Should You Join Read & Run Events During Training Season? Here’s What Three Experts Have to Say.
So you love Read & Run’s book-themed routes and opportunity to meet authors and can’t wait to join our community. The only thing is, you’re the middle of marathon training—and now wondering if it’s a good idea to add even more miles to your volume.
No matter what Read & Run event you attend—whether with a city chapter like Read & Run Chicago or a Read & Run on the Road pop-up event hosted by a local organizer—all Read & Run events are structured the same. Split into two parts, events always include:
Running portion (running tour, book club run, trail run, or fun run) that feature stops related to the story inspiring the event. Our routes vary, but typically are between three to five miles. The number of stops will depend on the story and the program your guide has created, but stops are typically ~5 minutes long. Run leads always set the pace at ~11:00 min/mile. Cyclists, rollers, are always welcome to join, so long as you take care of your own safety!
Author Q&A or Discussion where readers & runners meet the author of the story inspiring the run, hear a lecture from a relevant expert, or have a fun book club-like discussion.
If you’re familiar with any endurance training plan, whether for a triathlon, a road race, a wheelchair race, or whatever sport you practice, you know that most include what’s called “recovery workouts.”
At Read & Run Tours, we believe that our events are recovery runs, and perfect to add on during your training season for some easy miles. But, we wanted to make sure, so we called in some experts: Vicky Maisey, Ally Gregory, and Michele Santana.
Here’s what they have to say.
Spoiler: Read & Run events are great to do while training for an endurance race. With a couple caveats.
Read & Run Chicago guide Chris Smith.
Photo credit: Kyle Nowaczyk.
What are recovery runs and why are they useful?
“If you’re training for a race, the chances are that you have long runs and speed workouts as well as tempo runs on your schedule,” says Washington D.C.-based running coach and personal trainer Vicky Maisey (she/her). And in training, the addition of recovery runs are extremely beneficial for several reasons.
“The purpose of a recovery run is to enable you to keep moving, and help your body recover from these more strenuous workouts, in a low intensity way. Ideally, you’d slot a recovery run into your schedule the day after a hard workout, and at a slower pace than your easy run,” elaborates Maisey.
According to Maisey, this is why we need them:
Alleviation of sore muscles: “Recovery runs are great to keep your body moving and alleviate sore muscles and stiffness after an intense workout. Just remember to keep them super easy and don’t worry about hitting specific paces on your watch!”
Enhanced Recovery: “Recovery runs help to promote blood flow to your muscles without adding too much additional stress or fatigue to your body.”
Consistency: “Recovery runs will enable you to maintain a regular and frequent running schedule without overtaxing your body. Bonus points if the run can be done on a softer surface like a trail or grass.”
Enjoyment: “Sometimes training for a race can feel stressful or burdensome, particularly during the latter weeks of the schedule. Heading out for a recovery run, especially as part of a group, changes the focus of the run and will help you reconnect to the pure enjoyment of running.”
In other words, recovery runs allow you keep building “without the high stress of intense workouts,” explains Ally Gregory (they/them), the Chief Magician of CUSS Running. “Plus,” they add, the stop along Read & Run events’ routes are “a great way to catch your breath and keep your body from getting too beat up.”
Would you consider Read & Run events “recovery runs”?
The simple answer? “Hell yes!” exclaims Gregory.
“A 3-5 mile route at an ~11:00 min/mile pace with a few stops along the way? That's perfect for a recovery run. You're keeping it easy and giving your muscles a chance to recover without completely slacking off. Those 5-minute stops are golden too, letting you stretch and avoid getting too stiff,” they explain.
A Read & Run event’s value as a recovery run also means noting the terrain where the run takes place. This, explains, Michele Santana (she/her), RRCA Level 1 Certified Running Coach and Owner & Head Coach of Metro Miles Coaching, affects its “suitability” for recovery. For example, a Read & Run route with hundreds of feet of elevation isn’t likely going to be your ticket for muscle recovery. When it comes to recovery, “Flat courses are awesome,” Santana reports. Read & Run city chapters and Read & Run on the Road organizers always explain relevant route details in the event registration, and if you have further questions you can reach out directly.
It’s important to note that an 11:00 minute per mile pace may not mean “easy” for all runners. There’s no pace shaming at Read & Run events. This is the average speed we’ve decided bridges the gap between various running paces, but if this isn’t your recovery pace, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t join a Read & Run event during training season. Rather, utilize this is valuable information and decide when it’s best for you to join.
Want to test this pace as a possible recovery run? Here’s one option: The ideal recovery run is around 20-40 minutes in the easy zone (zone 1- low zone 2, 50%-70% of maximum HR), according to Maisey. Before you dive into training season, join a Read & Run event and notice your heart rate and how it feels. “If you can’t have a conversation about the book you’ve been reading, then you’re going too fast!” says Maisey.
What are the benefits of joining a Read & Run event?
“Read & Run events are great for active recovery and can easily be slotted into a training schedule, especially if you’re preparing for a race…[they are] are conducted at a very accessible pace and include multiple stops along the way, making them perfect for your easier days,” says Maisey.
Besides the obvious fitness benefits, our experts all agree there is also a lot to be gained on the social and emotional end of things. Whether it’s to relieve stress, release endorphins to elevate mood and reduce anxiety and depression, or helping you create a better sense of community, “Joining a Read & Run event is a wonderful way to find new connections and share both a love of literature and of exercise,” she continues.
Joining a social running event like Read & Run may also hep combat the emotional fatigue of training and keep you motivated in the long run (no pun intended). Santana explains beyond being a running coach, she has over 20 years of personal running experience. Balance is important.
“While it's important to push your limits to improve, mixing in some recovery and low-intensity activities, like Read & Run events, is crucial to avoid burnout and injuries. These events offer a great mix of easy running, walking breaks, and social interaction, all of which play a big part in long-term running success.”
Post-run Read & Run Chicago author Q&A with Dawn Turner in May 2024.
Is it okay to do a training run the same day as a Read & Run event?
All three experts agree: Yes. All three experts also agree: Be smart about it.
“If you’ve already done a hard workout or a long run, tagging on an easy 3-5 mile run later in the day can be a great way to shake out your legs and boost recovery. Just don’t overdo it – if you feel like you’re dragging ass, listen to your body and maybe skip the second run. The goal is to stay active without overloading your system,” according to Gregory.
Santana adds that incorporating a low-intensity Read & Run event later in the day can help get rid of lactic acid and ease muscle stiffness, but only if runners aren’t pushing themselves too much. “Proper rest is key for recovery,” she says. “As a coach who values balance, I always encourage listening to your body and making adjustments to your plan when necessary.”
Maisey suggests making a Read & Run event part of one of your easy run, or maybe even a cool down after a strength session at the gym. Another option is to break up your day’s run into two shorter runs, one of them being a Read & Run event.
When is it a good time to skip running and join Read & Run events on bike?
Read & Run Chicago guide Carrie Mathews on bike after an injury.
Photo credit: Brad Tammaro.
“Recovery runs have many benefits, but if you have a niggling injury, painful muscles, or are exhausted, it can sometimes be more beneficial to take the day off and rest (or consider jumping on the bike for the Read and Run tour),” says Maisey.
Runners, explains Santana, should adjust their paces “based on their individual training plans and how they’ll feeling after recent workouts.” If after a series of build weeks your legs are junk and a healthy recovery pace for you would be slower than the 11:00 min/mile pace at Read & Run events, joining by bike (or whatever other form of movement/transportation you prefer—we’ve even had scooter!) may be the best option to take care of yourself during training season.
Cycling is low impact, making it a great way to recover from a more strenuous workout, explains Maisy.
And this option still has training benefits. “If you’re joining by bike, you’re still getting some good cardio in, which keeps your fitness up even if you're not pounding the pavement,” says Gregory. “Listen to your body, rest when you need to, and don’t be afraid to join the bike crew if running isn’t in the cards for the day. Stay badass and keep moving!”
What else do experts want you to know?
Running can be so much more than just training—and a Read & Run event is a way to explore the many sides of this sport. Read & Run events are a way to meet others with similar interests, learn about where you live in a new format, build community, and help mix up your routine. And even have fun.
“Running doesn’t have to be all about pushing your limits every damn day. Enjoy these group runs, make new friends, and keep the vibe positive. Remember, the most important part of any training plan is staying consistent and injury-free. Running with a group is a proven tool to improve as a runner!” says Gregory.
And adding in “easy” runs like this has long term benefits. “Running with a group can motivate and promote a sense of community, making sticking to your training plan easier. Focusing on interesting stops and new information provides a mental break from the usual running routine and keeps things fresh and engaging,” explains Santana.
Read & Run Chicago readers & runners in Bronzeville in February 2023.
Photo Credit: Kyle Nowaczyk.
Ready to incorporate a Read & Run event into your training plan?
Meet the experts
Michele Santana
As an RRCA Level 1 certified run coach with over two decades of personal running experience, Michele (she/her) is your go-to guide for achieving your fitness goals. Completing two marathons and leading the Blue Line Run Club as a captain and coach, she brings leadership and community support to your running journey. Proudly part of Team Game Changers presented by Brooks Running and VCPM, Inc., Michele actively promotes diversity and inclusivity in the run industry. Through Game Changers, she works to redefine industry standards and inspire positive change. Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Public Administration at the University of Illinois Chicago, Michele blends academic insight with hands-on coaching. CPR and first aid certified, she's not just your coach; she's your ally in transforming your running potential. Read more about Michele here.
Vicky Maisey
Vicky (she/her) is a British transplant living in the US. She spent the first eight years in the US living in Chicago, where she discovered her love for running, especially along the lakefront and around the beautiful neighborhoods. Vicky has completed multiple marathons (Chicago being her favorite) with a personal best of 3:28. In 2015, Vicky obtained her RRCA Level 1 running coaching certification so that she could provide friends with the safest and most effective training plans. To build on this, in 2023, Vicky earned her NASM personal training certification after finding renewed interest in learning about how women can adjust their training routines as they reach their 30s, 40s, and beyond. She loves using her knowledge and experience to help and motivate others to stay active and blogs at www.trainingwithvicky.com. Vicky currently works for an education non-profit and is based out of Washington, DC.
Ally Gregory
Ally (they/them) is the the Chief Magician of CUSS Running. Having completed Vol State in 2014 for some reason Ally still enjoyed running. A curious person, Ally enjoys secrets, the inspiration behind the Curious Ultrarunner’s Secret Society. Ally brings adventure, and snacks on every run. Their coaching philosophy is to help all their athletes have such a healthy relationship with running that they run til the day they die.