Good luck and good progress so far! It definitely helped me, as long as you don't use the new running workout to validate a diet change, like I did. It should help you feel a little better all around too.
It has never been bad here in the piedmont like that training so when we got out on the bridge and had a 20 mph wind in our face I went from 8:30 splits to 9:30 splits and many of the people in front of me dropped way behind during that stretch. it takes it out of you.
You've got a few options. If you like the fresh foam (I'm guessing you meant New Balance and not reebok?) The garoe should be the most similar in a trail running format. I don't have any experience in the trail running space so take what I say with a grain of salt, just echoing what my friends recommend/use. People seem to love the More v2/v3 trail
You're correct, New Balance (my lifters are Reebok). I'll check a few of those out (it helps that Fleet Feet is local and carries them). I have a set of NB Nitrel V5's right now for hiking in, but they run on the small side for a 10.5W (tight in the toe box) and definitely do not have enough padding to run in (made that mistake once).
I've also had success with Altra and Brooks. To get used to any new shoe I have a pipeline where a new shoe starts out as my everyday shoe, then becomes my running/walking shoe, and then becomes a yard-work shoe or gets donated if it's still in pretty good shape. Fresh shoes are important as you get older and have hip/knee problems. I look for close-out sales of last years shoes to save some money.
Been there, the first and the last few weeks training for my half were that way. If you can make yourself run for 5 mins or so, sometimes you'll run more, sometimes you'll quit at 5 mins. Every time it gets a little easier. Good news is that if you made it to the trailhead you've done the hard part IMO
Have you tried running with music? For the first 20+ years I ran without music, but lately I find it really helpful to get motivated. I put on a running playlist in the house while getting dressed and stretching, and then continue with it out the door. If I'm really dragging I also tell myself I'll just start with a walk and maybe transition to run/walk. Or walk the hills and run the flats. The point is to have some fallback plans so you get out the door. Most days you'll end up feeling good after a half mile and have a good run.
Front - which isn't surprising, as I often have issues getting glutes to fire and always have psoas issues.
I think I probably need to head back to Fleet Feet, stand on their doodad and find a set of insoles that’s will give support where I need it.
Ended up doing the foot profile thingie. Low-medium arches with my right foot being the higher of the two, but my gait also makes it behave more like a medium arch. Ended up getting fitted for the medium insoles, since the lows felt like all my weight was on my heels. I'm sure it'll take some getting used to, but I hope it helps. The left foot feels perfect, the right foot I feel a little unevenness but things can be tight/worse on that side after that last run (my right usually flares up first/worst). We'll see how it goes once things dry up outside.
The cold really slows me down for the same reason. Glad the insoles are helping, I must have missed your last few with the issues on arches/shins because I had those with some of the oncloud shoes. I went for a different pair (got NB Rebel & Asics superblast) and they essentially went away, a lot of the pain now is probably from getting used to distance/workout regiment. If you're like me the soreness/pain will slowly go up your legs to quads/hips as your feet and calves get back into the swing of things. IMO a couple of good runs with a pair of shoes will tell you if they're doable on the runs or not, there isn't a ton of break in with the modern materials
I have chronically tight calves and had a LOT of foot pain issues when biking, it just carried over to running as well. There definitely aren’t many trail shoes out there that cater to wide feet it seems.
How much stretching are you doing? I used to have tight calves but I got in the habit years ago to stretch often and the problem went away. I still stretch my calves anytime I'm standing around, e.g. while pumping gas (stretch with foot against the curb of the pump). Lots of opportunities to stretch calves in the kitchen while waiting for the microwave, toaster oven, french press coffee to steep, etc.
Whenever I can. Even when sitting and working I stick my toes against the wall for a stretch. Calves and shoulders have always been bad mobility points for me.
I also use a 36" foam roller that is great for calves and shoulders/back. If you don't have one, it's definitely worth a try.