How to reschedule a workout or long run

Published by Coach Chris Knighton on

Coach Chris running Baystate Marathon

This post was written by Coach Chris Knighton.

Because consistency is the #1 habit of successful distance runners, rescheduling a running workout or long run should generally be avoided.

However, occasionally life happens or you may benefit from an extra recovery day before running your next scheduled workout.

In this case, moving a workout or long run is fairly easy.

Any two consecutive days on a training plan can generally be swapped in order.

Just don’t stack “two workouts” or “a workout and a long run” in consecutive order.

You ALWAYS need a “recovery day” or “off day” after a workout or long run.

If you can’t make the swap of two days, just skip the workout (or long run) and move on with the plan as written.

Missing one workout (or long run) is not going to make or break a training cycle.

Getting back on schedule is best because it is the summation of all your running that lets you fly on race day!

Make the swap with conviction, knowing you are in control of your training and your outcomes.

For additional guidance, working with a Running Coach is invaluable to developing the confidence you need to go after your running goals and reach your full potential.

How can we help you? Find out more about Knighton Runs Coaching here.


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Coach Chris Knighton

Chris Knighton is the founder and Head Coach of Knighton Runs Marathon Coaching, where he helps passionate runners train with purpose, run faster marathons, and pursue ambitious goals. He has coached more than 100 athletes, and Knighton Runs has earned 80+ five-star Google reviews from runners he has worked with. A USATF-certified running coach and author of "Run Faster Marathons: The Proven Path to PR", Chris has been featured in Runner’s World and Women’s Running. He lives in Providence, Rhode Island, with his family.