Rest after 1/2 marathon?!

I am going to run my first ever 1/2 marathon on Sunday. I would like to run another 1/2 marathon in June. My question is how much time should I take off before I start running again? Does anyone have any advice for me? Thanks!

I did a 1/2 marathon back in '04 (unfortunately my running days are now red rover), I took off about 5 days to let my body recover before getting back on the road. My only advice would be to listen to your body, if you're not too sore then I think it's fine to start some light runs. Good luck and take some pictures!

Hi- I am a runner girl. I will be doing my 8th marathon in 2 weeks and have done around 50 halfs. I would give yourself at least three days of no excercise. On Thursday take a walk and on Friday a light run. Stretch a lot and the best advice I can give you is to not baby yourself after the race. You are going to want to sit and be inactive because your body is sore. Don't do it!Try not to sit for long periods of time or you will cramp up. I always work the day after my races, staying on my feet. It aids in recovery. Take a nice hot bath with epson salt afterward and eat a banana. During the race if you feel tires and want to stop dont! Run very , very slowly or walk brisky but do not stop. You'll get wicked bad cramps otherwise. One more thing... KICK SOME BUTT! Good luck.

I know it's easy stop running completely after a race. After I ran my first marathon, I didn't run for a month! I was tired of the strict training. My advice to you is to take 1-2 weeks off running, but not exercise! After a day of rest, do all of those fun cross training activities you neglected while you were training for your half - Biking, Yoga, Elipticle, Swimming, Weights. Take it a little easy and run again when you feel like it.

Have fun at your race! Good Luck!

Thanks for all the great advice! The race went well. I was happy with my time but I really could have done with out the rain!