How to Prepare For Your First Half Marathon

Mind is All

If you’re preparing to run your first half marathon, you’ll want to make sure you’re ready. These guidelines will ensure you are ready when the big race day comes.

Give yourself enough time to train. Evaluate your fitness level taking into consideration how much you've run in the past (or other demanding athletic challenges). Find a reasonable training plan and then tack on an extra week or more to allow room for sickness or injury. Most training plans will have you run a long day each week, and several shorter distances throughout the week. Be sure to slowly build up your distances.

Invest in good running gear. You’ll need sweat-wicking shirts and shorts, anti-chafing salve, and good running shoes. If your training route doesn't loop (whereas you could place water bottles that you could access on long runs), buy a camelback or bottle belt. You should also have some form of self defense with you, such as mace.

It's best to run the entire race length at least once before the actual date. The week before the race, taper off your running, completely resting for two to three days before the race. It's advisable to eat a lot of high carbohydrate meals in the few days just before the race.

On race day, get up early and eat something like an egg sandwich or a bagel with cream cheese. A lot of runners like to eat a power bar just before the race, and everyone benefits from a couple energy gels midrace. Some people prefer to drink energy drinks instead of water during the race, but this makes some people nauseated so try it before race day to be safe.

When you've crossed the finish line, drink water immediately. Don’t eat immediately after the race if you feel even the slightest bit queasy. It's wise to stretch out your muscles and just relax, enjoying your great acheivement as you plan your next race.