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18 Things I Wish I’d Known Before Running My First Half Marathon

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half marthon tips
first half marathon

Running our first half marathon isn’t just about following a paper training plan. There are pieces often not listed like hip strength or core strength or even how to work on your mindset to run farther than you ever imagined you could.

If you’d told me in 2002 – as I crossed the finish line after running my first race ever (the Rock N Roll Nashville half marathon) – “Amanda, from here out you’ll be running 1,600 miles a year and at least 8 marathons,” I’d have found a hole to crawl in because that run was fun, but it’s too hard to imagine doing times two!

On the other hand, there’s a lot that would have saved me some mental anguish.

So to answer your questions about how to have your best half marathon (or best race in general) here are 18 of the things I wish I’d known about how to train for a half marathon as a beginner.

18 First Half Marathon Tips

Obviously after 18+ years running, I have a LOT to say on the topic.

That means I can provide a ton of links for you to dive into depending on where you’d like to focus in an attempt to run your best race.

Most of these lessons apply to running any new distance, but I found especially pertinent half marathon tips.

1. Slow Down

Push yourself, it’s race day after all, but when you find yourself hitting paces you never saw in training take a breath and reel it back in.

It’s easy for even experienced runners to get swept up in the excitement of the thousands of runners, the cheers and the idea that race day is finally here.

But, you have no idea what their training looked like, so don’t let any ego pressure or adrenaline push you to keep up.

Bonus: It’s way more fun to be passing people at the end, than praying it was over.
**Read more on how to pick your goal race pace >>

2. Have Fun – It’s Allowed!

Remember that you signed up for this whole crazy thing to have a fun goal that would keep you motivated. While you’re going to push yourself just a tad harder on race day, it’s not supposed to be miserable and in fact you might find you actually love it, if you just take a second to look around.

Everyone talks so much about what hurts or what didn’t go well, that I think we forget this whole thing can be a whole lot of fun!

There are people in whacky costumes, friends and family ready to support you and we must never forget the post race meal…mmm burgers.

**Read more on managing race day nerves >>

3. Practice Good Nutrition

Good nutrition planning is not just for elite runners; you can’t wing it on race day.

It’s about being well hydrated in the days leading up to the race, getting your electrolytes balanced and learning what fuel works for you during the run.

Just because the packet says 1 gel every 30-45 minutes doesn’t mean you need that…it also could be why you’re suffering runners trots.

**Read how to fuel during a half marathon>>
**Read what to eat on race morning >>

4. Create a Packing Checklist

If you’ve ever been called Type A this is the time to really put it to work for you.

Get totally anal retentive about planning what you are bringing to the race. You can certainly buy things last minute at the expo, but save yourself the anxiety by having your perfect gel, socks and any potential variation of weather outfit available.

Folks who have done the Disney World Marathon will tell you they always pack thinking it’s a Florida race and have been surprised at the start more than once with a 30 degree day…no fun without any warmer clothes. Be prepared for all scenarios to keep calm, chafe free and enjoy the day.

**Get an easy printable race day checklist to be on top of EVERYTHING you need and how to plan for family meet ups and other things we often forget.

5. Wear Throw-away Clothes

Swing by Salvation Army the week of the race. The idea of throw-away clothes sounded preposterous to me, but this makes the start line experience exceedingly more enjoyable. You may be outside in cool or wet temperatures for hours before the race begins in the pre-dawn chill.

Beyond comfort, keeping your body warm preserves much needed energy.

  • Sweatshirt
  • Hat
  • Gloves
  • Sweat pants

If it’s not a cold race, you might only need some knit gloves you can toss and trust me they are worth the $1 to buy! Tuck them in your shorts if you warm up, just in case you turn back in to the wind later in the race (A tip from Ryan Hall).
Runners with gloves

6. Follow Music Rules (or Don’t)

A lot of the courses say no music, so like a rule following girl I would show up to find tons of people with headphones.

While the rule is in place for a good reason (runner safety), if it’s not a trail race and you can run with 1 ear bud it’s very rare that race officials will enforce this rule. That being said, do it at your own peril.

7. Learn How to Drink on the Run

First, remember you don’t have to drink at every aid station or drink the entire cup provided.

  • Dump some out if it seems too full
  • then pinch the cup, so the side creates a point
  • SIP
  • Guzzling rarely leads to a happy stomach

Once you’re done, look around and try to toss it all the way off to the side, so you don’t create a slick mess underfoot for runners behind you.

Know someone gearing up for their first #halfmarathon - share these tips! Click To Tweet

8. Wear Fitted Running Shoes

Get fitted for good running shoes.

The one’s you bought from the department store may have worked fine in the past, but they aren’t suited for the increased mileage you’ll be covering.

Don’t: Let the shoe store talk you in to a shoe that isn’t comfortable just because of a 30 second treadmill analysis of your gait.

**Learn how to find the right running shoe>>

9. Check Your Ego

Check it at the door because you’ll find yourself getting passed by people older, fitter, taller, shorter, thinner, heavier, with strollers and none of it matters. What matters is you showed up and crossing that finish line is automatic PR.

If it’s not the time you want, the great news is your next race will be another PR!

10. Beat That Quitting Feeling

Get real about the fact that during training and the race you will feel like quitting. Assuming you haven’t slacked on your training and could be on the way to injury by plowing ahead, don’t worry when this moment strikes.

While you should be fired up for your first half marathon, a bit of realism (not fear) makes this moment something you can move through.

Get focused on all of the reasons why you want to cross that finish line and how it will feel to say “I freaking ran 13.1 miles”. Knowing that you aren’t the only one having this thought is also extremely comforting, so don’t be afraid to look at a fellow runner and say “we got this”.

They might need the pep talk too.

** Learn some tips to overcome the negative thoughts while running.marathon race day

11. Have a Spectator Plan

Plan ahead to know what your fans will be wearing and where they hope to be.

  • Pick a mile marker or spot you can easily remember while running
  • Plan where to meet post race
  • Give them bells and signs

It’s often easier for you to spot them than the other way around. I definitely missed friends at those first races because I thought they would certainly see ME.

** Share these race sign ideas to help them out >>

12. Balance Your Weight

Recognize that distance training requires appropriate fueling.

Like many runners, I started running to lose weight. I assumed that marathon training would be a great way to speed up the process. It isn’t; marathon training leads to increased hunger and feelings of food entitlement.

Running 16 miles is pretty amazing, but it doesn’t mean you can overeat on pizza, cookies, bagels and other high carb foods every day of the week. High quality food keeps training hunger in check and provides energy for your runs.

**Read more on running and weight loss >>

how to carb load for a race13. Prep for Chaffing and Blisters

On race day you may suddenly find yourself chaffing in places you didn’t even know existed.

Put Body Glide on every conceivable inch of the body, not just select spots like your thighs, but on race day get in between every toe, under every arm, and even around your waistband. It’s worth it.

**Read more on all the tips to avoid blisters on race day >>

14. Embrace the Rain

Watch the weather so you can plan your race day outfit and throw-away gear, but after that stop worrying about it. My first race was in the rain as have been many that followed and once you start running the rain can actually be a great way to keep from getting too warm…on a cold day it’s just another part of the race.

Plus once you cross that finish line, you feel just a little more bad ass and that’s half the fun too.

However, you can also grab a great rain jacket to help as well. (Here my best running jackets for women in all elements.)

A rainy race day isn’t so bad and 17 other things I wish I’d know before my first race Click To Tweet

15. Run Solo

Practice running solo at least once a week during training.

If you always run with someone and find yourself solo on race day it can immediately throw off your entire day. Know you can rely on yourself.

**Read more on why you should run solo >>

16. Fight Off the “Never Will I Evers”

Realize you’ll likely find yourself swearing off a certain race or distance in the later part of the race and possibly even after the finish line of your first half marathon.

After the moment wears off you’ll find either a sincere joy at the results of months of hard work or a desire to redeem yourself for having not learned some of the lessons listed above!bad race day

17. Learn About Recovery

Spend time learning about recovery.

Compression pants, ice baths, sports nutrition, all of these things ensure that during training you can continue putting in the miles and after the race you can resume training without too many days of walking down stairs sideways.

Whether it was the best or worst experience of your life there is often a desire to get right back to training, but your body won’t be ready right away.

Those who do jump back in often find themselves injured within a few months. A few extra easy weeks are worth avoiding months of frustration.

**Read the complete post race recovery guide >>

18. Stick to Your Plan

Finally, it’s important to know that every runner you meet will have an opinion about how you should train, what to wear, what to think; it’s great to listen to all of the advice, but after that you need to decide what fits your personality and then stick to a plan.

And if you really need a coach, then work with someone who understands you!

I do offer online run coaching to a few people each year or checkout the brand new Sub Two Hour Half Marathon training plan to guide you through the process!

Don’t stop here, checkout our full beginner half marathon training guide.

Any questions you still have about race day?

Other ways to connect with Amanda
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Photos: Most photos from taconicrr Flickr.

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Posted by amanda Categories: Half Marathon, Race, running coach

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Michael says

    October 17, 2017 at 4:14 pm

    I ran my first half marathon this October and I used your advice. I finished the marathon with no chaffing and I finished in 3 hrs. Is that good for a male age 48?

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A NEW PLAN DOESN’T FIX EVERYTHING. You might alr A NEW PLAN DOESN’T FIX EVERYTHING. You might already know what’s best for you, but aren’t doing it consistently. That’s the only way we really make changes.
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A PLAN can help, but I often don’t think that’s step one to making lasting change.
//
HABITS AND ROUTINES✴️
-Eliminate the need to make decisions.
-Which reduces brain fatigue.
-Which increases your chance of success.
//
TINY HABITS✴️
This is the smallest step you can take towards your goal. Often so small it seems insignificant, but is easy to make it a habit.
🌟
That leads you to another tiny habit, then another and suddenly it’s just your lifestyle.
👆👆👆
When people ask how I easily kept off 35lbs for over 15 years, while enjoying pizza, taking rest days and not obsessing about food.
👇👇👇👇
When people ask how I stay motivated to run year round and rarely race. Tiny habits.
//
Day one isn’t eat perfect or run for an hour.
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Day one IS drink a glass of water when I wake up. Put on my running clothes.
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Day 30 is then more like after I drink my glass of water, I do 5 push ups. After I put on my running clothes, I do a 5 minute warm up.
//
SLOW PROGRESS IS BETTER THAN NO PROGRESS, it builds momentum and is sustainable.
❔❔❔
Have you ever practiced creating tiny habits???
1️⃣ WORD TO DESCRIBE YOUR RUNNING THIS YEAR? M 1️⃣ WORD TO DESCRIBE YOUR RUNNING THIS YEAR?
Mine... satisfying.
😊
1900 miles blows away previous years.
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(swipe to see...because yes I love tracking.) Unfortunately I’m not positive what it was 2001-2007 because I wrote it on calendars.
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SATISFYING
🥰I needed the long miles early on to process my business being thrown for a loop. Bye bye book tour and partnerships.
😊I needed it after that to get away from the news and pretend I wasn’t spending all day alone. Then as my business shifted again to keep ideas flowing.
🌲I loved the time outside to think, get lost in a comedy podcast or audiobook. Otherwise I’m at home working!
🤩Without a single race, I still checked a big goal off my list of running an ultra distance (solo was very interesting!).
//
I’ve seen some posts that make it seem like we’re wrong for talking about what we achieved this year.
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It was a HARD FCKIN year for everyone, but guess what lots of years are. And not every year is great even without a pandemic.
//
For all the lows this year, I also worked my ass off to make some really good things happen. And I’m extra proud of that.
//
So let’s hear your word for fitness in 2020??
⬇️
Hard, easy, strong, powerful, consistent, cleansing, relaxing, nature, grace, grit, grind, triumph, building...
HAIR EMOJI POLL!!! Seriously hair...it’s a lot r HAIR EMOJI POLL!!! Seriously hair...it’s a lot right?! Figuring out what to do with it, color it don’t color it, keep it healthy, breakage from ponytails, long, short. And yet a good hair day😃 🔥 🌟
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Curly friends: share your favorite tips!!
Long hair friends: what helps you keep it healthy?
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At 10 we started perms.
At 16 I had a full mane of hair I loved.
At 20 I learned I have naturally curly hair 😂after years of perms as a kid.
At 25 I was going blonde blonde blonde.
At 29 I began losing hair and it got so brittle I had to chop it off, due to the hormone issues.😭
At 35 my hair started to recover (as did my body), but never like that mane I loved as a teen.
At 39 I got my first curly haircut! I’m still figuring it out, but was amazed at how it looked.
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I don’t wear much make up, but I do admit to really caring about my hair and it was a tough time when it felt so unhealthy.
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I’m still struggling to figure out this new curly style 😂but keep hearing from other curly girls ya just gotta stick it out. So we’ll see.
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Yes.
It makes me happy.
No, if I’m happy our time together is better.
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❌If you aren’t working out because of food guilt
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TAKE ANOTHER LITTLE PIZZA MY HEART 😂a reminder TAKE ANOTHER LITTLE PIZZA MY HEART 😂a reminder this holiday season that we all need to be loved differently...and pizza transcends all.
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Yes, I knead to know for when we can travel again.
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Here we fell in love in love with @saucyspizza and I wouldn’t be sad if I got it as a gift 😆
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