When trianing for running, Why will your progress will go downhill if you don't give your body time to rest?

Question

I train 7 days a week running everyday, and I don't understand why people say you should take a day's rest. What will happen if I train everday, will my progress go downhill? What do you benefit from resting?

Answer 1

Whether you are running or lifting weights, if you do not recover you will decline.

You muscles get better and bigger during recovery, not during the actual training.

It is good to alternate days having an easy day after a hard day.

Never have two hard days in a row.

Complete rest or a day off once a week is a good idea, but  may not be necessary if you are recovering from the hard days.

Answer 2

when you run or work out in general, your muscle fibers are actually tearing.  when they regrow and repair themselves, the result is a bigger, stronger, more defined muscle.  Therefore, your body makes all of its progress on your days off (ironically).  the reason why you should take a day off each week is because it is giving time for your muscles to repair and grow.  Without rest you will not give them a chance to repair themselves, and little progress will result.  Therefore, just make sure you take a day or two off each week.

Answer 3

Your body will constantly be trying to repair itself, even as you are breaking it down again. It takes energy to do this. No rest, will eventually leave you feeling tired, if not exhausted. When your body is repairing itself is when you actually start reaping the benefits of all of the hard work you have done. If you don't let your body do so, you'll start gaining less and less from your workouts.