You will be embarking on a journey that will be both physically and mentally demanding, but also incredibly rewarding. If you are running your first half marathon, you are in for an exciting and demanding experience that will be very rewarding. Crossing the finish line of your first half marathon is a moment you’ll always remember, and the training will have been worth it.
Running your first half marathon is an amazing accomplishment. Even if you train well, you will probably be surprised by a few things on race day. New runners may be surprised by the amount of energy and excitement during their first half marathon.
To train for a half marathon takes months of preparation.
Even after all the half marathons I’ve done, I’m still learning new things from each race. Although I have completed a half marathon before, there are still a few things that catch me by surprise.
If I had known these 8 things before my first half marathon, it would have really helped me to relax and be successful.
1. Start training months beforehand.
Training for a half marathon is no small task and definitely requires a bit of time and effort. When registering for your first half marathon, ensure that you have sufficient time to train.
Although you may be very enthusiastic about the half marathon taking place next month, it will be impractical to try to get ready for it in such a short time.
2. Prioritize distance – not speed.
Don’t overdo it during training or you’ll run out of energy on race day. As you get more used to running, you might find that you can run faster too.
Training too hard and too fast is a recipe for injuries, overtraining and burnout.
During half marathon training, it is most important to focus on building up your distance. This race is not going to be easy because it is a new distance that you have never ran before.
Set yourself a mileage target to increase each week, and don’t worry about your speed. As your body gets stronger, you will probably be able to do the splits without as much effort.
Instead of running with the intent to workout hard or train fast, run your first marathon for fun and to complete the distance without injury.
3. Bring throw-away clothes.
Many half marathon races occur during the spring and fall, when the weather is especially unpredictable. Race mornings are usually cold, but the temperature will rise a lot by the time you finish the race.
If you wear the same amount of clothing while standing in the starting corrals as you do while running, it can be cold.
4. Don’t start out too fast.
The motivating energy and excitement on race day is often a welcomed surprise for most first time half marathoners – especially as you eagerly line up in the corrals to get ready to start.
Although this energy can be motivating, it often causes runners to start out too fast compared to their training.
At the beginning of the half marathon, don’t get too excited and run too fast. Don’t feel the need to hurry up just because everyone around you is moving fast. Start off slowly and maintain a consistent, comfortable pace throughout.
If you complete the first half of the race and are feeling good, you will be able to adjust your pace and run faster.
Stage yourself behind your anticipated pace group in the corral to avoid being pulled forward by other runners who will be running much faster. Starting a race while everyone else is running past you can feel very intimidating!
5. Practice fueling during training.
The average half marathoner will need to drink water and take in some form of fuel while running. However, many first timers fail to practice properly during training.
Your long training runs are a great time to practice eating and drinking while you’re running. Test out a few different types of fuel and choose one that doesn’t make your stomach upset while you’re on the move.
6. Check your surroundings before you walk.
There is no shame in walking during a half marathon, even though many runners end up having to do so at some point. This long distance often requires a break at one point or another, whether you’re stopping at designated aid stations or just slowing down to catch your breath.
Make sure to keep an eye on your surroundings while walking during a race, so you don’t accidentally slow down too much. There’s nothing worse than running at the same pace as someone else and accidentally bumping into them.
When you’re about to slow down to a walk, check to see if there’s anyone behind or around you. If you are able, move to the side to let others who are running pass you.
If youemonstrate common courtesy to other runners during a race, they will most likely appreciate it and act similarly. Additionally, it is more calming to walk when you are not closely surrounded and crammed in by people.
7. Wear your name on your shirt for cheers.
One of the best parts of running a half marathon is the support and excitement you feel from the crowd and other runners.
One way to make yourself feel better and to get other people to show their support is to wear a shirt with your name on it. If your name is not printed on your race bib, you can try attaching iron-on letters or writing it directly onto your race-day shirt.
The spectators cheering helps motivate the runner to keep going and achieve the goal.
8. Create a plan with your spectators.
As you head to your first half marathon, you will likely have at least one support crew member tagging along with you as your head to your first half marathon. Be sure to communicate with your audience before the event to decide where they will drop you off and where you will meet them at the end.
Make sure to ask your support crew what their plan is for watching the race if they are planning on coming. If you know in advance where you will see your friends along the route, it can help you stay motivated.
You will feel really chaotic when you exit the finisher’s chute, so have a plan in place for a meeting spot with your supporters.
Completing your first half marathon is an excellent accomplishment that will change your life. No matter how hard you have trained or how prepared you are, you will still be surprised by what happens on race day.
Other Tips To Make Sure You Can Finish Your First Half Marathon
Define Your Goal
What’s your goal?
Is it to run 13.1 miles, plain and simple? Is it better to run the distance in 2:30 or 2:00?
Make sure that your target is something that is both realistic and within your grasp. Your aim should be something that is realistic and within your grasp. Put the text in a place where you will see it every day.
If there is a specific time you want to beat, your training pace for long runs will be dictated by this. If you’re only running to finish, then you should be more concerned with avoiding injury than with how fast you run or doing hill workouts.
It’s important to know your goal for race day. Remember your goal when you’re at the start, mile 6, 10, and 13.1.
Respect the Long Run
The long runs will be the most difficult part of the training process, both for your body and your mind. But they will be infinitely less stressful if you plan for them and respect them.
It’s a good idea to plan your route in advance using a tool like Gmaps Pedometer, and to check it out in a car to be sure it’s a good route. Try to relax the night before your run by eating what you need and not worrying about anything else. That way, you’ll wake up feeling energized and ready to go. Make sure your phone is loaded and charged before using it to pass the time. Consider safety issues if you plan to wear headphones while running. and have breakfast/lunch/dinner prepared in advance so that you can eat as soon as you finish your run and cool down.
Train on the Right Terrain
If the race you are running is hilly, you need to train by running on hills to avoid being surprised and overwhelmed by how your quadriceps muscles will feel too early on in the race.
If you’re the adventurous type who chooses a trail half marathon for your first one, you should spend some time on trails that are similar to the one you’ll be running. The difference between hiking on trails and roads is more than just avoiding rocks and roots.
The goal is to learn about what your course is like, and then practice that in training so that you can be prepared for race day.
Although it is important to focus on one type of terrain, don’t be afraid to mix in other types of terrain to even out your training. In order to give your feet a break from pounding the asphalt, you should hit the trails every once in a while or do a couple track or treadmill runs.
Pay Attention to Your Form
Take shorter, quicker strides.
One small change can make a big difference in your running style. Scott Jurek, a vegan ultrarunning legend, says that if you focus on stride rate, most other elements will correct themselves.
The average stride rate for elite athletes is approximately 180 steps per minute, with each foot taking 90 steps. I think of this as three steps per second. It’s easy to line your steps up with a watch or treadmill clock and keep this stride rate.
Initially, it feels odd to run this way, but after a few times, your body develops the new muscles needed to run in this manner and it starts to feel more comfortable. After a certain point, the injuries just stop happening.
Treat Your Feet Right
Seriously, you’re going to be running 13.1 miles. Treat your feet well by getting a good pair of shoes.
You don’t have to spend a lot on them. You should visit a running store to get help choosing the right pair of shoes. The staff will watch you run on a treadmill and analyze your stride before recommending a shoe.
At the end of the day, it all comes down to what feels good on your foot. This is the most important thing to keep in mind when choosing a running shoe.
Don’t be Afraid to Take a Break
So many people don’t take the time to let their bodies rest and heal. It is important to have some space between your workouts to allow your body to recover, but it is also important to have a reduced-mileage week every month as part of your training.
This week can be a chance to cross-train, do yoga, stretch, and do foam rolling. You can also run slowly a few times without a watch, a route, or a plan. You will feel better physically and mentally when you return from a break.
You may be very excited about your training, but it is important to be disciplined and take a break. When race day comes, your body will thank you.
Have Fun
Make sure you do not forget that you are working towards a goal and that every moment, whether it is good or bad, can be turned into a positive memory.
Leave a Reply