Are “recovery runs” worth it? Yesterday I did 18 hard miles, so this morning I did three really slow miles. I was basically just plodding, really. I can’t really believe it had much cardiovascular effect at all. I almost feel like it is a wasted effort.
It keeps you loose and I imagine that three very slow miles is harder training than no miles at all.
Recovery runs are very important. They help work out some of the latic acid and give your muscles a gentle stretch. The keyto them is running them easy enough to be a recovery. This is more an HR issue than a pace issue, so make sure you keep them easy. Most people (myself included from time to time) run them to fast.
You lose carbs even by breathing. No real effort is wasted.
Yeah, but losing carbs is only important if you’re trying to lose weight, right? I’m more interested in getting faster.
junk mileage. get in the pool or ride your bike instead!