Long-distance running is often a dichotomy of the haves and have-nots. While some long-distance runners are blessed with idyllic non-paved dirt roads or crushed gravel paths within expansive parks, others are forced to fit their runs in amidst exhaust and the honks of rush hour traffic.
The rolling hills and varied topography for those who are geographically blessed stand in stark contrast to the residents of northern Indiana or southern Florida, for whom a hill is a rare sighting.
And those with access to synthetic track facilities — ideal for interval training — are juxtaposed by many who are now finding track access to be increasingly rare.
So just how do endurance runners who are lacking in venue, topography and soft surfaces make do? Try these simple strategies and alternatives to give yourself all the right tools come race day.
More: Hill Running Made Easy