The importance of rest before and after training

When we think about improving our performance as runners, we tend to focus on racking up miles, switching to lighter running shoes, or following a training plan, but there is a silent component that is just as vital as the movement itself: rest.

Both before and after running, the body needs time to regenerate, store energy, and adapt. This is even more important when we are preparing for a race as important as the Bimbo Global Race, where the community runs for a good cause, but also to push their own limits.

Before running: rest is not synonymous with inactivity

In the run-up to a race or long training session, sleeping well and taking at least one day of active or total rest per week allows your muscles to repair themselves and gives you renewed energy. Avoiding overtraining is key to staying injury-free and staying motivated.

Sleeping between 7 and 9 hours a night improves cognitive function, reaction time, and decision-making, which also translates into better running and training technique. So, rest is also part of training.

After running: you need to repair, not just recover

Once you cross the finish line or complete your daily training route, your body goes into recovery mode. At that point, rest helps muscle fibers repair, energy levels restore, and the nervous system recover. 

In addition, practicing techniques such as gentle stretching, relaxing baths, or even meditation can speed up this recovery. In races like the Bimbo Global Race, where the important thing is not only to reach the finish line but also to enjoy the journey and run for something bigger, taking care of yourself is also part of the commitment: to yourself and to your process.

So, if you're training for a 5K, 10K, or just going out for a run for fun, remember: resting is not a waste of time, it's an essential part of the process. Plus, the Bimbo Global Race is only a few months away, and now is the perfect time to prepare smartly: listen to your body, take care of your recovery times, and arrive on race day with renewed energy and motivation.