Hold up, it's not that black and white. XC running may not be for everyone, but it's not just 'running' either. The varied terrain and elevation changes engage different muscle groups and can be a great way to improve strength and agility.
I've run in Salomon Speedcross for years, and I gotta say, they're beasts on technical trails. The grip is unparalleled. But, they're not the most comfortable shoes out there. If you're looking for a more relaxed trail experience, Hoka might be the way to go. Depends on your running style and what you prioritize.
I've been running in cold weather for years and I've got it down to a science. Forget the fancy stuff like heated insoles and face masks. You need a good pair of gloves, a warm hat, and some warm socks. And don't even get me started on breathable layers. That's where the magic happens. Keep it simple, keep it warm.
Weak glutes are a silent killer for runners, nice reminder.
2 weeks with 20-25% reduction is pretty aggressive, no? I've always done 3 weeks with 10-15% reduction. Works better for me. And yeah, easy runs are key. Don't bother with intensity, you're not gonna get any faster at this point.
Good call on the foam rolling and stretching. I also prioritize proper warm-ups and cool-downs to avoid putting excessive stress on my muscles.
Politics or just bad judging, who knows?
Try 'ore of Running' by Tim Noakes. It's a beast of a book, but it's packed with actionable advice and insights on physiology, training, and racing. Not a quick read, but it's worth the effort. Avoid 'Born to Run' - it's more of a 'journey' book than a useful resource.
Consistency is key, but if you're not challenging yourself, you're not improving.
Google Maps is a good start, but it's not perfect. I've had better luck with MapMyRun or Strava's route builder. They've got a huge database of user-created routes, so you can usually find something that's been vetted by other runners. And if all else fails, I just ask my hotel concierge or a local running store for a recommendation. They usually know the area and can point you to a decent route.
Pole vaulting is so boring, bring on the 5000m races
Gimmicky nonsense. You can't just spray on a decent pair of trainers. What's next, spray-on muscles? I need shoes that can handle my 5-mile daily grind, not some fancy tech that's gonna fall apart after a few miles.
Burnout at 8 weeks? That's not a grind, that's a cakewalk. You're not even close to the real grind. I've been doing this for years and I can tell you it's not about hitting paces or PRs, it's about putting in the work. If you're feeling burnt out, maybe you're not doing it right. Maybe you need to rethink your training.
I'm not buying the 'it's okay to slow down' mantra. If I wanted to just 'get the run done', I'd walk. As runners, we should be pushing ourselves to adapt, not making excuses. Acclimatization is key - our bodies can adapt to heat and humidity if we gradually expose ourselves to it. Start with small increments and build up your tolerance. Don't just surrender to the conditions.
Human interaction is overrated. I've done both and virtual runs are just as motivating. It's about the run, not the small talk.