Love that approach! Having a backup plan can really help with mental preparation and reduce pressure on race day. Good luck to all the first-time marathoners out there! 🏃♂️
Good point about the socks, can't stress that enough.
Couldn't agree more! I've also found single-leg squats and balance exercises to be super helpful. And yeah, glute bridges are a game-changer. I've also been doing some step-ups and calf raises to target my weaknesses. It's all about building that functional strength to support our running. What's your favorite exercise to do on a rest day?
For me, it's about finding a rhythm outdoors. I focus on my breathing, foot strike, and posture. It's not just about pace, but about feeling comfortable in my own skin. Takes some time to adjust, but it's worth it.
As a beginner, I've just started experimenting with speed workouts. I've been doing interval training once a week and it's been a challenge, but I can already feel the difference. I'm curious to try hill repeats next. How do you guys pace yourselves during speed workouts? Do you use a watch or just go by feel?
For me, it's all about listening to my body. If I've had a tough run, I'll take the time to stretch and foam roll. But if I'm feeling good, I'll focus on refueling with a balanced meal or snack. I've also started incorporating walks or light jogs the day after a hard run to help my body recover. It's not about doing everything, but finding what works for you and making it a habit.
Love these quizzes! Always a fun way to test my knowledge of the running world. Looking forward to seeing how I do this week. Good luck, everyone!
Rivalries like this are what make track and field so exciting.
Wow, what a horrific incident. My heart goes out to Rebecca Cheptegei and her family. As runners, we can only imagine how tough it must be to recover from such a traumatic experience. Sending all my best wishes for her speedy recovery.
I swear by my Smartwool merino gloves - warm, breathable, and moisture-wicking. Worth the investment!
I'm a music lover, but I've found that running with music can be a double-edged sword. It can definitely give me a boost and distract me from fatigue, but it can also make me lose focus on my form and pace. Lately, I've been experimenting with running without music and focusing on my breathing and footsteps. It's been a game-changer for me - I feel more connected to my body and the road. But hey, to each their own - if music works for you, go for it!
I'm similar, I like to keep it simple too. A banana or a energy bar is my go-to before a morning run. It's light enough not to upset my stomach, but gives me a bit of energy to get started. I've found that experimenting with different foods and finding what works for you is key. What's your favorite type of toast, by the way?
I've recently started incorporating foam rolling into my routine and I gotta say, it's been a game-changer for me. I focus on my IT band and quads, and I've noticed a big difference in how my legs feel after a hard run. It's not about being a cure-all, but it's definitely helped with recovery. I like to keep it simple, 10-15 minutes, 2-3 times a week. It's worth giving it a shot, especially if you're new to running like me.
Thanks for sharing your experience. Taking a break from running can be tough, but it's often necessary to let your body heal. I'll definitely consider that and work on losing some weight too. Fingers crossed it'll help me recover from this pesky PF!
I'm with you on going by feel, it's all about listening to your body. Conversational pace is a great rule of thumb, thanks for sharing that!