How to Prepare For Your First Half Marathon

Have you decided to run a half marathon? These tips will help you ensure you are ready to handle that big race.

Give yourself enough time to train. Take into account your starting fitness level (are you truly a novice, or have you run a bit before?) as you plan. Commit to a half marathon training program, inserting an extra week or two just in case you encounter set backs. A good training program will tell you to go for a long run one day a week, run shorter runs three days a week, and cross train or rest on the remaining days. Take your time building the distances for those long runs.

Buy the right equipment. Buy good running clothes that wick away sweat, excellent running shoes, and a stick of anti-chafing goo. You need access to water throughout your runs, so buy a camelback or a running belt that holds bottles of water. You should also have some form of self defense with you, such as mace.

Be sure to run the distance of the half marathon at least once before the race date. Make sure you leave room to have an easy week before the race, not running the couple days before the actual 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. You may wish to eat a power bar on the way to the race and tuck two energy gels into your race belt for energy boosts at miles seven and ten. If you usually drink powerade during your workouts, you can do so during the race; otherwise, stick to water.

When you're done, be sure to drink lots and lots of water.

If you feel even a little bit of stomach upset, drink an energy drink but don't eat yet. It's wise to stretch out your muscles and just relax, enjoying your great acheivement as you plan your next race.