First half-marathon in two weeks...

AABru

There will be water stations on the course. Read the race website to figure out what miles you can expect these. Sometimes they will supply Gu or gels. If not - I usually bring jelly beans, gu, or clif bars (I like to eat real food when I run). Ideally you would have incorporated some of this fueling business into your training runs so you know what sits well with you and what doesn't. It takes a lot of trial and error. Good luck!

I like fruit when I run...but it seems silly to run with a banana or apple in my hand, and without a back pack or fanny pack (and no pockets), I don't know how else to transport!

You normally wear a pack? Then wear one. If it doesn't bother you, go for it. Wear whatever you're used to wearing; eat whatever you're used to eating. I wouldn't go for something new on race day. I made that mistake on my first one... tried Gatorade on the morning of the race. Had always trained with water. Almost barfed up my sharkies lol.

That is a great mental picture.

CarsonRuns

Suppose you're blocking the way, and someone is trying to get by, or maybe they are in the process of passing and you veer out in front of them because you don't hear them. What are they supposed to do : call you on your cellphone to say "on your left" ? Send you a text to say "w@tch 0ut, ur N my w@y" ?

This made me snicker. :laugh:

Right on the money though.

brandyk77

First half-marathon in two weeks...

When I signed up for my first run (still in the future) I was super-happy to see that not only were headphones/earphones not allowed, they were considered grounds for disqualification. I do a weekly casual 5k run with many hundreds of people, partly on trails. And I've gotta say that wearing headphones on a crowded run is PF obnoxious.

Suppose you're blocking the way, and someone is trying to get by, or maybe they are in the process of passing and you veer out in front of them because you don't hear them. What are they supposed to do : call you on your cellphone to say "on your left" ? Send you a text to say "w@tch 0ut, ur N my w@y" ?

This made me laugh

I have seen people get disqualified for not adhering to the rules. As the race directors have every right to.

MichelleSwinehart

Eat something light the morning of your race. At least an hour or 2 before race time. Things to try, Peanut butter toast, oatmeal or a banana. As for water and anything else. Drink at the water stops. Even if you don't feel you need the water....it will help you! As for the Gatorade or Powerade they offer, have you been drinking or using this during your training? If no, then do not take it when its offered to you. Just the water. Most races will have GU available too. Good luck to you!!

blasab11

I just ran my first 1/2 this past weekend and I will echo---whatever you did during your practice runs, do the day of the race--down to the clothes you wear. I tried some new socks...and 8 blisters later.....

I ran my last two long runs w/my fuel belt. I got a very light one that just had a strap for two water jugs (ended up only taking one--they had so many water stops along the course) and slits for my gu (which I also used during my last two long runs to make sure they didn't give me...."issues".

I was used to running with a very light zip up--so I went and bought a super cheap one for $5 that I wasn't going to be afraid to lose in case it got crazy hot--didn't end up needing it so was able to strip it off and give to my hubs before the race even started.

oh hat. i wish i had worn a hat. the sun beating directly on your face for over 13 miles...was NOT fun, led to a lot of dehydration and swelling (my hands looked freakish). I never practiced running in the heat...because I hate it and now I wish I had.

And I guess that's all the advice I have. I'm no expert by any means. That was my first half and 3 months ago, I couldn't even run 60 seconds without crying, so take the advice for what it's worth. Good luck and oh ya, have fun! (kinda forgot to do that during my run).