10 Things I Wish I'd Known About Half Marathons & Training

Thanks for the advice! I signed up for my first half about a month ago, it's in September

Great tips! I have my 4th half in a few weeks and am going to do my first full this fall.

Along with the hydrating tip...GUI and chews work amazing for the really long runs. I didn't use them until the 10 mile mark.

I am also a believer that you should NOT stop training at the 10 mile mark...go for 12! I know a lot of beginner programs say 10 and if your goal is simply to finish then that is fine but if you want to finish strong, go for 12. Sure u can make it at 10 but atleast in my experience, running 12 miles makes you realize what it really feels like to run a half marathon and since the mental aspect is important, just go for it.

Half marathons are extremely addictive and fun! Anyone in doubt should sign up. You will be so proud of yourself that you.

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My first half is in November and my first 10k is tomorrow. These are awesome tips.

My first 10K is today as well! Getting ready now. Good luck to you!

I'm training for my first half as well, great tips, especially the stuff for the knees! Thanks.

Good luck to you both!
Let us know how it went

Any suggestions on how to approach that run after taking a nice long bike ride and not stopping for a rest in between?

My first sprint triathlon I got a bad cramp near my groin. I had to do the 3K at the end mostly walking. I thought I'd pulled something but the problem disappeared so quickly afterwards I decided it was a cramp. The next tri, I made sure to stay more hydrated, kept up with the glucose packets and power jelly beans, and also got up off the seat of the bike every once in awhile to let the blood circulate "down there". It made a big difference and since then I've been able to run more of the last leg.

Two other tips on tris in case you haven't done them before, both of which will save you about 5 mins. on your transition time. Remember where you racked your bike so you can find it when you get out of the water, and remember to put on your bike helmet so you don't have to go back and get it! Oops.

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Fantastic information! Thanks for sharing.

This is exactly the advice I needed! I have my first half coming up in September and started my training with a 3k run today. Thanks for all the tips! I will definitely keep them in mind.

Bump- signing up for half marathon in November!

I just completed a half marathon, and its training.

I did:

Monday- rest
Tuesday- 4-8mile run
Wednesday- gym sesh including HIIT but focusing on mixture of core, leg, back exercises for strength and power.
Thursday 4-8mile run
Friday- gym sesh
Saturday- rest
Sunday- 8-10mile run


Tips I have found out during training:

- Cut all the tags off your clothes, as once you do 8miles plus this can seriously rub and cut your skin!

- Have a pair of trainers for 10k runs, and a pair for the longer runs. Feet can SERIOUSLY get sore!

- STRETCH. Its so easy after running for 2hours to sit on your butt and skip it.

-water water water water. I have had numerous of headaches due to not drinking enough water. Now that I have finished the marathon a few weeks ago, I still keep drinking the same amount. I drink around 15-20 cups a day! Although it is not ideal to some, I always carry a bottle of water with me on runs now.

-Try keeping the longer runs at night time. I tried doing some 10milers in the morning, and found that the rest of the day I was seriously slacking off, and had to go for naps.

- DO NOT eat bananas. Seriously. You will regret it.

- Only use energy gels for runs over 10 miles. They sit funny in the stomach, and are not worth the calories on a shorter run.

- On long run days, it is good to eat plenty. The main reason why I took up running!!!

I did my first 10k this past March, and it was the best experience ever! It was so much fun, and having everyone cheering you on was so encouraging. I managed to finish in 53 minutes, but I did a good bit of training before hand. I definitely could have done better though, and I'm currently training for a 5k in July.

As far as asthma and running--inhale through the nose, exhale through the mouth. I do thisy ear round, even when it's not cold. Long, deep breaths. If you are panting or feel short of breath, slow your pace. Exhaling through the mouth will force moist air into your mouth, helping you to not feel thirsty due to dry mouth.

I carry a bottle with me--good exercise for your arms, and take a good mouthfulof water every mile or so. I switch the bottle back and forth ech time I take a drink so both arms get that little workout. The bottle I carry on long runs is 32 ounces, so it's like having a weight in my hand.

The bottle of water is what is keeping your mouth wet, not the breathing. I usually run without one (for under 10 miles). When I exhaled through my mouth, it was dry after a couple of miles. When I keep it closed and breathe in and out through my nose, the mouth stays moist.

- DO NOT eat bananas. Seriously. You will regret it.

- Only use energy gels for runs over 10 miles. They sit funny in the stomach, and are not worth the calories on a shorter run.

This probably depends on the individual - I've eaten bananas before I run many times with no problems, and I never have problems with GU - I take it on any run 7-8 miles or longer., generally every 45 min.

I only ever eat bananas before I run. I haven't tried GUs or anything. I barely drink during my long runs. I try to drink enough water 2-3 hours before my long run and then go to the washroom a ton of times prior to my run.

I love the half marathon distance. Long enough to make it a challenge but it doesn't beat you down for days and weeks afterward. Ultimately, I exercise to maintain my weight loss and while I enjoy running, I know that I need to do some form of exercise most days in order to "maintain." I don't do well with rest days.

As far as asthma and running--inhale through the nose, exhale through the mouth. I do thisy ear round, even when it's not cold. Long, deep breaths. If you are panting or feel short of breath, slow your pace. Exhaling through the mouth will force moist air into your mouth, helping you to not feel thirsty due to dry mouth.

I carry a bottle with me--good exercise for your arms, and take a good mouthfulof water every mile or so. I switch the bottle back and forth ech time I take a drink so both arms get that little workout. The bottle I carry on long runs is 32 ounces, so it's like having a weight in my hand.

The bottle of water is what is keeping your mouth wet, not the breathing. I usually run without one (for under 10 miles). When I exhaled through my mouth, it was dry after a couple of miles. When I keep it closed and breathe in and out through my nose, the mouth stays moist.

I disagree. I drink because Keeping hydrated when you're out in 80 degree heat is important, not because my mouth is dry.

Also I feel like I can fully exhale through my mouth. I never feel like Imcompletely empty my lungs through my nose.

I guess the message for others is try both ways and see what your preference is. This is another one of those things where different things work for different people and we are both sure what we do makes perfect sense. :happy: