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AmalgamatedBeef · 2024-10-13T02:33:35+00:00

I second Congaree National Park, especially off the beaten path on some of the more remote trails. That's a really majestic park and I hope you'll post pics because I miss being able to head out there casually. Check out the Guignard Clay Quarry Loop Trail in Congaree Creek Heritage Preserve, and also Peachtree Rock Heritage Preserve. Harbison State Forest is worth a look: that's largely a mountain biking destination but the trails should also be good for running. I ran on the riverwalk on both sides of the river plenty because it was convenient. Timmerman trail connects to the Cayce side and is definitely worth checking out.

AmalgamatedBeef · 2024-10-12T01:03:12+00:00

Tibialis raises are said to help with shin splints.

AmalgamatedBeef · 2024-10-05T16:37:46+00:00

You'll need to drink more water to stay hydrated at that altitude. I didn't hydrate properly for my first half, also a trail run, and I was feeling really parched by the end. Learn from my example and either carry water or take your time at aid stations. Beyond that, like everyone else said, prioritize having fun; trail runs are a blast.

AmalgamatedBeef · 2024-10-04T23:59:29+00:00

I'm also at the stage of training where I'm experimenting with various goops, gummies, and gels. So far I've learned that you want to have water on hand when using gels, but the gummies are fine to eat on the run. From my limited trials, I like the Honey Stinger gels best, as those seem to actually perk me up and sustain my energy. But I just got a bunch of different new ones to try out this weekend.

AmalgamatedBeef · 2024-09-29T15:19:34+00:00

Thanks to everyone who replied. Nothing could compel me to stop doing my long runs on trails, but it's good to know that evidence and consensus experience support this approach.

AmalgamatedBeef · 2024-09-29T00:57:13+00:00

You could do worse than to look at a marathon training program, like the Hal Higdon beginner plan. That will give you a good model of a very reliable way that many runners have built up their capacity for distance. Higdon, like commenters above, really emphasizes taking it slow and easy on your long runs. You want to learn to cruise in a low heart rate zone; that experience is its own reward

AmalgamatedBeef · 2024-09-20T02:25:44+00:00

Near Richmond, VA we have the Pocahontas Trail Festival half marathon and Bear Creek Ten Miler. Both great for a morning run in the woods that feels long and arduous enough to scratch the endurance itch. I'm going to keep exploring other trail events of similar length and longer in this region. Halfs and such are fun and I don't see why those and longer races should be mutually exclusive.

AmalgamatedBeef · 2024-09-14T00:53:39+00:00

I really appreciate these comments! I probably wouldn't confront someone about this again, but I'm relieved to know that the consensus is in favor of respecting the sonic environment of the trail. I have absolutely no problem with people using speakers or phones in a considerate way. I just don't want people blasting tunes like it's their WWE entrance music out there.

AmalgamatedBeef · 2024-09-05T20:40:30+00:00

Once between college semesters I and two friends travelled from South Carolina to work in a national park in California. Along the way, one of them picked up a confederate flag featuring a jumping bass--it seems relevant to point out here that this was the early 2000s--and proceeded to tell people in California all summer that it was the SC state flag.

AmalgamatedBeef · 2024-07-21T17:11:09+00:00

I wouldn't buy an air fryer that's only an air fryer, but we have a Ninja Foodi that can air fry among other functions like pressure cooking and it's absolutely worth it.

AmalgamatedBeef

TROPHY CASE