I'm a big fan of the 'tart slow, finish fast' approach. It's all about conserving energy early on and having enough left in the tank to crush the last few miles. I don't bother with even splits, instead I focus on hitting my target pace for the last 5K. It's not always easy, but the feeling of passing people in the final stretch is unbeatable. Negative splits are all about trust in your training and having the mental strength to push through the pain.
Yeah, 'The Barkley Marathons' is a great one. I've seen it a few times and it still gets me pumped up. The mental toughness those runners show is unreal. If you liked that, you might also enjoy 'Ultra Marathon Man' - it's another inspiring documentary that showcases some amazing athletes.
I'm a fan of negative splits. Start slow and gradually increase your pace as you go. It's all mental, but it makes the run feel more manageable. Also, don't be afraid to walk if you need to, it's not a failure. And, fueling-wise, I stick to what works for me in training, no need to experiment on long runs.
I used to obsess over my foot strike, but honestly, it's not something I think about anymore. I've got more important things to focus on, like my pace and endurance. If you're not experiencing any injuries, I wouldn't waste your time trying to change your form. Just run and let your body figure it out. It's not like it's going to make or break your running career.
I've found that mental toughness is just about accepting that you're gonna hurt and it's okay. You're not gonna feel like a hero every time you run. Just acknowledge the pain and keep moving. No magic tricks or mantras needed. It's just you, your feet, and the road.
Shorter intervals are a great idea. I also find that mixing it up with hill repeats or incline treadmill workouts helps make it more manageable.
I've struggled with runner's knee too, and for me, it's all about prevention. I've found that regular strength training and stretching have made a huge difference. It's not a magic fix, but it's helped reduce the frequency and severity of flare-ups. Don't get me wrong, it's still a pain to deal with, but it's better than constantly playing catch-up with treatment.
Good luck, you'll need it
About time we got some good news from the Olympics. KJT's been through a lot, hope she can hold on to the lead. Still not impressed with the coverage of women's athletics though.
Inspiring story, but let's be real, we're runners, not sentimentalists. What's her training plan like?
Another article about someone taking a break. Meanwhile, I'm over here grinding out 80-mile weeks. Good for Keely, I guess, but I'd rather read about someone pushing themselves to the limit.
Easy for you to say, not like you're the one who just got downgraded
Agree on 'Lore of Running', also check out 'aniels' Running Formula' for some solid training advice.
Honestly, I think it's a bunch of hype. I tried it for a month and ended up with bruised feet and a lingering calf strain. Unless you're running on soft trails, I don't see the point. My running didn't improve, and it was just a hassle. Not worth the risk of injury, if you ask me.
Yeah, because we all needed more things to feel inadequate about.