Rest Days

A general question really, is it ok to cycle on my rest days.  With the weather getting nicer I have 2 rest days during the week where I would prefer to ride.  its only 6 miles I don't usually go at a killer pace or would I be better actually resting?

My two pence (and Im not expert), but to me rest days are just that ..... if you are continously 'doing' something you are not allowing your body to repair and heal itself. Its a bit like bodybuilders, there is a specific reason they dont keep doing bicep curls every day, day after day. In the same way, although you are suggesting a slightly different exercise, you are still constantly using your thigh and calf muscles with no recovery time for them at all.

So my 2 pence is that NO, you shouldnt go cycling.

For me I have rest days from running. On those days I will do low impact and usually low intensity exercise, mainly in the form of rowing, but occassionally spinning or swimming.  The spinning is usually low gear, with similar cadence to running to give you an idea for cycling. Active recovery suits me. I also do a little bit of strength training.

Yesterday I didn't follow my rule, and had an intense rowing session for approx 60 mins. Today my running interval session was complete pants - too tired. So if the priority is running, cross train at an intensity that won't spoil the running sessions. I have targets for running and rowing, so it is a bit of a balancing act.

I think the key thing here is - 6 miles!  That's really not a lot of cycling.  I say go for it.

Paul I have a slightly different take on this. I  use to cycle to and from work and it never occurred to me not to do it on a rest day. If you are going on a leisurely low mileage trundle then all well and good, if however you start to feel fatigued during training you may need to reconsider it. Your body will soon let you know if it is a good idea or not.

Think about it is it any worse than being dragged around Westfields for hours on end? In every way no it is not trust me 

like I said, listen to what PhilPub says

But Phil, 6 miles for one person isnt the same as 6 miles for another. For instance my colleague sat next to me couldnt do 6 miles on a bike if you got him a taxi to cover the first 5 miles ........ so for all you know pool ol Paul Jeffries my be cream crackered by the end of it? Whereas for someone like you, 6 miles is the equivalent of a Sunday stroll along the Thames.

I see this very much as 6 miles today, but before you know it, your off on a 50mile ride on your day off. Its surprising how these things take off in a short period of time. Provided you know your priorities, and how you recover then give it a go. I'm still very much in the learning camp.

In October I was doing 5k rows, followed by a 10 mile Taxi to the finish on a day off. Currently I'm often rowing half marathons on days off, and saving on the taxi fare.

Also-ran wrote (see)

 I'm still very much in the learning camp.

 

Youre doing sub 1:30 HM's ........ cant be much more to learn.

When I can keep up with Phil for 1 mile in a half marathon, I'll still have a lot to learn, as I will definitely be cream crackered in your parlance , and I will take a full rest day afterwards

Also-ran wrote (see)

When I can keep up with Phil for 1 mile in a half marathon, I'll still have a lot to learn, as I will definitely be cream crackered in your parlance , and I will take a full rest day afterwards

Trying to keep up with PhilPub is a bit like saying well instead of riding my bike to work today, I might just go for a ride with Bradley Wiggins around France ........ there is just no point .......

I suppose I'm giving Paul the benefit of the doubt, because if he's got two rest days that means he's training five days a week.  (I'm a regular Poirot, me!)  So, no couch potato.  But yes, "rest" is all relative, and what you can get away with will vary even for the individual as you get fitter, or just more used to a particular activity. 

Keep the effort low and you are still resting with the added benefit of increased blood flow to muscles.

I read somewhere (a BBC interview I think) that the Brownlee brothers rest day is a 30mile easy cycle

2wheels-good wrote (see)

I read somewhere (a BBC interview I think) that the Brownlee brothers rest day is a 30mile easy cycle

Ahh but could they do the VLM dressed as the Blackpool Tower?

Unlikey as they are from Yorkshire, not Lancashire. I don't think it would be allowed

I cycle to and from work too, whether it's a rest day or not. Otherwise I'd have to walk and that would be even less restful (I don't drive). I'd say go for a gentle bike ride on a rest day if you feel like it, and as others have pointed out, if you notice your running suffering you can have a rethink.

WiB wrote (see)

Unlikey as they are from Yorkshire, not Lancashire. I don't think it would be allowed

Oh well in that case they could dress up like a chav on benefits ........