6 Reasons Why Rest Days Actually Boost Your Running

Taking time off from running, even if it’s just one day, can be a lot tougher than it sounds. We tend to focus on the positive aspects of the sport, and rightfully so: Running allows us to get outside, bust stress, strengthen our muscles, fuel creativity, and be competitive—and all those endorphins help improve our moods and reign in our crankiness. But as much as those miles benefit us, they can also hurt us if we aren’t mindful about rest. Truth is, not running is just as important as fitting in that long run. Rest days help strengthen your body, sharpen your focus, and reinvigorate your spirit so that you actually want to keep training. “Rest is not a four-letter word to be ignored,” says Kevin Vincent, M.D., Ph.D., director of the University of Florida Running Medicine Clinic. “The big reason you need it is recovery and recuperation. Every time you run, your body has to adapt to get stronger.” That’s because when you run, you aren’t just building stamina and strength, you’re also breaking your body down, causing a tiny amount of tissue damage. Allowing yourself time to recover afterward is what makes it possible for you to come back better next week, next month, next race. [View in Browser]( [Runner's World Logo]( [SHOP]( [RW+ EXCLUSIVE]( [SUBSCRIBE]( [6 Reasons Why Rest Days Actually Boost Your Running]( [6 Reasons Why Rest Days Actually Boost Your Running]( [6 Reasons Why Rest Days Actually Boost Your Running]( Taking time off from running, even if it’s just one day, can be a lot tougher than it sounds. We tend to focus on the positive aspects of the sport, and rightfully so: Running allows us to get outside, bust stress, strengthen our muscles, fuel creativity, and be competitive—and all those endorphins help improve our moods and reign in our crankiness. But as much as those miles benefit us, they can also hurt us if we aren’t mindful about rest. Truth is, not running is just as important as fitting in that long run. Rest days help strengthen your body, sharpen your focus, and reinvigorate your spirit so that you actually want to keep training. “Rest is not a four-letter word to be ignored,” says Kevin Vincent, M.D., Ph.D., director of the University of Florida Running Medicine Clinic. “The big reason you need it is recovery and recuperation. Every time you run, your body has to adapt to get stronger.” That’s because when you run, you aren’t just building stamina and strength, you’re also breaking your body down, causing a tiny amount of tissue damage. Allowing yourself time to recover afterward is what makes it possible for you to come back better next week, next month, next race. Taking time off from running, even if it’s just one day, can be a lot tougher than it sounds. We tend to focus on the positive aspects of the sport, and rightfully so: Running allows us to get outside, bust stress, strengthen our muscles, fuel creativity, and be competitive—and all those endorphins help improve our moods and reign in our crankiness. But as much as those miles benefit us, they can also hurt us if we aren’t mindful about rest. Truth is, not running is just as important as fitting in that long run. Rest days help strengthen your body, sharpen your focus, and reinvigorate your spirit so that you actually want to keep training. “Rest is not a four-letter word to be ignored,” says Kevin Vincent, M.D., Ph.D., director of the University of Florida Running Medicine Clinic. “The big reason you need it is recovery and recuperation. Every time you run, your body has to adapt to get stronger.” That’s because when you run, you aren’t just building stamina and strength, you’re also breaking your body down, causing a tiny amount of tissue damage. 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