I'm training for Ironman Canada. Fitting in all the workouts is extremely difficult, given my more-than-full-time job *and* my board member role at our regional bike advocacy org. I sometimes go three weeks without a complete rest day. It's too hard to get all the workouts in otherwise. So, my coach encourages me to think of a swim only day as a rest day. I wish I could, but I'm such a crap swimmer that my swim workouts are loooong. This morning's 3800 yards took me over an hour and a half to finish. When you add in the need to get up at oh-dark-30 to get to the pool early enough to get that done before work, travel time to and from the pool, etc.... Well, I'm pooped before I even sit down at my desk!

When I trained for my half Ironman 2 years ago, I insisted on one full day off each week, usually Sunday. (long ride Sat, long run Wed) Having one day each week with NO commitments was wonderful. I find that I need the mental break from training as much as the physical break.

I think my next REAL rest day will come in September.