1/2 Marathon Training Support / Tips

Serenifly
Serenifly Posts: 669 Member
edited September 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
I'm on end of week two training for my half marathon. I bought an Iphone App 1/2 Marathon ... and it's helped me get a plan together ... 4 days a week running, first two weeks are 1 day easy run (30 - 50 minutes) Then 1 day intervals (40 - 60 minutes)

then it goes up to 50 - 90 minutes and so on and so on .,.. I'm finding it helpful, I bought a running band for my Iphone for 5$ on Ebay and this app tracks my runs and has playlists for songs that I create etc ... its' handy ...

My run date is May 1st ... (I also booked a budoir photo shoot for the day before to keep me Ultra Motivated!) ... so just looking for fellow trainers, and anyone who's done a half to give out tips and pointers

Replies

  • RaeannePemberton
    RaeannePemberton Posts: 382 Member
    congrats! will this be your first long race? i did a few other long ones (10k and 15k) to help prepare myself. you are going to love how it feels to run a half... it was the best day of my life yet. just stick to the training and start writing down what you do each week so you can have a record to look back on. i always use hal higdon's training... it's timeless. good luck to you! :-)
  • cheangela
    cheangela Posts: 173
    YAAAAY! The 1/2 Marathon is my favorite distance EVER! I hope you grow to love it as well!

    My only advice: Don't chafe off anything you might want later.
  • GrandmaGayle
    GrandmaGayle Posts: 5 Member
    Congrats on your training and your first half marathon. I have done a few and the training can get to be a little much, but just keep at it. All the hard work you put into the training will be worth it in the end...crossing that finish line is the best feeling...be prepared to be emotional. I am also training for a half in April. Good Luck and make sure you keep posting on your training...
  • Serenifly
    Serenifly Posts: 669 Member
    Thanks ... I did a 13 KM last year, 100% uphill on trails ... that's the longest I've done, It's my legs that will give out on me before my lungs ... do you think strength training legs on rest days is a good idea? to eliminate soreness in knees etc?
  • Serenifly
    Serenifly Posts: 669 Member
    My only advice: Don't chafe off anything you might want later.

    what do you mean by this? sorry lol I really don't know ...
  • realredhead
    realredhead Posts: 14
    Hi!!
    I just finished my third half marathon yesterday in New Orleans. I'm pretty damn sore today!! HAHAH!!
    I also did a full in November in San Antonio.

    One of the main things you should know: LEARN WHAT YOUR BODY NEEDS DURING TRAINING ( in regards to Gu, Sport Beans, Gatorade)
    NEVER EVER try anything new on the day of the race. You don't want to spend your time in the port o potty!!

    The chafing sucks. I found a new place yesterday after my race. Just find some chafing preventiion like Body Glide to prevent that if you're having problems.!!

    Let me know if you need anything!!
  • Serenifly
    Serenifly Posts: 669 Member
    hmmm so is the chaffing only in private areas?! didn't even think about that! hmmmmmmm
  • realredhead
    realredhead Posts: 14
    Oh no. I get it at my bra strap line that goes over my shoulder, and sometimes on my back. This weekend I got it mid sternum area, as I had to put my Gu in my bra and the package rubbed....I use sports shield, but I was up so early, i forgot a few areas!
  • Celo24
    Celo24 Posts: 566 Member
    My only advice: Don't chafe off anything you might want later.

    what do you mean by this? sorry lol I really don't know ...

    I think what she's talking about is not actual chafing, but throwing away clothes. Many times during half-marathons (and full marathons for that matter), people will get hot, remove an article of clothing and throw it on the side of the road. Generally, the race sponsor picks all that stuff up afterwards and donates it to a homeless shelter or something like that. So, if you are going to wear extra layers, don't throw away anything you actually like because you are most likely not going to get it back.
  • CarterGrt
    CarterGrt Posts: 289 Member
    I am training with a group at my office for our first 1/2 on 3/27. We just did 9.5 miles this last Saturday. I think there are a few things that I would suggest based on my training thus far:
    1) Get to a real shoe store (I went to Luke's Locker) and get fitted for a really good pair of running shoes. Don't spend any time training in shoes that aren't right for you. I really liked the consultation and suggestions and feel that these shoes have been a big help in keeping me healthy and running.
    2) Go ahead and pick up some running socks too. Don't run in cotton socks. Get some good ones that wick away sweat and provide some additional support. These will really help you prevent blisters along with the shoes. They can cost ~$10 per pair, but I think they are worth it and they seem to last forever.
    3) Don't make your training plan too complicated that it is difficult to stick with it. We do two team runs during the week (Mon and Wed) and a personal run/walk day on Thursday and then our team long run on Saturday morning.
    4) Put some other races on your calendar as part of your training. We did a 5k and a 10k as part of our training and these races were fun and kept us focused and worked nicely into our training calendar/plan.
    5) Don't run on a treadmill if you can get outside. You really need to be outside to work out all the muscles you need. You just can't do all your training on a treadmill.

    Optional:
    1) A heart reate monitor with GPS. I really like this as it gives a wealth of information to look at after the run. Many models available. They can be pricy and you don't need it, but I am glad that I have mine. It also helps when you are tracking calories as you will burn LOTS of calories on your long run days. I burned more than 1400 calories on my 9.5 mile race last week. So, the HRM will help you know how much to eat back, etc.
    2) Don't know where you live, but I would break down and get some dedicated running clothes. Compression pants or tights or running pants. Dry wick fiber shirts. I started looking for sales and picked up all this stuff pretty cheap, but I really like this rather than running in wind pants and cotton t-shirts. And, for a guy, cotton t-shirts can sand-paper on your nipples (sorry to be gross) so these shirts are a real improvement. As a woman, I can't help you with benefits of the clothese, but I think the wicking away of sweat might be enough reason.
    3) I would start to look around at how runners carry water and start to find a system that you might want to try. When you get around the 10 mile mark, you will probably want to carry some water and there are several different ways to go about it. I just bought a belt that looks like Batman with two little water bottles and a little pouch for food, keys, etc.

    Finally, I have really enjoyed and been motivated by running with others. I can't stress this enough. My "team" has really been a big part of my motivation. If you are running alone, you might consider joining a local running club and training with them. This might be more a reflection of my personality, but this has been a big deal for me.

    Good Luck!!! I have had a blast so far and am really excited about the race day.

    --Carter
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