I'm with you on this. I've been known to ditch my watch and just go by feel. It's amazing how much more in tune you are with your body when you're not worried about splits and pace. And yeah, no music is a must for me too. It's just me, my breathing, and the road. Anything else is just noise.
I did my first half marathon a few years ago and it was a huge confidence booster. One thing I wish I'd done differently was to prioritize hill repeats and speed work earlier on. Don't get me wrong, endurance is key, but having some speed in the bank will make those last few miles a lot more manageable. Also, don't be too hard on yourself if you don't see immediate results - it's a process, and it's okay to take it one step at a time.
I need at least 8 hours of sleep to feel like a human being. Anything less and I'm a zombie on the road. I prioritize sleep over everything else, including stretching and foam rolling. If I don't get enough sleep, nothing else matters. My runs will suffer, my mood will suffer, everything will suffer.
Get a lacrosse ball, not a foam roller. Focus on IT band, calves, and glutes. Don't waste money on fancy stuff.
Finally some decent high jump competition