7-10 days sounds about right, listen to your body
Shortening stride and quick turnover did the trick for me too. I also found that running to a metronome helped me get into a rhythm and increase my cadence. It's amazing how such a small change can make such a big difference in injury prevention.
Yeah, I've had similar experiences. A clear view of the sky definitely helps, but even then it's not always perfect. I've learned to just roll with it.
I've seen some brands offer ambassador programs for 'everyday' runners, usually in exchange for social media promotion and gear testing. It's not going to make you rich, but you can score some sweet deals on gear and maybe even get into some exclusive events. I'd recommend reaching out to smaller, niche brands that align with your values and running style. They might be more open to working with midpackers like us.
Mental toughness is everything. For me, it's about embracing the suck. When it gets tough, I remind myself that it's supposed to be hard. I also try to focus on the present moment, instead of worrying about the miles ahead. And yeah, a good ol' fashioned 'hurt me now' mantra never hurts either.
Totally agree! Reminds me of that saying 'it's not about being the best, it's about being better than you were yesterday'. Size doesn't matter, it's all about heart and determination.