Half marathon

tony1007
tony1007 Posts: 4 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I am running a half marathon in September for the first time and was wondering if anyone had any tips on technique, equipment, training etc...
Cheers!

Replies

  • apullum
    apullum Posts: 4,838 Member
    What is your current fitness level? Have you been running for a while, or did you just start recently?
  • DX2JX2
    DX2JX2 Posts: 1,921 Member
    Pick a training program and stick with it. If you aren't currently running more than 10K, prepare yourself for nipple chafing. Invest in body glide and/or smooth textured tech shirts.

    When you actually run the race, run it dead easy for the first 9 miles. Turn it up for the last 5K if you think you have the juice left. Finishing the race strong is so much more satisfying than running out of gas at mile 12, especially for your first one. No matter what your time it will be a PR so have fun with it.
  • lemonwater1
    lemonwater1 Posts: 72 Member
    Fun! I am training for one too. Mine is in May. Feel free to friend request me.
  • BrianSharpe
    BrianSharpe Posts: 9,248 Member
    Shoes that fit properly is probably the most important equipment item (wicking shorts, t-shirts etc rather than cotton) and something to prevent the inevitable nipple chafing. You may laugh but bleeding nipples are a rite of passage and are not much fun. Some men use band-aids, others Vaseline or body glide. The only foolproof method I've found for me is to wear a compression top under my t-shirt that is snug enough the it doesn't move while you're running (that's one of the reasons that triathlon tops are so snug).

    Other than that stick to a training plan (I'm partial to Hal Higdon's ones myself) they're free and he has them for every level of runner.

  • garystrickland357
    garystrickland357 Posts: 598 Member
    BrianSharpe wrote: »
    Shoes that fit properly is probably the most important equipment item (wicking shorts, t-shirts etc rather than cotton) and something to prevent the inevitable nipple chafing. You may laugh but bleeding nipples are a rite of passage and are not much fun. Some men use band-aids, others Vaseline or body glide. The only foolproof method I've found for me is to wear a compression top under my t-shirt that is snug enough the it doesn't move while you're running (that's one of the reasons that triathlon tops are so snug).

    Other than that stick to a training plan (I'm partial to Hal Higdon's ones myself) they're free and he has them for every level of runner.

    Nip Strips, Body Glide, Chamois Cream - all those TMI things no one talks about. Then you learn the hard way...
  • dolliesdaughter
    dolliesdaughter Posts: 544 Member
    I love Higdon plans. I followed it to the T for my first half and I have no complaints. I went from no running at all in Aug 2014 and ran the Pgh 1\2 marathon in May 2015.
  • dolliesdaughter
    dolliesdaughter Posts: 544 Member
    I never had bleeding nips.
  • spiriteagle99
    spiriteagle99 Posts: 3,745 Member
    Spend the next few months gradually increasing your base mileage. 13 miles is a lot easier if you are used to doing 35 mpw than if you are only doing 20. Do a couple of short races - 5ks and 10ks if you can find them. They are good practice for race day nerves and race execution. Three months before your race, start a 12 week plan. As stated above, Higdon's are great for first timers. You don't have to do a novice plan if your base mileage is good.
  • RunnerGirl238
    RunnerGirl238 Posts: 448 Member
    What everyone said is great advice.

    Find socks that work for you. Balega makes great ones. Also, figure out your fuel during your long runs. GU, espresso flavored is great. It is all trial and error.

    Welcome to the club. You will become addicted to it!
  • X100KLS1992
    X100KLS1992 Posts: 82 Member
    My first one is in April. Good luck.

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