1/2 Marathon tips needed please

JennS19

I'm going to go to a running store in the next few weeks and get fitted properly. I'm excited to get some new shoes!

pverbarg

Another thing I've done which has worked well for me is seeking out a training program. My area has LOTS of them - between local community running clubs, some of the running stores, YMCA's, and even community health programs. They are great with helping you stick to the plan! Many also have pace groups to help you stick with the training pace you are looking for in your goals! Just look for one that's friendly to runners and walkers of all levels!

draculaspointer

I started running in April doing something like C25K, only without the real program. Just kinda naturally did it.

Oct 21 I ran my first half marathon which went up a mountain, then back down right in the middle. it was a tough race!

My advice:
1. Buy technical fabrics! I ran in cotton for the first month. Never again. Now I have a whole dresser of running clothes and often wear running shirts in lieu of normal tee shirts. They are so comfy!

2. Get good shoes as everyone has said. But also remember what works when you are first starting out might not be the right shoe a few months down the road. As you lose weight, correct running form, increase pace, increase strength...your gait may change a little. So get re-evaluated every time you get new shoes, at least until you "settle in" as a runner. I have been through 3 different types since April.

3. Bring TP everywhere you go if there are not public restrooms! I cant tell you how many times this has saved me. Sure, there may be a bathroom at mile 8...but I need to go NOW at mile 7. Oh well.

4. As you increase your mileage, you may find a day where you feel completely drained. My first 8 mile run, at mile 7 I felt like I needed some fuel. I struggled through the last mile. After that I started carrying "food". I usually carry GU bloks (mainly for fiancee) and dried fruit for myself. If you ran out of gas at mile 7 last time, try eating a little bit at mile 6. After a while, I no longer needed the food. Your body will adjust and become more efficient. I ran the half with only a piece of dried pineapple (about 15 calories) and water. I probably could have done better if I ate more, but I didnt feel the need. Listen to your body.

5. If your body hurts, try to figure out what hurts. Mainly, is is muscles (and can usually be worked out), or is it ligament/bone (which require RICE). This was very difficult for me to do, probably because Im stubborn and my calendar said 10 miles so I need to run it. I should have taken a day off, a few times. Treat your body well during training, after all, you are expecting it to carry you 13.1 miles!

6. Sign up for races in between. Get used to the environment of racing, how to pace yourself when there are tons of people zigging in and out of the crowd, and how to "kick" at the finish. Also remember, if the race has finishers photos, SMILE!

7. Learn to like pasta/carbs. Once I started doing 10+ mile runs on Sunday, pasta became my family's Saturday night dinner. Since we are both runners, and run together, it wasnt too much of a pain. But if there are kids involved, the same old same old might not fly.

8. Hydrate! If you wait to drink until the run/race, you are too late. Drink plenty of water every day, whether you are running or not. Your body will like you more.

9. Try to go potty before leaving home. If not possible, definitely bring TP.

10. The taper period sucks, but you are not alone. I think most runners hate it. But it is there for a good reason, and your body will thank you on race day for the break.

11. Recovery : This is tough for me. After my last half, I was signed up for a 5K the week after, and another half 3 weeks after (This Sunday)...so I didnt have a lot of time to rest. I walked for 2 days, then did a slow run, then a normal run before the 5K. I PR'd the 5k by 3 minutes without thinking too hard about it. Then I did 8 more miles of slow running that day. I did one week of normal training, then I got a cold. It sucks getting sick the week before a race! I still plan on running the half this weekend, just might need a lot of tissues to get through it. Anyways, that was my "recovery"...but my fiance took a whole week off running, then ran the 5K, then took the next week at 50% mileage, and this week at 25% mileage. Point is, everyone recovers different. As long as you listen to your body, you should be fine.

Oh also!!!!! I would not have survived all this running without epsom salt baths! I highly recommend it!

but most importantly, have fun! Take pride that every week you are doing what you couldnt do the week before. It isnt all about the actual race, the training means a lot and is something to be proud of. It takes commitment and dedication and hard (sometimes painful) work.