I started running in 2008. But 2011 was the first year that I ever even considered running a Half Marathon and I did 5 that year! Yes, I got hooked.
(No photographer at #4)
My first one was my most enjoyable and my 5th one, the least. In fact, the 5th one left me wanting a do over! Unfortunately, after the 5th, I broke my ankle, then had a stress fracture so Half Marathon #6 came 16 months later in 2013 and I was just glad to finish.
If I stay healthy, I would like to run at least 2 half marathons each year. Maybe one in the spring and one in the fall. (There are so many out there that I will probably not repeat one.) There’s one in Portland Maine that looks really fun. But so far, I am registered for one nearby in October and one in Florida next January.
Why run Half Marathons:
- It is hard and it gives you tremendous satisfaction when you finish.
- You get a medal.
- It motivates you to get out the door and run several times each week.
- It makes you increase your miles.
- It gives you an excuse to plan a vacation around a race.
- You don’t have to be fast.
- It really is doable (Anyone can! Some even are walker friendly.)
- The training isn’t as time-consuming as for a marathon.
Some Tips:
- Get good running shoes
- Learn to fuel (try different kinds and stick with what works on race day)
- Hydrate – it may not be important on short runs but it is on long ones – use the water stops during the race
- Increase your long runs gradually – I usually add one mile each week and stop at 12 – your adrenaline on race day will get you through the last mile
- However, don’t cheat on long runs – some people can run 8 or 10 mile & are able to do 13 – I wouldn’t recommend it
- Don’t forget to taper – you don’t want to have tired legs for that important day
- Dress appropriately – that is for 20 degrees cooler than at the start (so bring throwaway clothing)
- Wear a GPS when training and for the race – it helps you keep track of time, distance and most importantly pace
- Start out slow – it will pay off during the second half – you’ll want to be able to run across that finish line and smile!
- Don’t be embarrassed to take walk breaks – it’s better than hitting a wall at mile 10 or getting injured and having a DNF
- Enjoy the experience. Soak up the atmosphere. It is supposed to be fun!
- If possible, take pictures or buy a race photo – you’ll won’t regret having a visual reminder of the experience
- http://thekennedyadventures.com/2011/05/10-tips-for-running-a-half-marathon-successfully-top-ten-tuesday/
- http://www.halfmarathons.net/first-timers-guide.html
Click HERE to read an article about women running half marathons.
Such great info…I will use it to train for my half which just started (training time) thanks so much Darlene! Blessings!
Shannon at I Survived and Now I Run
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Good luck!
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Hi Darlene! Thanks for your post about half marathons! I just started training for one and I have never run one before, so I need all the advice I can get! Love your blog!!
Jori
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Great news! Good luck with your training. Don’t give up!
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I will be referring to this post often!
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🙂
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I’ve got to agree with you. Now try a tri!
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I would drown.
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