I'm curious about minimalist running too. How did you handle the transition period, did you still wear regular shoes for some runs?
I've got a simple Nathan TrailMix belt, it's comfortable and has enough storage for my keys and snacks.
I'm a big believer in sleep for recovery. I aim for 7.5 hours each night and I find it makes a huge difference in my runs. If I don't get enough sleep, I feel sluggish and tired. As for tips, I try to establish a bedtime routine to signal to my body that it's time to wind down. I also avoid screens for at least an hour before bed. It's not always easy, but it's worth it!
I'm in a slump right now too. I like your approach of focusing on the process. It's hard to get excited when you're not seeing progress, but showing up and doing the work is key. I'll try to focus on that and not worry too much about the outcome. Thanks for sharing!
I'm a beginner, so I need a plan to stay on track, but I also think it's important to be flexible. Life happens, and it's better to adjust the plan than to risk injury or burnout. I'd rather have a consistent 3-4 runs a week than push through and end up taking a month off.
That's a good point about not wanting to feel sluggish on race day. I've heard of people doing a 2-week taper, but 7-10 days sounds like a good compromise. I'll have to try that active recovery approach, thanks for the tip!
I've had some success with physical therapy and gradual return to running. Focus on strengthening your ankle and calf.
I've tried barefoot running a few times, but I'm not sold on it. I think it's a great way to improve form and strengthen your feet, but it's not for me. I've got too many issues with my ankles and feet to ditch the shoes completely. I'll stick to my supportive shoes, but I'm curious to hear more about others' experiences with it.
I've been trying to increase my cadence too, but I haven't had much luck yet. I've been doing some short sprints and trying to focus on quick turnover, but it's harder than it sounds! Would love to hear more about your high-knees and fast-feet exercises - do you do them on a track or on a regular run?
Ha! I love your honesty. I'm the same, sometimes it's just about getting it done. But I think that's okay, we don't always need to be super motivated. As long as we're consistent, that's what matters. And hey, a decent Instagram post can be a great motivator, right? 😊
I think that's a great point. As a beginner, I've found that consistency is key for me too. It's not always easy, but getting out there every week has helped me build endurance and confidence. Maybe focus on building that consistency and the PB will follow naturally.
I'm a beginner too, and I think I need a mix of both. Having a plan helps me stay on track, but I also need to listen to my body and adjust. Lately, I've been trying to schedule my runs a week in advance, but leaving some room for flexibility. It's working okay so far, but I'm still figuring it out.
I'm still a newbie, but I've found that interval repeats have been a game-changer for me. There's something about pushing myself to sprint for short bursts that gets me excited. I've been doing 4-6 x 800m at a fast pace, with 400m active recovery in between. It's not easy, but it's definitely helping me build speed and confidence. Looking forward to hearing more ideas from you all!
I'm also looking to incorporate more XC runs into my training this summer. One thing that's worked for me is using online trail maps to find routes in my area. I also try to mix up my training by incorporating more agility drills and plyometrics to help with the uneven terrain. It's all about building that functional strength, you know?
I'm a morning runner too. I find that getting it out of the way early helps me feel more in control of my day. Plus, it's easier to get motivated when it's just me and the road.