When to rest and when to run??

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As runners we run through rain, snow, sleet, humidity, stuffy nose, and sore legs.  We hate to miss a run, and we hate to cut a run short.  However, there are times when resting means getting back to 100% quicker.  The tough part is that fine line that separates when to rest and when to run.

This back and forth battle with your head, your body, and your motivation will drive you crazy.  No, I'm sorry I do not have the answer, but I will share with you a few tips I have learned to follow:

• Any illness from the waist down- do not train.  This means stomach aches, lower back pain, but this does not mean menstrual cramps.
• Any signs of fever or increased heart rate- do not train.  This means your body is already working hard, and you do not want to take energy away from that process by training.
• Dehydration or malnutrition- do not train.  Often when we are sick we do not eat properly, and our bodies dehydrate naturally.  Do not train until both of these have been addressed.
• 80-90% rule.  There is that day when you are starting to feel better but have some lingering symptoms- I call this the 80-90% Day.  My advice is try it.  Go for a light run, start out slow, and make adjustments based on how you feel.  BUT never reach your max and keep it light.

After my run Monday I ended up getting worse and worse.  I came home from work Tuesday (did not train) and slept about 4 hours. Woke up to eat and went back to bed for another 7.5 hours.  I stayed hydrated and ate even though I wasn't feeling it.

Today was my 80-90% Day.  I went on a very light run and stretched out after.  If I am 100% tomorrow I will get back on my normal routine.