While most runners understand that post race they need time off to recover, many skip using a recovery week during training to maximize results.
What if I told you that taking a step back and intentionally reducing your training load could actually lead to greater gains? Welcome to the world of deload weeks, aka down weeks in running or cutback weeks, a strategic approach that enables you to optimize your performance, prevent injuries, and ignite long-term progress.
These are planned periods throughout training that allow the body to adapt to the training stimulus.
Stress + Rest = Growth, which for runners means that your weekly training with long runs, speed workout and strength is the stress.
In order for your body to fully adapt, repair and grow from the breakdown it requires rest. That’s why we have rest days and cutback weeks. So today we’re going to fully explore what we mean by deload weeks for both running and strength training, how to incorporate them and all the benefits.
What is Down Week in Running?
Picture this: you’re in the midst of a rigorous strength training routine or training for an upcoming marathon. You’ve been consistently hitting the gym or pounding the pavement, and you’re feeling invincible.
However, as the weeks go by, you start to notice…
