Rest days are when you get stronger. At least, that’s what they say.

Normally, Monday is my rest day. But not today.

Yesterday, I had a family gathering — and family comes first. So, my long run was pushed to this morning. I didn’t feel like it at first, but it turned out fine. Strange to run on a rest day, but here’s the thing:

When you’re standing at the start of a marathon, what matters is not whether you shifted your rest day from Monday to Friday or did your long run on another day.

It’s that you did the work. That you showed up for those 30 km sessions, week after week. That you followed the plan — not perfectly, but faithfully.

One more thing I’ve learned along the way:

If you miss a session, and the next day is already booked with another workout — let it go. Don’t cram two sessions into one day. Don’t punish yourself. And definitely don’t carry guilt around like a training log.

But here’s the golden rule:

Never skip two training days in a row.

One can happen. Life is life. Two in a row? That’s what breaks your routine.

Week 2 is on — let the routine kick in.