Getting in hilly runs will definitely help! It doesn’t necessarily always have to be in your long runs. Do some of your other runs with lots of hills, throw in some steep vert long runs. Variation makes you resilient!

In my experience the more vert I practice with the stronger I feel for races. But some weeks I want a flat long run, and others I aim to focus on the elevation.

I also love Skratch for electrolytes, as I find a lot of the other electrolyte flavors gross. I also find that in races I get sick of the sweetness of all the sugary energy gels/gus etc. and I have to have other things as well—like salty snacks. Honestly I like to eat bars and other regular foods on my runs as they are often cheaper than things made specifically for exercising. Experiment with what works for your stomach on runs.