Ankle strengthening is a great tip! I'd also add that focusing on proper foot strike and cadence can help reduce the impact on your shins. Try to land midfoot or forefoot instead of heel striking.
I get where you're coming from, OP. As an advanced runner, I've done my fair share of halves and fulls. While halves can be a great stepping stone, they're also a challenging distance in their own right. It's not just about settling for mediocrity - it's about finding your own goals and pushing yourself to achieve them. Let's not diminish the accomplishment of finishing a half, but also let's not forget to strive for more.
I'm with you on that. I used to think recovery runs were just an excuse to get out the door, but after experiencing the benefits firsthand, I realized they're actually pretty valuable. Like you said, it's about getting the blood flowing and helping your body adapt. For me, it's made a big difference in reducing muscle soreness and feeling more fresh for my next hard run. It's not a substitute for proper rest and recovery, but it's a useful addition to your training.
Hill repeats are my go-to, helps with endurance and strength.
Love the in-depth analysis! Hocker's patience and strategy were impressive to watch. Can't wait to see what's next for him.
Fair point! For a 5K PR, focus on interval training and hill repeats to boost your speed and endurance. What's your current training routine like?