Marathon Recovery Week Zero

I stumbled upon Hal Higdon's Marathon Recovery Guide two weeks after my first marathon.  This is the plan I'll be following for the next 5 weeks.  This week is called Week Zero, here is the plan:

Recovery begins the minute you step into the finishing chute. Keep moving and start drinking, preferably a replacement drink such as Gatorade. Research suggests that refueling works best if done immediately after exercise, when the body is eager to absorb energy. As soon as your stomach can tolerate food, start eating. Most marathons provide bananas, yogurt and other easily digested high-carbohydrate foods. These are good for you. A long walk to your car or hotel room won’t hurt you. After that, get off your feet and rest an hour or two. By then, you should be ready for more solid food. It too should be high in carbohydrates.

Sunday: Rest

Monday:  Rest

Tuesday:  Rest
Yes he really does recommend three days of complete rest!  "Starting to train too soon can delay that recovery. You earned this period of rest. Take it!"

Wednesday:  2 miles easy

Thursday:  Cross train

Friday:  2 to 3 miles easy

Saturday:  Run easy, no more than an hour