Quick one - how long should you rest before running 20km or more?
ChatGPT says that it depends on your training, experience, sleep, nutrition, and how your body feels. For most runners, this works well:
• Avoid hard training for 2 to 3 days before your long run.
• A short, easy run the day before is often better than doing nothing at all.
• Get a good night’s sleep for a few nights before the run. One good night alone will not fix a week of poor sleep.
• Drink enough water and eat more carbohydrates the day before.
• Do not try new shoes, food, or energy gels on race day.
The biggest mistake is thinking that more training just before a long run will make you stronger. It will not.
"Fitness comes from training. Performance comes from recovery" - I love this one from movie "Run hard"
Your body gets stronger while you rest, not while you run.
If you are aiming for your first 20km, respect the recovery as much as the training plan. Many runners fail because they prepare for the run but forget to prepare for the recovery.
What is the longest distance you have ever run?