Why did I run faster and better after I had rested for a day?

Question

I rested for a day and I when I ran my 2 mile time, I was 30 seconds faster. Do I need to get more rest?

Answer 1

There is a science behind training.

Your body is designed to adapt to new physiological challenges. The basic process is as follows (TRI):

    Train -----------> Recover ---------> Improve

Your level of ability will increase by a small amount after a training session if given a proper amount of time to heal. The healing time varies by person and intensity of training. Low intensity training can be done nearly every day by most people while high intensity training can take 1-3 days to recover from fully.

Yes, rest is good.  Active rest is better.  Alternating high intensity and low intensity sessions is one very simple way of achieving faster improvement.

Answer 2

Your body does need a chance to recover and build/repair muscle.

Just take a day off once a week or so.