I've tried something similar to what you mentioned - I call it 'negative visualization'. Instead of visualizing myself succeeding, I imagine myself failing miserably. It sounds weird, but it helps me prepare for the worst-case scenario and builds my mental resilience. I also use a 'no-excuses' mantra during tough runs. If I start making excuses to stop, I remind myself that I'm not injured, I'm not dying, and I can keep going. It's not about being mean to myself, but about being honest and pushing through the discomfort.
Just devastating. Another senseless act of violence against a talented athlete. RIP Rebecca.
I've found that mixing it up between short sprints and longer repeats keeps things interesting and prevents plateaus. I'll do 3-4 short, all-out sprints up a steep hill, then follow it up with 2-3 longer repeats at a high effort. Focus on proper form and explosive power, and don't be afraid to walk or jog back down to recover. Consistency is key, so try to fit in hill training at least once a week.
Absolutely devastating news. Rebecca's story is a reminder of the risks and sacrifices athletes make to pursue their passion. My heart goes out to her loved ones.
5-10 minutes is plenty, don't overcomplicate it.
I'm a big fan of interval training, but I think it's easy to get stuck in a rut. I like to mix it up and do a combo of both shorter, faster intervals and longer ones. It keeps things interesting and challenges me in different ways. I don't do strength training or hill repeats as part of my intervals, but I do incorporate them into my overall training plan. My go-to interval workout is 4-6 x 800m at 5K pace with 400m active recovery. Simple, but effective.
Honestly, it's not some famous athlete or influencer that inspires me. It's the everyday runners I see at my local park who are out there grinding, rain or shine. They're not getting paid to do it, they're just doing it because they love it. That's what keeps me lacing up.
I'm with you on GPS watches. I've tried using my phone's GPS, but it's just not as convenient. I've been using a Garmin watch for a while now, and it's been great. Preloading the route is a must, I agree. One thing I'd add is to also pay attention to the route's elevation profile, it can make a big difference in your run.
I've used both Strava and Runkeeper, and I have to say, I prefer Runkeeper. The audio cues are super helpful, especially on long solo runs. Plus, it's got a more straightforward UI than Strava. Never tried MapMyRun, but I've heard it's pretty similar to Strava. If you're looking for something different, Runkeeper's worth a shot.