of the year. He emphasizes that recovery is key in every elite runner's performance. Though taking a substantial amount of rest is difficult advice for many runners to follow, Jerry remains firm in his belief that taking time off now will help a runner later. Coach Jerry says, "It may seem counter-intuitive to some, but once you become a higher caliber of runner, you must start training like a professional, which includes recovering like one."

So, take that time off. Laze around on the couch. Drink a beer or two (electrolytes!) Maybe some stretching, a little walking, MAYBE yoga (the relaxing kind, none of that hot stuff), and go easy on all other physical activities. There's time enough in your running life for that. Now, enjoy your recovery. Wallow in it. Take satisfaction from it. These days don't come around often.