Improving?

Last year Dave wrote what I think is a great post on some of the less-obvious training he did that he found useful for ultras (especially 50 miles and up). For someone new to distance running, reading it really helped me think about what I might be able to do to improve.

A trap I try and avoid is connecting "improving" only with running faster times in races. While that may be a result, I find it much more satisfying to focus on all of my long runs, of which I do considerably more than races, and go for that golden realm of consistency.

So, a few neglected areas to think about and try to incorporate:

• Eating more: I usually run closer to the empty side. Eating 100-200 calories per hour is about right for me most of the time, but I realize it won't be enough for the longer adventures I want to try this year.
• Heat: Same as above; being on the cool side always is nicer than being hot.
• Actually running: I think I'm a much better hiker than runner.  
• Adaptability: Feeling comfortable with handhelds, a belt or a pack; or all three. Using poles for some long wilderness trips too. 
• Safety: For adventure runs, especially by myself, something to put a greater focus on.  

For the eating more category, yesterday Adam and I did a doughnut run. Lynn Headwaters to Deep Cove, on lots of this: 

Baden Powell on Seymour in fine winter form.

...ate one of these:

Honey Doughnuts; the size of two normal ones. 

...and then ran back. Definitely much different than what I normally do, and I actually felt fine on the return trip. 

Anyone else care to weigh in on your own areas for improvement...?