Detraining: what is it, and how to prevent it?

How bad is it, if you skip a run? Because you've got the flu for example? Or because there just isn't enough time? Will you start to lose all the good things you've built up right away?

How long can you go without running before there will be consequences?

If you don't run for a long period of time, the training effect of your runs will start to disappear. After all, everyone knows when it comes to running it's a matter of:

• Use it, or lose it.

But what's the minimum use, to prevent loss?

Detraining 

If you don't do any sports at all, your running powers will start to slip big time after 2 weeks. This is called the detraining effect.

So the good news is: it won't hurt to skip one run. And it won't do your running much harm if you're in bed for a week because of the flu.

And there's something else. The effect of skipping a run or general inactivity is influenced by the number of weeks, months or years you've been running. The longer you've been a runner, the smaller the detraining effect.

What happens to you body if you stop running?

• Your average heart rate will go up
• Your body will get less efficient at burning fat
• You won't be able to run as far as before without gasping for breath
• Your running muscles will weaken
• It'll take you longer to recover from a work out

How to prevent detraining? 

I'm sure you've heard them. The despairing cries of runners who got hurt, and can't run. Their worries are understandable. After all, no one likes it if their hard work comes undone.

So what can you do to prevent the detraining effect? The answer is: stay active another way. Because you don't have to necessarily rún to stay in shape. You can do some aquajogging, hit the gym or get on an elliptical trainer.

And taking running down a notch is also fine. Even if you run 50% less than your normally do, your stamina and strength won't be negatively affected.

Detraining: summing up

Was your (forced) period of rest less than 2 weeks? Than you can just pick up where you left off. No worries.

Were you inactive for móre than 2 weeks? Than gently start running again. Do 50% of your running programma in the first week. Do 75% in the second week, and then just follow the normal training programma again.

And just remember: skipping one run, is not the end of the world. Nor your running career!

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