The Movement Mindset with Dr. Heather

Rest vs. Recovery: The Key to Smarter Running

Most runners are obsessed with miles, pace, and training plans—but there's one critical element that makes all that hard work actually pay off: recovery. In this episode, Dr. Heather, a virtual sports chiropractor, breaks down the game-changing difference between rest days and recovery days, and why understanding both is essential for running stronger, longer, and staying injury-free.

In this episode, you'll discover:

  • The fundamental difference between a rest day (complete shutdown) and a recovery day (gentle, restorative movement)
  • Why training is just stress—and adaptation only happens when you properly recover
  • The physiological and mental benefits of both rest and active recovery
  • Warning signs that you're under-recovered: persistent fatigue, poor sleep, lingering soreness, and declining performance
  • A practical framework for scheduling rest and recovery into your weekly training plan
  • Real-world examples of what happens when runners skip rest or avoid recovery movement
  • The smartphone analogy that makes recovery principles crystal clear

Whether you're training for a 10K or a marathon, this episode will help you balance hard training with smart recovery so you can hit new PRs without burning out or breaking down.

Perfect for: Runners of all levels who want to train smarter, prevent injuries, and maximize their performance through strategic recovery.


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