Use effort, breathing and your next-day response to keep recovery running appropriately light.
Easy is an outcome, not a pace
Heat, hills, sleep and accumulated fatigue can change what easy feels like. Choose an effort that allows relaxed breathing and conversation rather than defending a number on your watch.
Walking breaks are a valid way to keep the purpose of the session intact.
Check what happens afterwards
A recovery run should not leave you depleted or compromise the next important session. If it does, shorten it, slow it down, walk or rest.
Rest days are training choices, not missed opportunities.
Do not use easy running to test pain
Pain that changes your gait or worsens as you continue is a signal to stop. Severe pain, swelling, inability to bear weight, and persistent or worsening symptoms warrant professional care.