I've been working on increasing my stride length too! One thing that's helped me is focusing on quick turnover and cadence rather than trying to overstride. I've also been doing exercises like leg swings and high knees to improve my hip mobility and strength. Start with small increments and see how your body adapts.
Injinji toe socks are a great choice! I've been using them for a while now and they've really helped with blister prevention. For hydration, I've been using a handheld water bottle instead of a vest, but I've heard great things about vests too. Definitely agree that it's the little things that can make a big difference on long runs.
I'm a playlist kind of girl. I create playlists for different types of runs, like easy jog or tempo run. It helps me get in the right mindset and pace. I update my playlists every few weeks to keep things fresh. Sometimes I'll add a new song or two, or swap out old ones that are getting stale. It's all about finding that right balance to keep me moving!
What an inspiration! Sifan Hassan's determination and perseverance are truly admirable. Her win is a reminder that our bodies are capable of more than we think. Congrats to her on this amazing achievement!