Senior year of high school, the number 13.1 and running would have been foreign to me. I would assume that13.1 would be the average mile time or the length, in minutes, of your run. I was not a runner, in fact, I wasn't even a fan of it. The thought of running bored me and made me tired, I would much rather take a dance class followed by some ab exercises. As college creeped up, I still didn't have running in my workout regime. I stuck to group fitness classes and hours on the elliptical while watching MTV on the screens.
It wasn't until the following summer, that the thought of running came into my head, after a friend of mine asked me to run the Anthem Richmond Half Marathon with her. Her enthusiasm was contagious, so I signed up. I immediately bought a new running outfit and Asics shoes to help motivate me with my new hobby of running.
The training was not bad. I actually followed this exact training schedule below, with mainly consists of two short runs a week, cross training, and one long run. Most weeks even allows for TWO rest days, which is more rest than before I started to train
It became clear to me that once you reach a physical level of being in shape, running is all about the mind. When you are running for 5+ miles straight, you have to keep your mind busy, or else you are going to get bored and call it quits. For me, I would make an amazing playlist and sometime listen to podcasts or interviews with my favorite celebrities. Listening to something that is 15 minutes long makes time fly by more than any pop song could. For my ten plus runs, I would mentally make them just three or so 30 minute runs, by letting my count down app run. When the timer went off, I wouldn't stop, but prepare myself for another quick three mile run.
Soon the half marathon was a week away, and I was eating as healthy as I could and stretching like crazy. We did great, and I didn't walk during the whole time, which was ultimately my goal. After we were able to rest and fully repair our minds and bodies, we signed up for our second half: The Philly Love Run, which we ran this past weekend. For those who are starting to train for their first half marathon, here are some tips and thoughts that you will experience throughout the process:
1. Sign up with a friend.
You can run together throughout the race, or separately. Knowing there is someone going through it with you will keep you going.
2. Tell all your family and friends.
Accountability. They are going to be asking how training is going and how you are feeling. They will keep you motivated, but more importantly, keep you from slacking.
3. Get new running gear.
Nothing is more motivating than a cute running outfit hanging up in your closet.
4. Invest in great shoes.
Your running shoes must be more focused on comfort and support rather than fashion. Splurging on high quality running shoes is more than worth it because it will prevent you from getting injured.
5. Do your research.
Make sure you know why you should be taking rest days and cross training. Research which shoes are best for your foot type, what you should be eating on the day of the race, etc. Buy some running magazines and read them while you are on the exercise bike, to educate yourself.
6. Update your Pinterest.
This ties in to staying motivated. Make some crafts to show case your medal and bibs.
7. Enjoy the Expo.
I had no idea what an expo was before my first half. Turns out it is a shopping pop up mall for runners. It has anything and everything you will need before the race and is a great place to get excited for your run and buy last minute snacks.
8. Set a realistic goal.
For my first half, I had no idea what my time would be. I didn't even know what was considered a good time. To make it easier on myself, my goal was to finish. I also added that I did not want to walk during the race. These are do able goals that were extremely doable.
9. Sign up for mini races.
If there is a 5k going on at your local community, sign up! This is perfect for training not only for running but also for the competitive aspect of the run. It will help you get used to having spectators cheering you on, and also give you a taste of the competitive edge.
10. Get plenty of sleep.
Naps are going to become your best friend. Your body needs to repair itself and sleeping is the quickest way to recovery.
11. Become an early bird.
Training is a huge commitment. On days where you have to run 8 miles plus, you are going to have to wake up an hour or so early. It is hard to run when there is a ton of people out. Waking up early is a pain at first, but it will soon become your best friend. Mornings when I have long runs watching the sunrise, these have been some of the best starts to my days.
12. Figure out where to park the day before.
Roads are going to be blocked off and you will already be anxious race day. Do yourself, and your anxiety, a favor by figuring out parking before. Even better? Have your friends drop you off at the starting line, park, then meet you at the finish line.
13. Get there a day early.
Spend the night before your race at a local hotel or friend's house. Races usually start around 8 am and you won't want to wake up any earlier than that to have to drive hours to the race.
14. Don't only talk about running.
Even though it may be the most exciting thing going on in your life, most people don't want to hear that you ran 10 miles before they've even had breakfast. Try to keep running talk to a minimum unless people ask or keep the conversation between you and your training buddy.
15. Encourage your family to support you race day.
Nothing is more exciting than seeing your parents cheer you on with a huge poster! If they are able to watch you run, encourage them to come and to bring posters to help motivate you.
16. Listen to your body.
You don't have to follow the training guide religiously in order to be prepared for the race. If you are feeling ambitious on a rest day, go ahead and go for a run. If you are feeling ridiculously sore on a long run day, sign up for a yoga class and give your body some extra rest.
17. Sign up for another half.
After you finish your half you will be on cloud 9. You will be so proud of yourself for accomplishing such a life milestone. Take advantage of this feeling and sign up for another half that will be going on in several months to keep yourself in running shape.
