Runners that are addicted to running want to run everyday; however, is this wise.  I religiously only run on Tuesday, Thursday, & Saturday.  I have ran the Disney Goofy Challenge (half on Saturday & Full on Sunday), and this is plenty of training time, if it is done right.  Thus, here are a few recommendations on why you should schedule rest days to have balance in your training plan.

It helps your body repair itself
As a runner you know with running you create micro tears in your muscles.  Rest is what allows these muscles recover.  Rest gives your body time to recover and repair itself from these tears thus making future runs injury & pain free.

It helps prevent injuryWhen you have a nagging pain, that is your body telling you it is not feeling up to par.  This is an indication that your body is asking for a day off to recover.  Thinking it is nothing and you cannot run through the pain is not wise.  Give your body time to recover otherwise the injury may get bigger causing weeks of unplanned injury layoff.

It helps you mentallyIf you try to run every day, especially without much goal improvement, this is a sign of burn out.  When you are burnt out it can be difficult to stick to your training plan.  If you are a training plan follower like me, if I miss a run on the plan I get stressed out.  Thus the reason for only planning 3 runs a week.  This is not a stringent plan to adhere to, thus I am am to continue to enjoy the sport of running, without feeling burnt out.

These three reasons have really helped me maintain my running now for three years, and almost 2000 total miles logged.  Pay some thought to these ideas to hopefully help you prolong your running desire and motivation.