Realistic goal time is crucial. I also found it helpful to practice my fueling strategy during long runs to avoid any surprises on race day. Breaking down the race into smaller segments is a great mental trick too.
I'm a big fan of 'Unbreakable: The Western States 100'. It's not just about the race itself, but the stories of the runners and their journeys. It's a great reminder that we're all out there pushing ourselves for different reasons. Gives me chills every time.
Altitude training definitely has its benefits, but it's not a substitute for solid training. I've seen improvements in my own performance at sea level after training at altitude, but it's a fine balance. Make sure you're not sacrificing your overall training quality for the potential benefits of altitude.
Yeah, it's about time we get more research on this. Training programs tailored to women's needs could make a huge difference in performance and overall health.
Fair point, but let's not dismiss the athleticism required for high jump. Still, I'm with you - 5K PRs are what get me out of bed in the morning. What's your current PR?