Thread: Napping after a run

Someone may know something I don't but I see nothing wrong with a nap after a bout of exercise....hell I nap all the time. I would be pretty wired after running or working out though, I'd have to come down before I could actually sleep.

The the change in heart rate isn't as sudden as you think...just after you stop running or whenever you discontinue exercise..your heart rate gradually returns to normal...I'm sure by the time you get back and shower and all that good stuff it is approaching a normal resting rate.

That's actually a good way to train if you can get away with it. The only thing I would add is to make sure you have a post workout meal first and then take a nap. Elite athletes usually train, eat, sleep and then do it twice a day if they can.

I think it's a great idea. Trouble might chime in here regarding throwing off your circadian rhythm, but I would think that if it doesn't interfere with your primary sleep period then it wouldn't be an issue. I live off of naps because of the personal trainer schedule requirements.

there's a good thread in the General Health Awareness forum you should check out.

I take a nap after my long runs on saturday mornings every week. Can't help but crash. I'm up at 430, running by 530, done by 7, and if i can make it happen, passed out on the couch by 745 or 8 am.

If it works for you then go with it. Some people get great results from a nap others don't like it. And like Ponyboy said get in a meal before you take the nap.

Originally Posted by GoalGetter

I take a nap after my long runs on saturday mornings every week. Can't help but crash. I'm up at 430, running by 530, done by 7, and if i can make it happen, passed out on the couch by 745 or 8 am.

Are you training for a 1/2 marathon GG?

Naps arent bad but benificial...you actually give your heart a chance to slow down when you cool are in your cool down stage....but your good

Hmm Id get tired at work if I worked out before I went in, but if I did some sort of cardio, Id be up. Either way, if I take a nap after my energy levels are depleted, Ive always felt much better.

There could be other elements that are contributing to the need for sleep after energy loss, but I still get tired regardless of what I consume...unless its ECA.

Originally Posted by ponyboy

Are you training for a 1/2 marathon GG?

Full marathon - PF Chang Rock N Roll on January 14. Just ran my first 10-mile run this past weekend. Next saturday, 11 miles.

Originally Posted by GoalGetter

I take a nap after my long runs on saturday mornings every week. Can't help but crash. I'm up at 430, running by 530, done by 7, and if i can make it happen, passed out on the couch by 745 or 8 am.

That's great GG. How many days a week/ miles are you running? How many days are you weight training? I hope you kick some ass in your race. Next it will be this. I think as long distance extreme running goes, it's one of if not the hardest. You might have seen heard of it before. These people are not human. I before them in admiration. Click on the 100 km ultra race. Pretty sick.
http://www.icemarathon.com/

Originally Posted by Bakerboy

That's great GG. How many days a week/ miles are you running? How many days are you weight training? I hope you kick some ass in your race. Next it will be this. I think as long distance extreme running goes, it's one of if not the hardest. You might have seen heard of it before. These people are not human. I before them in admiration. Click on the 100 km ultra race. Pretty sick.
http://www.icemarathon.com/

HI baker... i'm PMing you so as not to hijack this thread- i have a long response. sorry, Focus!

Originally Posted by GoalGetter

HI baker... i'm PMing you so as not to hijack this thread- i have a long response. sorry, Focus!

Hah, no harm no foul.

I appreciate the reassurance everyone - I had a guilty feeling taking a nap before classes but upon rising I feel so refreshed.. it's great.