Training for a Half Marathon...phew!

This coming February I am training to run my second half marathon...For those of you who do not know what that is...

It's 13.1 miles!

As being a veteran in the 13.1 world, I honestly know how much work it takes to train for a half marathon... From diet and exercise to personal motivation. I know when I first thought about running a half marathon I went straight to the computer and looked up inspiration quotes, watched YouTube videos, and simply just goggled half marathons!

 

 

Here are some tips you should definitely follow...

 

Start Early
The first thing you want to do is register for the half marathon. Pay the registration fee, order the shirt if they offer that option and then let everyone you know in on your decision. I like to blog, so I did throughout all three half marathons. Love it! Begin your training at least 12 – 16 weeks out from the event with walking/running every other day. To run the full marathon, you need to comfortably be able to run 3 miles before beginning a training program. Therefore, if this isn't you, plan on walking with some running. Your goal for the first half marathon, is just to finish. There are many plans available - based on your fitness level. Here is the plan I followed for my first half marathon with some additional improvements.
Prioritize
Be consistent and fight to get your walk/run in according to the training schedule. Your commitment to the training is critical to preventing injury. If you are serious about finishing the race, you must train especially if this is your first. Don't skip your training. Even if traveling, hotels have great gyms anymore and it's a great reason to get up early and get going. I even squeezed a run in while visiting out of town relatives. I'd dress for it and then have my husband drop me off a few miles from our destination.



Practice
When doing the long run, practice with the clothes you will wear and equipment of any kind. If you are going to use an IPod, compression sleeves, headphones, a water belt... USE IT, it will help get your body used to the amount of weight you will be putting on.
Pace
pace is one of the most important steps when it comes to training for a half marathon. Time or pace yourself to hit the pace you want to achieve at the race. If this is the first time, your goal should be just to finish the race. Once the time limit has passed, there is no official documentation that you finished. Be sure to get in under the clock. Know what the deadline is for such.

Now the fun part... The Gear!
Many races encourage the use of costumes and funky gear. Use it to your advantage, make the half marathon fun for yourself. It gives you an excuse to go out and buy new shoes and new running clothes. :)
Shoes
Go to a running store and ask for help to get the best possible shoe for your foot, based on your arch, etc. Be sure to get a size larger than you normally would purchase.
Clothes
Buy some moisture wicking running clothes – Under Armor is one brand, there are several. They have underwear, shirts, shorts etc. This will help body temperature too. A must for your race.
Socks
Get moisture wicking socks – very important. Most athletic stores have them. Compression socks and sleeves work excellent for keeping the heat in your muscles and letting them circulate.
Water
You must stay hydrated. You must drink 8 ounces every 20 minutes so you definitely need a plan on how you're going to get it all in. Don't skimp on the water. Utilize all of the drink stations and if carrying a bottle, refill at station. You will need to take in some salt too. Just have a couple of salt packets with you. Take one or two during race.

 Now most important, if you're having trouble training or thinking of how to train, Google or just go to your local running stores and someone there can give you helpful tips or some great websites that provide good training programs for you!