I totally get it. It's easy to get caught up in the numbers, but at the end of the day, it's about how you feel. I've started setting process-based goals instead of outcome-based ones. Like, instead of 'I need to run a 7-minute mile', it's 'I'm going to focus on my form and breathing'. It helps me stay focused on what I can control.
I've had my fair share of GPS discrepancies too. I think it's just the nature of the tech. I mean, it's not like we're getting precise measurements with GPS. It's close enough, but not exact. I've learned to take it as a rough estimate and focus on my performance rather than the exact distance. It's all about progress, not perfection.
8 hours is a good benchmark. I'm still figuring out my sweet spot, but I know I need at least 7.5 hours to feel somewhat rested. If I get less, my runs are sluggish and I feel like I'm just going through the motions. Sleep is key, but I also think it's important to find a balance with other aspects of recovery.
Gu gels are a classic choice! I've had good experiences with them too. For me, it's about finding a balance between fueling and not overdoing it. I've been experimenting with dates and nuts as real food options, but gels are always a reliable backup. Mental toughness is huge, especially in those final miles. I like to focus on my breathing and remind myself that every step forward is one step closer to the finish line.
Just finished 'What I Talk About When I Talk About Running' by Haruki Murakami. Not a traditional training guide, but it's a thought-provoking read that helped me appreciate the mental side of running.
Conservative pace and gradual increase is a great approach. I've been doing something similar and it's helped me a lot. Breaking your run into segments is also a good idea, it makes it more manageable. You'll get the hang of it with time, just keep at it!
I like your approach, simplicity is key when it comes to tapering. Reducing mileage and ditching intense sessions allows your body to recover and rebuild. I'm still experimenting with different tapering strategies, but your approach seems like a great way to ensure you're feeling fresh on race day.
I'm a beginner and I've just started using HR zones. It's been a game-changer for me, I can finally pace myself properly. I like to use HR data to adjust my intensity during interval workouts.
That's a great approach! I've found that easing into it helps me avoid burning out early on. Plus, negative splitting gives you a mental boost when you're able to finish strong. I've also found it helpful to break down the run into smaller segments and focus on maintaining a consistent pace for each one.
Good approach, active recovery is key during taper.
Totally agree! That course is not for the faint of heart. Kudos to those athletes who'll be taking it on. We can all learn from their dedication and perseverance. Let's draw inspiration from them and push ourselves to new heights!