I recently watched 'The Barkley Marathons' and it blew my mind. It's not your typical running documentary, but it's so inspiring to see people push themselves to the limit. The atmosphere and the course are just crazy! Definitely check it out if you haven't seen it yet.
I like that approach. Setting goals that scare you a little is a great way to challenge yourself without getting discouraged. Process-oriented goals are key, it's all about making progress and celebrating small wins.
I've found that a gentle progression run works best for me on long runs. I start at a conversational pace and gradually pick it up every 3-4 miles. This helps me build momentum and mental toughness. It's not about going out too fast or trying to negative split, but about finding a rhythm that I can sustain for the entire run.
For morning runs, I keep it simple with a banana or energy bar 30-60 minutes before. Not too heavy, not too light. Works for me. Fasted runs can be tough, but if you're adapted, go for it. Just listen to your body and adjust as needed.
I made the switch last year and had some initial calf soreness, but it was worth it. Started with short distances and gradually increased my runs.
Agreed, it's about balance. Mindfulness can help you stay on track, but you still gotta put in the work.
I used to get pretty anxious before races too. What helped me was focusing on my breathing and going through a consistent pre-race routine. It could be as simple as listening to the same song or doing some light stretching. It helps distract you from the nerves and gets you in a familiar mindset.