Hi, everyone!

I just finished a half-marathon, and I'm thinking it'll be a good idea to rest a bit before starting to train for my next big race.

My question is: what guidelines should I follow that:

1, greatly reduces my risk of longterm running injuries, while

2, not losing too much?

I realize I'm gonna backslide if I want to avoid injuries, so I'm okay with that.  I know from past experience that if I stop running for 2 weeks, it's like starting over when I do re-start.  Is that the price of injury-free running?  I'd rather run slower than not run!

Some background info on me:
* Male, 5'10", 205 lb.  I'm definitely on the heavy side -- no skinny runner phyique here.

* Been running 2.5 years.

* Longest distances: two half-marathons.

* 5K pace is in the 9-minute range; my half-marathon pace this past weekend was 10.5.

* No current injuries (knock on wood), although my right knee is slightly damaged from many years ago, and generally is okay so long as I stretch properly.

* I currently have no difficulties running, and would like to keep it that way.

I'm guessing I'll have to learn what my body needs/wants, but if people can give me ballpark ranges to think about, that'd be great!

Thanks in advance!