Back in my marathon running days ( way back!), I had a system—a rhythm—for training that worked every time.
I trained 6 days a week. I rotated off mild running days, with moderate running days, punctuated by one long run each week. I then took the day after my long run fully off.
Within this system, the second most valuable day was the long run. It was here that I duplicated marathon conditions, including fluid system intake, food, early morning starts, clothes, socks, shoes, playlist, etc. Each week, I would increase my long run distance, and the month before the marathon rolled around, my long runs were about 20-22 miles. Effectively, by marathon day I had most of the marathon nailed.
But what was the most valuable day? It was rest day—the day I took fully off after my long runs—because it was here I healed and became stronger.
So, how does all this relate to writing?
Well, over the past year I’ve found this rhythm also works very well for my writing: I write 6 days a week, rotating between short writing stretches and moderate writing stretches. Once a week I write all day. Then, I take the day fully off. from writing
Will this rhythm work for others? I don’t know, but finding your rhythm is probably the way to go.