My first HALF marathon!
jay10587
Posts: 57 Member
Hi there! I just signed up for my first half marathon on October 27th. I have completed three 5ks this year. I have started a new training program as of Monday.
Just looking for others who have either completed a half marathon, or are signed up for their first one!
Looking for tips, motivation and support!
I am SUPERRRRRR excited but also a little nervous!
Add me!
Just looking for others who have either completed a half marathon, or are signed up for their first one!
Looking for tips, motivation and support!
I am SUPERRRRRR excited but also a little nervous!
Add me!
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Replies
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Bump0
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Congrats!!
I have done 4 half marathons. Hal Higdon's training programs helped me immensely- the only suggestion that I have is to make sure you do at least one training run that is 12-13 miles. The longest run in the Novice 1 is 10 miles- and let me tell you, that is where I started feeling the pain during my first half.
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Congrats!!
I have done 4 half marathons. Hal Higdon's training programs helped me immensely- the only suggestion that I have is to make sure you do at least one training run that is 12-13 miles. The longest run in the Novice 1 is 10 miles- and let me tell you, that is where I started feeling the pain during my first half.
http://www.halhigdon.com/training/51130/Half-Marathon-Training-Guide0 -
Awesome! Obviously, the half is going to be way different than the 5K, both physically and the overall atmosphere. Stick to your training plan, and remember - it's not "just a half marathon." It is more than what the majority of people do, and it's a huge accomplishment. Once you train to "finish," you can start having fun with beating PRs and stuff.
FR sent 0 -
Thank you both!!0
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Good luck to you! I'd like to be able to run a half someday and also have the far off goal of a marathon:) Train hard and have fun!0
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I haven't signed up yet (due to $ issues lol!) but I'm planning on doing my first half (the Detroit Freep International Half) On October 20th. So nervous! I've ran several 5ks, a couple of 4 milers and one 10K....I really wasn't planning on attempting a half until next year, but during the 10K some ladies were putting the idea in my head. Then the day that I seriously started considering it, I got a magazine in the mail that fell open to the page headlined "you CAN run a half marathon" and included a training plan. Soooo..while I'd probably be better off using one of the more popular training plans, I'm going with the one in the magazine, just because it's like fate haha! Good luck to you!0
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Feel free to add me. I am using a half marathon running program to train for The Beast On The Bay. So far it has been a real journey.0
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Awesome! Obviously, the half is going to be way different than the 5K, both physically and the overall atmosphere. Stick to your training plan, and remember - it's not "just a half marathon." It is more than what the majority of people do, and it's a huge accomplishment. Once you train to "finish," you can start having fun with beating PRs and stuff.
FR sent
I forgot that rule during yesterday's run. Train to finish first.0 -
I haven't done one yet. I hope to within the next 2.5 years, but right now I'm only running 2.25 miles.Congrats!!
I have done 4 half marathons. Hal Higdon's training programs helped me immensely- the only suggestion that I have is to make sure you do at least one training run that is 12-13 miles. The longest run in the Novice 1 is 10 miles- and let me tell you, that is where I started feeling the pain during my first half.
http://www.halhigdon.com/training/51130/Half-Marathon-Training-Guide
Anyways, I've heard wonderful things about Hal Higdon's programs. That's what I plan to use when I finish my 10k training program.
There's some great race tips here: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/279198-running-tip-so-you-are-about-to-do-your-first-race?0 -
Congrats! This is super exciting! I loooooved my first half marathon. I've done six halves, one full, and a dozen other shorter distances. The half is my absolute favorite distance. Here are my tips...
1. Treat your long runs like practice runs for race day so you can find out what works. Experiment on what to eat for breakfast, how long before you run to eat breakfast, what fuel to use during the run, what clothes are most comfortable, etc.
2. If you have a time goal, run with a pace group. But you don't need a time goal for your first half. It's an automatic PR! So have fun with this one and set a time goal for the next one.
3. Run outside as much as possible. Running outside feels way different from running on a treadmill.
4. Buy Body Glide. Use it anywhere you chafe.
5. If you live near the course, run it (or parts of it) during a training run so you're familiar with it. If you don't live near it, check out the course profile on the website and run something similar (hills, curves, etc)
6. I'd recommend your longest run be at least 12 miles. Some plans only go to 10, but I always do at least 12. It gives me more confidence that I can complete the distance.
7. Make sure you have been fitted for good shoes at your local running store and replace them when they recommend (usually between 300 - 500 miles).
8. Don't try anything new on race day. Practice a long run in the clothes you're going to wear on race day. Eat the same breakfast the mornings of the long run that you're going to eat on race day. Try to start a couple of your long runs at the same time the race is going to start (i.e. the race is at 8 a.m., start your long runs at 8 a.m.)
9. Don't skip the cross training days. Having a strong core is important for endurance running.
10.On race day, you're going to start out too fast in the excitement of the race. Get it in check quickly so you won't burn out at the end. Sprint to the finish!
11. And this is super important... Smile for the cameras!!! I have some super horrid race photos from a few races were I wasn't paying attention, but I also have some really great photos from races where I was on the look out for the cameras. You'll totally appreciate these photos many years from now (horrid or not).
12. The post-race beer and the post-race shower are two of the most amazing feelings in the entire world. Savor the race and the post-race celebration... You earned it.
Good luck and have fun! Send a friend request if you'd like to chat more 0 -
Good luck! The best thing about a first half marathon (or first of any race) is that it is a PR!
I did my first half marathon a little more than 5 years ago. I am now training for my 23rd half marathon.
A few things I wish I knew the first time I trained for and ran a half marathon:
1. Walking is not a weakness. Sometimes you need a walk break. For my first half marathon I was determined not to walk at all. I pushed myself too hard. Funny thing is, once I got over my fear of walk breaks I got faster.
2. Drink Gatorade (or something of that sort). I trained for my first half marathon with only drinking water. I was over 200 pounds and wanted to lose weight with my running so I figured that it was counterproductive to drink back the calories in Gatorade (I didn't even know anything about G2). I had horrible headaches after my long runs from dehydration. They feel an awful lot like hangover headaches. I would drink more water to try and get rid of the headache. Finally a friend convinced me that I needed the sodium and to try Gatorade. She's a med student, so I trusted her and it helped tremendously.
3. Gu (or shot blocks, or chomps, etc) may be your friend. I knew very little about Gu when training for my first half. I thought it was one of those things for elite runners - something I was far from. While some runners don't feel like a half marathon is a distance that requires Gu or anything of the like, I use Gu and it helps me. Maybe because I am overweight and slow my body needs it whereas a slim runner who can easily do a half in less that 1:30 doesn't find it necessary. Without Gu, my legs feel really heavy for the last 4 miles or so. I have yet to find someone who takes Gu as frequently as the package recommends (granted I don't quiz many people about their Gu-taking strategy). For a half marathon I will go through 2 packets of Gu. My stomach tends to hate me if I have a whole packet at once, so I take a half pack around miles 4, 6, 8, and 10. Everyone has a different Gu strategy, so experiment during your long runs and find what works for you.
If you have any questions feel free to ask.0 -
Jay well done for entering, and good luck, stick to the plan slow and steady that's the key,
Crista, if this helps I've done 13 halfs & 1 full (London), today my wife ran 2.75 miles for the 3rd time today she decided to run a marathon next year and entered a half marathon in October this year, she is 50 and about 45lbs overweight.
From my experience she will do both no problem at all.
If she can YOU can0 -
I did my first half this year. The only big thing I wish I did was look at the course more before the race. There was a big, big hill at mile 9 and after that 10 - 13 just were horrible. I also got lost and ended up doing over 14 miles. oops.0
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I did my first half marathon last October, and I've signed up for the same race this coming October! Feel free to add me for running support! There are a lot of great tips here, and I don't really have anything new to add, so I'm just going to reiterate the ones I really wish had been stressed to me prior to the race.
1. Walk breaks are not bad! Sometimes just taking that minute walk break means you can run faster/further than going continuously at the slower pace.
2. Body Glide - buy it!!!!
3. Gatorade does make a big difference from just water. On my long runs I take some water, and some Gatorade with me. I really like the G2 because it's low in calories but still tastes great.
4. Save a little something for the finish line. Greatest feeling is being able to sprint the last 400m towards it, as that's where the most spectators are and you want to show off a bit for them!
***5. Get fitted properly for good shoes. They aren't always cheap, but given the potential injuries you could develop with out them, they're well worth the money.***0 -
I'm thinking of doing my first 1/2 in October as well. I graduated C25k in February, but I think I can do it if I focus. I was thinking of one in January, but the one in October is more convenient to where I live and run - and it's on an old rail trail (out and back) so it's FLAT. However, the thought makes me hyperventilate a tad.0
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Hal Higdon plans all the way! You will love it. I have done two. 0
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I have my first half October 26. I've got Hal Higdon's Novice 2 plan printed out and ready to go. I've done plenty of 5K's and 10K's and a few tris, but this is my longest distance yet, so I'm excited to get to it!0
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I just completed my first 10K and that made me feel like maybe i can do a half marathon. I am thinking maybe next spring because we have a really nice one here then.
I have not totally decided but i have time. I will just keep running and slowly build up and see, it's nice to have a goal to work towards.0 -
Runner's World has lots of tips too. If you're trying to figure out pacing strategies, here's an interesting "how to" from them: http://www.runnersworld.com/race-training/how-pace-your-first-half-or-full-marathon?cm_mmc=Pinterest-_-RunnersWorld-_-Content-Training-_-PaceYourFirstFullHalfMarathon0
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I would it was fate! I was planning on doing this one next March but the day I found it, was 4 days before it was going to go up in price and they are having a 5k the same day, which my dad is going to run...so to me, this one was like fate! :drinker: Good luck to you as well and feel free to add me!0
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Congrats! This is super exciting! I loooooved my first half marathon. I've done six halves, one full, and a dozen other shorter distances. The half is my absolute favorite distance. Here are my tips...
1. Treat your long runs like practice runs for race day so you can find out what works. Experiment on what to eat for breakfast, how long before you run to eat breakfast, what fuel to use during the run, what clothes are most comfortable, etc.
2. If you have a time goal, run with a pace group. But you don't need a time goal for your first half. It's an automatic PR! So have fun with this one and set a time goal for the next one.
3. Run outside as much as possible. Running outside feels way different from running on a treadmill.
4. Buy Body Glide. Use it anywhere you chafe.
5. If you live near the course, run it (or parts of it) during a training run so you're familiar with it. If you don't live near it, check out the course profile on the website and run something similar (hills, curves, etc)
6. I'd recommend your longest run be at least 12 miles. Some plans only go to 10, but I always do at least 12. It gives me more confidence that I can complete the distance.
7. Make sure you have been fitted for good shoes at your local running store and replace them when they recommend (usually between 300 - 500 miles).
8. Don't try anything new on race day. Practice a long run in the clothes you're going to wear on race day. Eat the same breakfast the mornings of the long run that you're going to eat on race day. Try to start a couple of your long runs at the same time the race is going to start (i.e. the race is at 8 a.m., start your long runs at 8 a.m.)
9. Don't skip the cross training days. Having a strong core is important for endurance running.
10.On race day, you're going to start out too fast in the excitement of the race. Get it in check quickly so you won't burn out at the end. Sprint to the finish!
11. And this is super important... Smile for the cameras!!! I have some super horrid race photos from a few races were I wasn't paying attention, but I also have some really great photos from races where I was on the look out for the cameras. You'll totally appreciate these photos many years from now (horrid or not).
12. The post-race beer and the post-race shower are two of the most amazing feelings in the entire world. Savor the race and the post-race celebration... You earned it.
Good luck and have fun! Send a friend request if you'd like to chat more
This is great! Thanks!!!!0 -
Congratulations! I hope to be posting about training for my first 1/2 one day, but first I need to get the 10K distance. LOL! Good luck!!0
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I've only done 5K's, but I recently signed up for a half on September 28. I've just started training for it, and the longest run I've ever done was 5.5 miles last Sunday. I have a lot of work ahead of me, but I'm pretty happy with my progress so far. I'm using a free program I downloaded from Runkeeper. Friend requests from runners are welcome!0
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I just started my running career in January, and have run a couple 10k's and a half marathon since! The key to warming up to the idea of distance running, for me at least, was doing intervals. I run 10 min, walk 1 min, and repeat the process. I got up to 18k this way, increasing distance by a couple kilometers every week (btw, thinking strictly in kilometers makes running MUCH more satisfying) until the half was no big deal I don't run very quickly, and sit at a consistent 9.5 min mile. Races are SO much fun, though, and the whole spirit of the day and feeling of accomplishment makes it all a great experience! Best advice I can give you...find a running buddy who will stick with it. It's way more fun with others. 0
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I'm doing my first hal on 6 Oct. I started running properly in Nove last year and this was the first race I signed up for. I've recently one a 1 mile and 2 mile race and doing 3 miles on Friday (part of a race series) just to get used to doing timed races with otehrs. I also periodically do Parkrun, which is great fun.
I decided to do the half to raise money for a cancer charity that supported my Dad in his last months earlier this year - this is my motivation to train and run it. Having said that I want to do more halfs in the future (not even completed this one yet), but won't be raising money in the future.
I did my longest distance ever last night - 6 miles - loved it. I'm following a runkeeper plan and findings it great. Add me if you want 0 -
Doing my first half at the end of September. Done many 5k and 10k distances so far [not official races, just round my local area].
Looking forward to it.0 -
I've completed 5 half marathons, so great choice! While I am not the fastest runner out there, I enjoyed every one of them.
+1 for Hal Higdon's traning programs, they helped me immensely. Dont eat/drink/wear anything new the day of, make sure you hydrate and practice the energy booster you'll be using for the race (my favorite is chocolate outrage gu, tastes like chocolate icing).
Good luck, I am sure you'll do an excellent job!0 -
Good luck Jay!
I'm also training for my first half marathon on October 13th.
I'm running for 15 years but only last 2 years I started to go over 5k on single run. I've run few 5k, one 10k and I'm on week 4 of Hal Higdon's Novice half marathon program.
Before this one I finished HH's 10k Novice program just to get base miles.
What to say - stick with the plan and nail this HM! 0 -
Good luck Jay!I haven't signed up yet (due to $ issues lol!) but I'm planning on doing my first half (the Detroit Freep International Half) On October 20th. So nervous! I've ran several 5ks, a couple of 4 milers and one 10K....I really wasn't planning on attempting a half until next year, but during the 10K some ladies were putting the idea in my head. Then the day that I seriously started considering it, I got a magazine in the mail that fell open to the page headlined "you CAN run a half marathon" and included a training plan. Soooo..while I'd probably be better off using one of the more popular training plans, I'm going with the one in the magazine, just because it's like fate haha! Good luck to you!
I ran the Detroit half in 2009 (well, it was really a run/walk using Jeff Galloway's training plan) and loved it! My favorite part was running through Windsor. My goal is to be able to do another half marathon next year, possibly Charleviox in June. I've heard that it is a very scenic course and I love the Petoskey/Charlevoix area! Good luck in Detroit!0
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