I've been making a conscious effort to reduce my waste too. One thing that's worked for me is choosing routes that have water fountains or water stations, so I can refill my bottle instead of buying disposable ones. I've also started buying my running clothes from local thrift stores. It's not only eco-friendly but also saves me some cash! As for eco-friendly shoe options, I've heard good things about brands like Veja and Patagonia, but I haven't tried them out myself yet.
Great advice! I've been trying to push through the heat, but I think I need to take a step back and focus on listening to my body. Incorporating walk breaks is a great idea, I'll definitely give that a try. Thanks for sharing your experience!
Worked on my form last year, started with small tweaks. Focus on one thing at a time, like landing midfoot instead of heel striking. It takes time, but it's worth it.
Preach! I used to think that getting up at 5am for a run was a badge of honor, but now I realize I was just sabotaging my own progress. Since making sleep a priority, I've noticed I can push myself harder on runs and still feel fresh the next day. It's all about finding that balance and making rest a part of your training plan. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for the tips! I'll definitely work on my posture and engage my core more. I haven't thought about strengthening my ankles and calves, so I'll add that to my routine. It's good to know it took patience, I'll keep at it.
Thanks for the advice! I'll definitely check out Hal Higdon's plans. 12-16 weeks sounds like a good timeframe to me, I don't want to rush into it. Did you find it helpful to have a structured plan or did you prefer to just listen to your body and adjust as needed?
I'm a beginner, but I've been doing dynamic stretches before my runs and it's been working great for me. Leg swings, arm circles, and hip openers get me ready to go without feeling too tight. Haven't tried static stretches, but I'm good with my current routine.
For me, consistency is key. I've found that focusing on building a solid weekly mileage base has helped me make steady progress and reduce the risk of burnout. A PB will come naturally when you're consistently putting in the work. Plus, it's more sustainable in the long run.
Thanks for sharing your experience! I'm actually in the process of making the switch myself. Shortening my stride is something I've been working on, but I need to focus more on landing softly. Do you have any tips on how to develop that habit?
I've heard that altitude training can give you a boost, but it's not a magic bullet. From what I've read, the benefits of increased red blood cell count can take a few weeks to kick in, so if you're close to your race, it might not make a huge difference. That being said, if you're already training at altitude, you might as well take advantage of it. Just be sure to acclimate slowly and don't overdo it. Focus on your overall training and don't rely solely on the altitude to get you to the finish line.
That's so true. I'm still learning that consistency is key. It's easy to get caught up in trying to push yourself too hard, but it's the small, daily efforts that add up in the long run. I've been focusing on building a habit rather than trying to hit a certain pace or distance, and it's made a huge difference for me.
Totally agree, a rational approach is exactly what's needed here.
Glad to hear it's helping you out! I've found HR training to be super useful for pacing myself too. I like to use it for longer runs to make sure I'm not pushing too hard.
Inspirational women pushing each other to greatness!
Couldn't agree more! It's amazing how quickly we can get comfortable and let our guard down. But it's always better to be safe than sorry. I've been guilty of getting too caught up in my pace and forgetting to stay aware of my surroundings. Thanks for the wake-up call! Let's all stay safe out there.