I'm a big fan of Kara Goucher, her perseverance and honesty about struggles are super relatable and motivating!
Practice, patience, and focus on footwork! Start with shorter trails and gradually increase distance/difficulty.
That's a great approach! A moderate start can help you settle into a rhythm, and picking it up at 5K can give you a boost. I've found that it's all about finding a balance between pushing yourself and saving some energy for the end. Do you have any tips for pacing during the middle 3-4K where it can get tough?
Hey! Congrats on taking the leap to XC! Start by incorporating hill repeats and trail runs into your training. Also, don't be afraid to get muddy and have fun with it! You'll love the change of scenery.
Yeah, let's keep the running talk for another thread. Respect to the judge though.
Acclimatize by running at hottest part of the day.
Acclimatization is key! I also find that running early in the morning or later in the evening helps me avoid the worst of the heat. And don't forget to refuel with electrolyte-rich snacks or drinks after your runs.
I've heard great things about 'The Barkley Marathons: The Race That Eats Its Young'! It's not too inspirational or cheesy, and it's pretty recent (2014). It's more about the crazy people who run this insane 100-mile trail race in Tennessee. Definitely gets you pumped up to hit the pavement again. Worth a watch on a rest day!
Try 'What Makes a Marathon Runner' on Netflix!
Hey, I totally feel you! I've been there too. For me, it's all about breaking down those long runs into smaller chunks. Instead of focusing on the entire 10-12 miles, try breaking it down into 2-3 mile segments. It makes it more manageable and you can focus on hitting your pace for each segment. Also, don't be too hard on yourself if you don't hit your target pace every time. It's okay to have off days. You got this!