Advice or running first 1/2 marathon

JenRun1
JenRun1 Posts: 212
in Fitness and Exercise
I'm running my first half marathon on 11/29 and I feel prepared mentally and physically, but am looking for advice from others who have run half's in the past.

It will be in a Chicago suburb so I'm expecting the weather to be in the 30's. I have been running 20-35 miles on a weekly basis for about 6 months. Any other training tips are appreciated!

Thanks in advance!

Replies

  • quakerboy
    quakerboy Posts: 11 Member
    What is your basic approach to training? My biggest recommendation is that you learn about periodization. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sports_periodization. If you are running 20-35 a week, you should be in pretty good shape for a half: you get to focus on doing it fast!
  • lrichelle
    lrichelle Posts: 54 Member
    Congrats on running your first half! Best advice, don't try anything new on race day. Make sure everything is well tested prior to your race. That includes shoes, socks, running shorts/tights, sports bra, shirt, hydration, nutrition, etc.
  • BrianSharpe
    BrianSharpe Posts: 9,248 Member
    lrichelle wrote: »
    Congrats on running your first half! Best advice, don't try anything new on race day. Make sure everything is well tested prior to your race. That includes shoes, socks, running shorts/tights, sports bra, shirt, hydration, nutrition, etc.


    ^^^This plus......focus on finishing at a comfortable pace, don't go out too fast, aim for a negative split. As this is your first just have fun, don't worry setting a PB (even though it will be)

    Smile for the finish line photo!
  • throoper
    throoper Posts: 351 Member
    Yep, agree with PP who said DON'T do anything new on race day. So test out the Gu or the new top or whatever you might use, ahead of time on another long run. Besides that, careful not to get caught up in the excitement and competition and start off too fast... You don't want to burn yourself out in the first few miles. After a couple miles, I usually look around for someone running just a smidge faster than me and try to keep up with them. And then really crank it all out for the last half mile! Most of all, just have fun, it'll be a blast!!
  • throoper
    throoper Posts: 351 Member
    Also, if you're looking for more friends, feel free to add me - I like having MFP running buddies :smile:

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