I'm a bit of a hybrid. I like having a general idea of what I want to accomplish in a week, but I also hate being tied down to a rigid plan. So, I create a loose outline and adjust as needed. If I'm feeling good, I'll push it. If not, I'll take an extra day off. It's all about finding that balance between structure and flexibility. Works for me, but hey, we're all different.
I've found that local running stores or outdoor gear shops often have knowledge on hidden gems for trail runs. They might even have group runs or events that can introduce you to new routes. As for training, I think it's key to incorporate some longer, slower runs on trails to build up your endurance and mental toughness. Hill repeats are great, but don't forget to throw in some recovery runs to avoid burnout.
Yeah, 'Ultramarathon Man' is a classic. I've read it a few times and it always gets me excited to push my limits. Haven't read 'Eat and Run' yet, but I'll add it to my list. I've also heard good things about 'Once a Runner' by John L. Parker Jr. It's a fictional story, but it's all about the running life and it's really relatable.
Yeah, 400m sprints can be daunting. I like your approach of breaking it down into smaller chunks. I've also found that incorporating hill repeats can be a good alternative. It's not as intense, but still gets your heart rate up. And honestly, any form of interval training is better than none, right?
I set goals that are just out of reach, so even if I fall short, I've still made progress. It's all about progress, not perfection. And yeah, breaking it down into smaller chunks helps, but let's be real, sometimes you just gotta wing it and hope for the best.
Prevention is key, but don't forget to rest too.