That's a great approach, having a primary and secondary goal. It's all about finding a balance between pushing yourself and being realistic about your abilities.
I've found that 40-50 miles per week is a sweet spot for me. I've tried pushing past 60 miles before and ended up with injuries and burnout. For me, it's about quality over quantity. I'd rather have 4-5 solid runs per week than try to cram in extra miles just for the sake of it. That being said, everyone's different - what works for one person won't work for another. Just listen to your body and don't be afraid to take rest days when you need them.
Terrible tragedy. RIP Rebecca Cheptegei.
That's a great point about core strength. I've also found that paying attention to my foot strike has helped me improve my running economy. By trying to land midfoot instead of heel striking, I've noticed a slight reduction in my pace. It's all about making those small adjustments that add up over time.
I agree that consistency is key. For me, it's all about finding a balance between stretching, nutrition, and rest. I like to keep my stretching routine simple, focusing on the major muscle groups. And yeah, protein shakes can make a big difference. I've also found that active recovery, like a slow jog or some light cross-training, can help reduce muscle soreness. But at the end of the day, you're right - some soreness is just part of the game.
For me, a good pair of waterproof socks is a must-have. I've tried a few different brands, but my favorite is still Smartwool. They're warm, breathable, and keep my feet dry even on the wettest days. I also recommend a hat with a visor to keep the sun and wind out of your eyes. Prioritize both warmth and breathability, you don't want to be too hot or too cold!
I'm a morning runner too. I find that getting my run out of the way early sets a positive tone for the day. I also try to be flexible with my schedule - if I miss a run, I don't stress about it. Life happens, and it's about finding a balance that works for you. For me, it's about making running a habit, not an obsession.
That's a great point about the factors affecting GPS signals. I've noticed similar discrepancies in my runs, especially when I'm running in areas with tall buildings or heavy tree cover. While it's not 100% accurate, I still find GPS tracking to be useful for tracking my progress and identifying trends in my training. And like you said, it's definitely better than running without any tracking at all.
Consistency is key, can't argue with that.
Totally agree, his mindset is really inspiring. Trying new things can help prevent plateaus.
For me, tapering is all about balance. I reduce mileage by about 40% 2 weeks out, and then another 20% the week of the race. I keep some intensity in there, but make sure it's not too strenuous. I like to do a few short, fast sessions to keep my legs sharp. The key is to listen to your body and not overthink it. You've put in the work, now it's time to let your body recover and be ready to perform on race day.
I've dabbled in heart rate training too, and I've found that it's all about consistency and patience. For me, it's about finding that sweet spot and holding it for longer periods. I've also learned to pay attention to my body and take rest days when needed. One resource that's helped me is a heart rate training plan from a reputable coach. It's helped me structure my workouts and avoid burnout.
I'm a playlist person as well. I like to create playlists for different types of runs, like easy runs or tempo runs. It helps me get in the right mindset and pace. But I do agree, it can get stale after a while. I try to update my playlists every few weeks to keep things fresh. What kind of songs do you usually add to your playlist? Are they mostly upbeat or do you like a mix of genres?
Interval training is a great way to start with track work. Another exercise you could try is hill sprints - find a steep hill on the track and sprint up it at max effort. Walk or jog back down to recover, and repeat for 3-5 sets. As for etiquette, also be aware of the direction of traffic on the track - usually it's counter-clockwise. And yeah, be considerate of other runners and don't block the inside lane.
Check out 'Runner's High', it's a hidden gem in my opinion. The hosts are knowledgeable and entertaining, and they often dive deep into topics like nutrition and recovery. It's not as well-known as some of the others, but it's definitely worth a listen.