First Half-Marathon. Any tips?

Great post here on this:
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/279198-running-tip-so-you-are-about-to-do-your-first-race?hl=first+race

The number 1 most awesome tip someone gave me for my first half was: Don't get so wrapped up in your pace or overall time. Remember to look around and don't miss the experience of what is happening around you. Interact with the crowd, have fun, let yourself get overwhelmed with the whole experience. There will be plenty of times to break your PR but you only get to run your first one once.

Hey Pam,

I'm running my first in two Sundays on the 30th of March, I've been using Hal's 12 week plan as a guide too, I've run many races but not a HM so can't really speak from experience but you should carb up the night before remember to taper off the week prior to the race, the adrenaline will be flowing so careful not start fast pace yourself I'm sure you have an avg per mile time in your head so that's your goal and if you feel it pick up the pace later in the race.

Good luck friend!

Hal Higdon's plans are GREAT! Follow it closely. Definitely ease up on the weights a couple of days in advance. You want your energy tank full on race day. A couple of tips:

1. NOTHING NEW on race day. No new shoes, different nutrition, clothing, etc. If you haven't tried it successfully before the race, don't do it during the race.

2. START SLOW. Everyone goes out too fast (ok, almost everyone) and it will screw up your race. Know your pace and start slightly below it. Build as you go if you feel you have it in you.

3. Don't worry about everyone else. You are out there for you. There may be some world class runners in the group and there may be some walkers. Odds are you are somewhere in between, so who cares how fast everyone else is. (Unless, of course, you are running behind a really cute butt, in which case try to keep up!)

4. Enjoy yourself. If you run it right, you are going to wonder what the hell you were thinking around mile 11. But when they put the finishers medal on your neck you are going to start thinking about when the next race is. Take your time, smell the roses and enjoy your achievement.

Best of luck. We'll be rooting for you!

Hal Higdon's plans are GREAT! Follow it closely. Definitely ease up on the weights a couple of days in advance. You want your energy tank full on race day. A couple of tips:

1. NOTHING NEW on race day. No new shoes, different nutrition, clothing, etc. If you haven't tried it successfully before the race, don't do it during the race.

2. START SLOW. Everyone goes out too fast (ok, almost everyone) and it will screw up your race. Know your pace and start slightly below it. Build as you go if you feel you have it in you.

3. Don't worry about everyone else. You are out there for you. There may be some world class runners in the group and there may be some walkers. Odds are you are somewhere in between, so who cares how fast everyone else is. (Unless, of course, you are running behind a really cute butt, in which case try to keep up!)

4. Enjoy yourself. If you run it right, you are going to wonder what the hell you were thinking around mile 11. But when they put the finishers medal on your neck you are going to start thinking about when the next race is. Take your time, smell the roses and enjoy your achievement.

Best of luck. We'll be rooting for you!

Wish there was a like button for this!

The number 1 most awesome tip someone gave me for my first half was: Don't get so wrapped up in your pace or overall time. Remember to look around and don't miss the experience of what is happening around you. Interact with the crowd, have fun, let yourself get overwhelmed with the whole experience. There will be plenty of times to break your PR but you only get to run your first one once.

Yes, what this guy said!

Make sure you focus on enjoying the experience!

Aside from this, the only suggestion I have is that you run the race as you have trained for your long runs. This is what your body is used to.

As for the weights? I say you should taper there just as you taper with the runs.

Have fun and enjoy!

I'll be here cheering you on gorgeous!!

Good advice here.

I've run a few. Here's my thoughts.

1: I'd say that the "don't go out fast" comment is the most important one for your first race. 13.1 is a long way & you don't want to burn your energy up too early.
2: Do practically NOTHING new on race day! no new food, no new clothes, no new shoes, nothing!!
2a: Don't eat a bunch of food the night before the race.. You don't want to be running from one porta-poty to the next the whole race!!
3: Get there a little early to pee. You & a thousand other people will be excited & the lines will be long
4: Hydrate like crazy starting at least 3 days before the race - water water water, & drink water along the way. I skip the gator-aid but that's just me.
5: You'll need energy along the way. Hopefully you've already figured out what your stomach can handle while running. GU works for me. Chocolate or Vanilla Bean. Peanut butter is too sticky to try & swallow & run.
6: If it's cool start out wearing a cheap outer layer you can toss along the way after you warm up... think Goodwill
7: When you have to spit make sure no one is right behind you
8: A+D first aid ointment will keep you from chafing in places that you don't want rubbed raw.. use it BEFORE the race!!

PM me if you have any other questions.

Most of all though, enjoy it!!! There's only one first half. Have fun & around mile 11 when you're feeling sore & tired questioning your sanity,,,, just hang in there, you're almost finished!!!!!!