How bad would taking a month off of no running affect you?

Question

If you run regularly everyday and then suddenly took 1 month of pretty much no running. How much slower would a 5k or mile time be after that month?

Answer 1

I took a month off of running after my city track meet, that way I still have all summer to prepare for XC. It shouldn't affect you so bad, as long as you have time to get back in shape, taking a little time off never hurts. :]

Answer 2

why do u need to take off completely why not just slow down a bit maybe run a mile a day or like 3 every other day

Answer 3

I would say that maybe it would take you an entire extra minute or so to complete a mile. If you run regularly then just stopping for a month is not going to do any great wonders for your speed or health.

Answer 4

About 1 minute for a mile time.

About 3 minutes for a 5K.

My Times Before & After Taking 3 Weeks Off From Running:

Mile

Before: 6:15

After: 7:00

5K:

Before: 24:00

After: 27:00

Answer 5

It is hard to say...being out of shape affects everyone differently. If I take 2 weeks off running, its like starting my season almost completely over physical.

As to your times, don't expect good. Reach for good, amazing even and maybe you will be tough enough to do it. One mile would probably be between a 1 minute-2 minute difference, while with a 5-K it all depends.