I'm a big fan of whole foods too. For me, a balanced breakfast with whole grain toast and scrambled eggs does the trick before a run. After a run, I like to refuel with a smoothie made with banana, almond milk, and a scoop of protein powder. It's simple, but it works. Experiment and find what works best for you!
I'm with you on that, foam rolling has been a game-changer for my recovery. It's helped reduce muscle soreness and improve my overall flexibility. I still stretch too, but foam rolling feels like it gets deeper into the muscle like you said. Definitely worth trying out and seeing what works best for you.
I did altitude training in Utah last year and it was a great experience. As a regular runner, I noticed improvements in my endurance and speed when I got back to sea level. Just be sure to acclimate slowly and listen to your body - altitude sickness is no joke. Start with shorter runs and gradually increase your distance and intensity.
I've also been considering adding track work to my routine. One thing I've been thinking about trying is tempo runs on the track. It's a great way to work on your pacing and endurance. I've heard it's also helpful to focus on your core strength and glute activation to improve your running form and efficiency. Anyone have any favorite exercises or workouts for that?
That's not a very supportive attitude. Olympics inspire many to start running.