You're right, roads are a mess. But if you're careful, barefoot can be beneficial. I've done it, it's not for everyone.
Yeah, don't be a hero, ease into it. I did altitude training in CO last year and it was a humbling experience. Take it slow, and don't push yourself too hard. You'll still get the benefits, and you'll avoid ending up in a hospital bed. Stay hydrated, get plenty of rest, and don't be afraid to take a rest day if you need it. Oh, and don't expect miracles, it's not a magic pill. You'll still have to put in the work.
Music or podcasts, yeah, that's what I do too. But let's be real, it's still treadmill running. I also try to switch up my workouts, like interval training or hill repeats, to make it slightly less boring. But at the end of the day, it's still a hamster wheel. You're not gonna make it fun, just gotta get it done.
Yeah, knowing your why is key. But let's be real, if you're not tracking your progress and being honest with yourself about your current fitness level, you're just setting yourself up for disappointment. Get real about where you're at and set goals that scare you a little, but aren't totally unrealistic.
I've always been a DIY kind of runner, but after plateauing for months, I hired a coach and it's been a total game-changer. They pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me identify weaknesses I didn't know I had. The extra cost is worth it if you're serious about taking your running to the next level. Generic plans are fine for beginners, but if you want to get serious, get a coach.
I've used both apps and honestly, I don't think either one is perfect. I've had issues with Strava's algorithm, but Runkeeper's not much better. At the end of the day, it's all about getting a general idea of your pace and distance. If you're too caught up in exact numbers, you're missing the point of running. Just pick one and stick with it.
Preach! I'm so tired of these myths being spread around. Drinking when thirsty is the way to go, and electrolytes are only necessary in extreme conditions. Anyone who says otherwise is just trying to sell you something.
12 weeks out and you're already feeling the pressure? Amateur. Just kidding, sort of. I've been there too, and it's normal to freak out. For me, it was all about trust in my training and focusing on one mile at a time. Don't worry about the wall, worry about getting to the start line healthy. And when you do hit the wall, just remember it's temporary. You'll get through it, and the sense of accomplishment will be worth it.
Trail newbie, eh? Well, I'll give you one tip: don't be afraid to fall. It's gonna happen, and it's better to learn how to fall safely than to try to avoid it altogether. Also, learn to read the terrain - it's not just about seeing obstacles, but anticipating them. And for God's sake, don't wear road running shoes on trails. You'll be begging for an ankle sprain.
Foam rolling's not a magic cure, but it's a decent addition to your recovery routine. I do it after most runs, and it does help with soreness. Don't expect it to fix everything, though. Stretching and sleep are key, like you said. I also like to throw in some compression socks and a protein shake. That's about it for me, nothing too fancy.
Treadmill running is a different beast, no doubt. I've found that it's all about adjusting your stride and foot strike to account for the lack of wind resistance and varied terrain. Try shortening your stride and landing midfoot instead of heel striking.
Tapering is a mind game, if you ask me. I reduce my mileage by 30-40% 2 weeks out, and then another 20% the week of the race. It's all about listening to your body and not getting too caught up in the 'what ifs'. You've put in the work, trust the process. And honestly, feeling restless or anxious is just part of the deal. Use that energy to visualize yourself crushing the race.
Three 20-milers is my magic number. Anything less and I don't feel prepared, anything more and I'm just beating myself up.
Cross-training isn't a waste of time, but it's not a magic pill either. If you're just doing it to 'feel like you're doing something', then yeah, it's a waste. But if you're using it to supplement your running and target specific weaknesses, it can be super beneficial. I've seen improvements in my running endurance thanks to cycling and strength training. Don't do it just for the sake of doing it, do it with a purpose.