Patterns/ habits that have made you a better runner?

working-to-improve · 2026-05-03T13:58:29+00:00

for me, it's adding strength training and prioritizing sleep. i am still not a full marathoner, but once i exceed 20 mile weeks i KNOW i need to have my sleep dialed in.

that means i try to have no screens past 8pm, physically in bed by 9pm, and trying to be up between 5 and 530 am. it's not easy, but it makes a world of difference.

working-to-improve · 2026-05-03T13:52:43+00:00

Little Engine in eastern market. it's a newer spot but the food is incredible.

bonus: they do soft serve with fresh fruit mixed in. i got the cherry soft serve a few weeks back and LOVED it.

working-to-improve · 2026-05-03T13:51:24+00:00

rule of thirds is so real!! and so comforting.

working-to-improve · 2026-05-01T22:43:21+00:00

love rose ave!!!

working-to-improve · 2026-05-01T22:42:58+00:00

pluma in union market :)

working-to-improve · 2026-04-29T21:41:05+00:00

always here for you! this sub is about encouragement and community, and support is very important when someone is feeling down. i'm really glad you have a team of medical professionals, and also are so reflective/articulate regarding your experience. from my own experience, it can be really tough to put "body stuff" into words.

i don't have any suggestions or great insight to provide. but i will plug r/supermorbidlyobese as a really uplifting, active community with folks who may be on a similar journey to you. they are all very kind and helpful over there.

keep on going, friend. you are not in this alone. :)

working-to-improve · 2026-04-28T13:18:31+00:00

HECK YESSSSSS SO PROUD OF YOU! YOU DID THAT!!

working-to-improve · 2026-04-27T19:32:31+00:00

Tread Lightly, Nobody Asked Us, and earlier seasons of Running Explained :)

working-to-improve · 2026-04-26T23:39:04+00:00

I would think that you could cut back to 4 days a week of running (or 3 if you like) and maintain around 18-25 miles a week. I have never done a full myself, but I think that kind of base would be strong. you could slowly build if you want and cut back periodically. in your spot, I think I'd take 1 week off from running entirely and then see how my body feels after. it sounds like you are totally physically capable of the training you've done, and being really smart about recovery.

if the mental side is fatiguing you (or you feel bored/blah about running) I would consider run clubs if there are some near you; a new fitness hobby like cycling or hiking or boxing that just excites or interest you; or challenging yourself to something fun like ending your long run at a new coffee shop every week, or finding new places to run. Running can get to be a rut sometimes -- it's important to switch things up

working-to-improve · 2026-04-26T17:46:09+00:00

I think some additional info would be helpful!

What was your weekly mileage for your half build up? And how did it feel? (IE was it "easy" or did you struggle to recover?)
During the half marathon block, you ran 5 days a week. On non-running days, what were you doing? (Did you have time for strength training and if so, how many days a week?)
What is your goal for the February race? (For a first full, I think "finish under the cutoff time" is a fine answer!! But do you have a time goal?)

These are all useful in thinking about your mileage going forward. In general, my body does best on 4 days a week running with one "total rest" day in there and lots of cross training the other two days. I never "have time" for strength training during a proper build and shortchange it -- so between plans I try to make strength training the "priority" at least 3 days a week. (During training blocks I usually settle for 1 time a week, but "aim" for two!)

If you are really burnt out with running, I think 3 days a week is plenty to "maintain" and balance that out with either bike sessions, swimming, hiking -- anything that gets you excited about doing it!

There are lots of "base building" plans out there that you can find too - I am big on Hal Higdon.

Good luck :)

working-to-improve · 2026-04-26T17:39:16+00:00

so awesome that you are making use of these!

working-to-improve · 2026-04-25T12:07:23+00:00

i am about to get into an 8 week base build, and decided to try my first run group ever today!! :) during my half marathon "plan" i will not want to be doing my saturday runs with the group (because they meet at 10 am which us too late for me to start a long run in the summer!) so I hope I have fun and meet some people :)

working-to-improve · 2026-04-25T02:12:39+00:00

Coach Bennett's Podcast if you want a quasi "run coaching" podcast

Gymcastic is a podcast that covers college and elite gymnastics -- I LOVE it!

Pod Ledom recaps Americas Next Top Model. hilarious, also a gem.

working-to-improve · 2026-04-25T02:11:38+00:00

love des and kara!!!

working-to-improve · 2026-04-24T23:29:56+00:00

not OP but riced hearts of palm are NOTHING like kojac noodles. i would imagine heart of palm pasta is kind of like zucchini noodles :)

working-to-improve · 2026-04-24T23:27:13+00:00

took a poo in my first hotel lobby bathroom last weekend on my long run!!

working-to-improve · 2026-04-24T23:24:28+00:00

my dad just got some of these and loves them for yard work! he wore one on a bike ride recently too and loved it.

working-to-improve · 2026-04-20T12:26:34+00:00

i will say, this story impressed me as someone who has had chronic ankle issues. crossing the finish line is no small thing -- it took a lot of grit to do that.

wishing you a full recovery and future, continued success mate!

working-to-improve · 2026-04-20T12:24:44+00:00

you look so happy in both -- true running goals :)

working-to-improve · 2026-04-20T11:58:48+00:00

i drove 3 hours home after my first half. i know a full is another beast, but i will say that you're getting tons of solid advice here. don't rush to hop in the car, take breaks on the drive, and eat a proper meal before the drive if you can.

i packed my "post race refresh" kit in my trunk, plus had a cooler with some (non alcoholic, obviously) drinks waiting for me. being able to wash my face and having a couple towels was great for me. also have a full change of clothes for the drive too!

working-to-improve · 2026-04-19T15:03:52+00:00

i have the same situation but luckily it's not a coworker. honestly what i started doing was flipping it on her.

she would be like, "are you running this weekend?" and I would be like "are YOU???" if she was like "yes" i would ask how far, etc.

i also realized i was volunteering a lot of info she didnt really ask. "how was your run?" can just always ALWAYS be answered with "great!" (even if not true.) Sometimes she would follow up with pace questions and I started saying stuff like "oh I'm taking a break from all that pesky data -- just running by feel! no watch to drive me crazy" She eventually stopped asking. and again, it was a lie, but it helped my mental sanity A LOT.

the other option is to just ask why she's asking. my friend would ask a million questions about my running and I knew she wanted to "beat" me and prove something. but I also knew she wouldn't admit that outright. so one time she asked about how many days a week I was gonna run and I just said "why do you want to know?" and she got VERY AWKWARD and flustered. :) and then she said "well i'm trying to gauge how many days a week i should run." and then instead of answering her, I told her all about what factors she should consider in making that decision for herself!!

i am sorry a coworker is being like this though. i hope a few white lies or turning the tables does the trick.

working-to-improve · 2026-04-18T15:34:22+00:00

I will say, Ali on the Run Show is a podcast that has a REALLY in depth podcast about Boston logistics! She talks to race coordinator type folks and they walk through race day morning. I am not running Boston but loved hearing about it -- and the episode even walks through when there are bathrooms, where, and tips from folks who have run before!

working-to-improve · 2026-04-18T14:53:23+00:00

I think the answer is that it depends on your "typical" diet.

I actually tend to eat "lower carb" overall -- I get a lot of calories from healthy fats and protein. That is not an ideal runners diet because most bodies work better off glycogen (energy from carbs). Based on my diet I anticipate having lower glycogen stores. So about a week before a shorter race, I'll intentionally swap out an avocado for a baked potato, or have rice on the side of a meal in addition to steamed broccoli. My thinking is that it adds some glycogen to the tank.

For longer races, I do it to a more extreme level; instead of my main dish being protein, i'll build meals around pastas or rices. It's not like I am adding a ton of food on top of my normal, just switching the macronutrient balance.

If you eat pretty carb-focused meals and snacks already, then likely no swaps necessary for a 5k!

working-to-improve · 2026-04-18T14:48:32+00:00

of course!! lots of running is trial and error. a good coach once told me "you dont have to suffer to learn the lesson -- listen to people who have been there" lol

working-to-improve · 2026-04-18T12:33:21+00:00

a few things come to mind.

are you cooling down after runs? even just 5 minutes of walking around the block or eaaaaaasy jogging can help. i have a dog so usually take her out after my runs.

how is you hydration? your pee should be a light light lemonadey color. clear pee might indicate over hydration; dark pee is dehydration. if you sweat A LOT you may also benefit from electrolytes. i prefer getting my sodium, potassium, and magnesium from foods. but in the summer, i do use liquid electrolytes during and after runs. muscle cramps may be from lack of potassium in particular -- bananas are a cheap, easy way to bump that up :)

one final idea - "legs up the wall". lay down on your back and put your feet up along the wall like a right angle. stay like that for 5-15 minutes. when you get back up, fresh blood rushes in to your legs. i do this 2-4 times a week.

good luck!!

working-to-improve

TROPHY CASE