First-timer half marathon runner...

The chicago rock and roll is going to be my first half marathon also! I'm nervous, but excited. Good Luck!

For my traiing, I tried to up my mileage every week. I also tried to add in a variety of different workouts, so i didn't get bored. On your long runs, cary with you what you will run with on race day...water bottle, gels, etc. I also took it really easy the last two weeks before race day!

On race day, show up early!! i almost missed my start because we were running late!!xxx

In the beginning, it's very exciting. Be careful and watch your pace. It's easy to get swept into the moment and start out too fast. I just did the San Diego Rock N Roll run. Lots of fun.

I did my first one last year and currently training for my second in September. I used Hal Higdon's novice training program. I run 3 days a week and crosstrain on the other days. Good luck!

I'm doing my 6th in Sept. Whatever you do look good for the finish line photo!!! You'll treasure it forever!! I don't have any other advise except be ready for the finish line rush!!! You will have such a rush, I started to cry on my first, not out of pain but out of happiness at finishing!!!

Remember to run YOUR pace. It is so easy to get swept up in the excitement and start out faster then you would if you were just on a training run, or trying to keep up with others out on the course. Know yourself and stick to what has worked for you during your training. Also, have FUN, RnR events have lots of bands along the way to entertain you and usually lots of folks cheering. I have done several different RnR races (and lots that weren't), and although there are things about their events I would change I usually end up having a great time. This may sound strange to some, but I always carry my phone with me (its also my IPod and camera) and I like to snap a few pics along the course, I have a photo album of things I have taken pictures of along various race courses (historical sites, buildings, entertainment, people, etc...) and really enjoy looking back at my view of different courses. Also, once you get cleaned up after and head back out to celebrate your accomplishment WEAR YOUR MEDAL. You will not be the only one walking around town showing off the bling and after all you EARNED it. Good luck!

Good luck!! I've just started my half marathon training for a run in Spetember!!

I'm currently training for my first half marathon in November. I just got nervous typing that, lol

You WILL kick *kitten*!

Run your own pace. Drink water/gatorade... carry a fuel belt and bring pretzels or energy gels, whatever works for you... try all of these while you are training and DO NOT try anything new or wear any new attire/shoes/socks on the day of your race because you will hugely regret it.

You will be hella anxious so I recommend bringing tissues as well in case you need to step off the course to *ahem* go potty.

For me a lot of running long distances is the mental part. I never think I can make it until I pass 10 miles, I question my sanity and curse myself for ever putting on running shoes.... after I pass that 10 mile sign and clock then I start feeling like a rock star because all i have left is a 5K!

Good luck training. Remember for your 1st... the only goal is to FINISH. at least, it was for me.

It's always important to drink a lot of water but it is particularly important the week of the race. It isn't enough to drink a lot before and during the race, that just leaves a lot of water in your stomach. Drinking a lot of water in the days leading up to the race will leave a lot of water in your cells. My experience has always been that when I have done this, I always race easier.

Also, if you are going to use gels or sports jelly beans or anything like that, make sure that you have used them during your training and that they agree with your stomach. You have to drink a lot of water with gels or for many people they upset the stomach. Gels don't agree with me, so I had a Lara bar halfway through the 1/2 marathon. That with gatorade and water got me through it.

If friends are willing to come out to support you, plan for places along the route for them to be. I had friends/family at mile 3, mile 7, mile 9 and the finish. It made it so much easier mentally to tell myself that I just had to keep running until I reached the next group of friends/family! It doesn't help to have ten people waiting for you at the finish line if you ran 13.1 miles all alone!

As you probably already realize, so much of this is mental. I assigned each mile to a friend or family with the last three miles being for my husband and children. As in, mile one I ran for my niece, mile two I ran for my close friend Jenn, mile three for my Mom, mile four for my Dad, you get the picture. I told them which mile I was running "for them" and that kept me going! I couldn't rightly tell my adorable six year old niece that I quit while running her mile, could I? Or tell my eighty five year old Dad who toughs it out on kidney dialysis that I couldn't run a mile for him? ? Ditto the same for my children! It was a silly thing but it kept me from ever considering quitting during the race.

A previous poster made a comment about looking good at the finish, this is true! As you approach the finish line make sure you have a smile on your face! You will treasure that picture forever!!!