Made a resolution to run a ½ marathon this year? Well let me first say: Congratulations! I applaud you! You’re entering a world full of possibilities and hundreds of new friendships. There will be challenges along the way, but also incredible triumphs. You may have started running already, and thats good. You may have also got comfortable with your running, but the thought of running in your first race might seem a bit overwhelming.
As your ½ marathon gets closer, you will need to begin your preparation. If you are not sure how to prepare for your first race, I’m hoping this post will help. Below are some things that I have done to prepare for the ½ marathon.
If you would like to know more about the cost of running, you can read more about it here.
-Choose a race: You may have already done this, but some make the goal of running a ½ marathon without choosing the race.Choose a race that either family or friends are entering, they can help you along the way and be a support group
Get to know your race: Its not as easy to just sign up for a race from a website, then show up the morning of to run. Many races a very involved, have many instructions and rules, and great things to give away. But don’t let all the instructions and rules scare you, the rules are there to organize the race, and ensure everyone's safety.
The most important things to know about a race, are usually on the race’s website, such as course map, parking, starting and end times, spectator locations and starting line instructions. This is why its good to go with a friend or family member, especially if they have ran the event before.
-Invest in good clothes: Running for over 13 miles takes a while, so having clothes that are light, breathable, durable and comfortable to wear are essential. You may think by wearing cotton clothing is going to look good on the budget, but your skin is going to pay for it.
Many retailers are carrying clothes that are great for running activities, the best though, are at your local running stores. Go to these running stores, talk to the people there, and don’t be afraid to spend a little money on clothes, it’ll pay off in the long run(literally)!
-Invest in good shoes: Almost the same as above, a good pair of running shoes is going to be great for race day, and throughout training. Like running clothes, running shoes are light, breathable, durable, and comfortable to wear for long periods of time. And just like shoes that you get a retailer like Wal-Mart, Target or Pay-Less, these shoes are going to make your feet hurt by the time the run is over.
To find a good pair of running shoes, just get them along with your clothes at the running store. The people that work at these stores are runners themselves, and they’ll be able to get you in the right pair of shoes.
Its true that sporting stores like Big 5, Sports Authority, and Dick’s Sporting Goods carry many running shoes. In my experience, its better getting them from a running store. The people showing you shoes at the sporting places, do not know running shoes as well as the people at running stores. Period
Invest in technology: Most of us these days have smartphones, which provide great tools to help keep track of workouts, pace and time, running routes, steps taken, and play music. Other technology that can be helpful is GPS watches. Its true that smartphones can track pace and time just as well as a GPS watch. Some runners find it uncomfortable to run with a phone on their arm. This rings home for Samsung Note and Iphone 6+ owners. Another great tool is a heart rate monitor, these are great to have to make sure your heart rate doesn’t get too high. It also is a great way to track how many calories were burned during the workout.
***Disclaimer*** With all this investment talk, I’m in no way saying that you should go break the bank to buy new things. Build things up slowly, buy the most important things first(such as shoes and clothes), then technology and so on. Go shopping with a plan, because buying running gear can add up and get out of hand quickly!
-Find a meal plan that works for you, and stick with it: During your training in the weeks before the race, is where you can see what foods work best for you. Finding foods that give you the most fuel for your run, is what you want to stick with the days leading to your race. I have seen where runners didn’t have a meal plan, and their stomach is killing them halfway through the race. So if you find that rice, beans and vegetables(for example) are a good staple in your practice runs, don’t go off and eat something completely different the night before the race.
-Go online a find a good training schedule: The web has hundreds of training plans for the ½ marathon distance. These plans range from beginner to advanced. The best plans offer workouts with rest days, hard and light workout days, and cross training.
-Try out race nutrition: Many races have different types of nutrition throughout the race. This will range from water and Gatorade, fruits, energy gels, protein, nut, and fig bars and other foods that can replenish your energy. If you can, see if you can find out what type of energy they’ll be giving out from their website. Then use that energy source in your training long runs. This will help you know if your body is going to work well with the energy gels they give. If they do not, then you can carry energy gels with you that do work well.
There you have it, these are things that I have done to prepare for ½ marathons over the years. I still use them today. I hope these help you along your journey for your first ½ marathon. If you have questions, comments, or some of your own tips, you can post them down below.
Good Luck and Run Strong!
