First Half Marathon..Help!!!

Congrats!

I'm running my first half next weekend - AHHH! Here are some things I learned along the way:
- find a training plan that looks realistic and stick to it! (Hal Higdon has lots of awesome options - and if you're new to running maybe start with his full marathon "novice supreme" but take it just to the half point?) The earlier you start getting miles under your belt the better You have a while so start small and build a base if you're not already running.
- Invest in a few pieces of actual running clothes. Wicking fabric makes SUCH a huge difference! I'm also in love with compression pants, but when it's hot out they're too warm. Also, a running hat helps when it's super sunny.
- Go to a running store and get fitted for shoes. The people at the store should measure your foot, look at how you walk, etc. The right shoe makes a big difference
- Hydrate! I started off not bothering with water on short runs, and only started carrying water around 6 or 7 miles. Now I carry it even on 3 mi. runs - it makes a big difference for me. Also, I start using gels or some sort of energy product around 45 min. out if I'm going to be running more than an hour (and recommendations are to repeat every 45 min to hour)
- Wear sunblock. I have the worst tan right now lol

also...
HAVE FUN! :drinker:

Do the gels bother your stomach at all?

I haven't had a problem so far, but my husband (who's also training) has had issues with some. He tends to use powerbar and gu brands and likes chocolatey flavors, and I use Vega and sometimes Clif and use fruitier flavors (Vega's my go-to, but it doesn't have caffeine, so I switch it up sometimes). I'm not sure if it's just a difference in people, or brands, or ingredients for flavoring, or what.

But short answer - no, thankfully! They're so helpful.

PS: Also, I take them with lots of water.

That sounds fun!! It pretty much boils down to: Right attire, Training and nutrition.
I just completed my second half maraton about a month ago, and I had lots of fun! I did not give myself enough time to follow recommended training guidelines, but I have been running for a while now, so I was just fine.
It is amazing what your mind can do, once you are there, you will be easily motivated to push yourself. However, the point is to not have to push yourself too much in order to get to the finish line. Remember the first race is about finishing within the time limit.
I would suggest you look online for training schedules, I have found some very helpful ones. I would most definitely recommend the use of a heart rate monitor. Also, make sure your shoes are the right ones, that is VERY important. You may even need to go to a sports store so they will help you find the right fit for you. Good luck, and have fun!

I did disney last year and It was a blast. Because its a super fun run dont worry too much about time only because its your first and because you can stop along the way and have your pics taken with characters if you bring your camera, or like i did was bring my iphone and I listened to music with it too. As far as the hydration belt, I havent used one in the race because there are PLENTY of stops along the way but for training purposes I usually used my camelbak. I went to a running store and they analyzed the way I run and got a shoe that was for my specific foot landing. They have them a lot of places. I've seen a lot of them are called fleet feet. Good luck! Just dont give up on it!

I ran 4 marathons and 3 half marathons. I f you can find a runner's club near you, get involved. They are wicked knowledgable and eager to help. Also. there is a good book by Jeff Galloway that will help you prepare. My personal advice is get good shoes, build a good base mileage, and stay true to the long runs and go slow on them. I made the mistake first time of trying to run long runs at race pace, you will injure yourself!! Find buddies to run with you to keep you motivated, and at some point, incorporate hills and speed work. Drink water!!!! Alot of info, but the above mentioned sources will help you immensely, Good luck and have fun in Disney!!!!!

I've done the Princess twice- it's really fun. Definitely look into training plans (Hal Higdon is good)- you have plenty of time. Make sure you don't overdo it. It's easy to get excited and try to add too many miles or minutes and get hurt in your training.

As far as gels go, ask at the running store if they have them- they are just little packs of icing type stuff to give you some energy during your race. There are a lot of different brands and flavors (and they don't taste like icing unfortunately). Some people prefer sportsbeans (like jellybeans)- I don't because my kids steal them...

As you go along, you'll figure out your drink strategy. I carry a handheld bottle at home. In a race I usually bring a little water bottle and toss it after a couple of water stops. Then I will rely on the water stops for drinks. I've done the belt thing too- they drive me crazy but lots of people like them.

Take a camera or your phone or whatever if you even think that could be fun. Disney will have a Cast Member with the characters who will take the pictures for you. I wore a tiara-- that is so not me, but it felt right and my pictures crack me up!

Have fun!

Jen

Everyone is different and the one thing you don't want to learn during your first half marathon is that your stomach doesn't like gels (like mine doesn't) or that immodium pills screw with your legs (I had a friend do this before her last marathon & ended up 40 minutes SLOWER than she should have been because her legs were so heavy).

Completely agree! I ran my first Half yesterday. I hadn't trained using Immodium, but decided to use it before the run yesterday. My calves and quads started cramping horribly about 8 miles in and my time was about 40 minutes slower then I was hoping. I felt horribly dehydrated. I think I would have taken a case of the running trots instead of what I experienced.

As for training. Start out with a good pair of shoes. Many shoe/running stores will evaluate your step/stride and will put you into a pair of shoes that will best fit your feet. This is VERY important to do. You would hate to sign up, start training and end up with a stress fracture and not be able to run on the big day all because you wore the wrong shoes. There are a TON of training programs available for free online. I personally used a 12 week program through nikerunning.com. And then had the GPS app on my iPhone.

I don't feel you would need a hydration belt on the day of the run, but it may be useful for training. On the day of the run, they usually have hydration stations every couple of miles.

There are also quite a few Energy Gels out on the market. Do your research and find the one that works for you. I personally like and use GU Energy gel. https://guenergy.com/products/products-energy-gels/ You can easily safety pin them to your shirt/waste line when you are out on a long run. You can also put things like skittles, coffee bean, gummy bears into a little baggie in your pocket for some added energy when you need it. I would stay away from chocolate things as they will most likely melt.

I hope this helps. Good luck! And happy training!