I'm a minimalist when it comes to recovery. I've found that the most effective thing for me is simply getting my feet up and taking a cold shower. All that fancy stuff like compression gear and foam rolling is just a waste of time and money if you ask me. Keep it simple, and let your body do the rest.
I've found that focusing on my core strength has made a bigger difference in my running economy than any tweaks to my form or stride. When my core is strong, I can maintain good posture and generate more power with each stride. It's not sexy, but it works. Try adding some planks and side planks to your strength routine and see if you notice a difference.
I'm with you on this one. Static stretches are a waste of time. I've never seen any scientific evidence that proves they prevent injuries or improve performance. In fact, I think they can even decrease power and speed. Dynamic warm-ups are the way to go. They get you ready to run and don't waste your time.
Dedication is just a fancy word for obsession.
Don't do it, dogs don't belong on runs.
You're not special, everyone has bad races, move on.