A week off from running

runforcookies

So latly I have been having some pain in my knee, instead of taking it easy I kept doing what i was doing and my opposite foot started to really hurt. I've decided to take a week off of running and just focus on weight training. In the meantime I will ice my foot and knee and make sure to stretch. I don't have anything I am training for but will a full week off of running really set my progress back? I don't want to struggle when I get out there again. 

shauni27

If you run regularly and have for a while I wouldn't imagine it would set you back.  If I took a week off from running during the first 6-8 months that I started running then I would notice I felt sluggish or challenged more when I started up again.  But last week I only ran once and this week I am fine.  I think you will be ok, you need to listen to your body and do what is best!

feinicstine

A week off isn't going to do nearly the amount of damage as continuing to run through and injury would.  Take the time off and see how your legs feel when you start up again.

KeweenawLove

You'll be fine. The first day back might feel a little bit rough but if you've been running regularly, you're not going to lose all the fitness.

kmartini1021

I'm sure you'll be fine! You have a regular enough training schedule that you will likely be able to quickly get back into it when you're feeling better. If you're worried about keeping your heart rate up in the meantime, there are exercises you can do that will elevate your heart rate without putting a lot of pressure on your knee, like elliptical trainers, swimming, or squatting and throwing punches a la Boot Camp cardio.

I recently took a week off to be with my family while my grandfather had surgery and I picked up where I left off when I got back without much trouble.

runforcookies

I admit I feel a little guilty about not running, but I am pretty happy about being able to focus on some other areas of fitness that I tend to ignore.