I can remember so clearly when I ran my first half marathon – Run To The Beat back in 2013. I’ve updated the post quite a few times since then mostly through learning from running more half marathon distance events. The main thing I learnt though, is that no matter which race you choose to run, these 10 tips for running a half marathon will be valid…
Top 10 Half Marathon Tips
1. Fail to Prepare, Prepare to Fail.
It kinda goes without saying, surely?! But just incase…make sure your expectations align with the training you put in. For my first Half Marathon, I only had 4 weeks to train. In that time, I did minimal running so my only goal was to finish the race using the fitness I already had and establish a benchmark for a time.
2. Pack your race day bag BEFORE the morning of the race.
Ensure you include a change of clothes for after the race, sandals, plastic bag for wet clothes, tissues / toilet paper, water, snacks / food , race gels and a towel (amongst many other things).
3. Pack a race outfit that is tried and tested.
This is not the time to whip out brand new trainers or sports bras. Your kit needs to be reliable and comfortable. Don’t forget your race t-shirt, your chip, race number, map and other bits and bobs that you have been sent in your race pack. I now use a race belt which allows me to attach my number without it being secured to my top. It also holds my shotbloks / gels so means I have less in my pockets or no need for a bumbag.
4. Keep off your feet as much as possible the day before the race and race morning.
You want your legs to be at their best for when you get going. A short shakeout run the day before works for some people; between 2 – 5km. Don’t forget to cut your toe nails too!
5. Ensure you eat 2 – 4 hours before your start time.
Something like porridge will be a good start to your day. Other options include a bagel with peanut butter, a banana and energy bar or a bacon sandwich and a cup of coffee!
6. Hydration, Hydration, Hydration
Drink 16-24 oz of water 1 hour before the race then stop; empty your bladder as much as possible before the race starts. Drink a small amount 10 minutes before you start and every 20 minutes there after. Utilise the sports drinks offered about 40 minutes into your race and use your gels as and when necessary.
7. Take Cover Up Clothes
If it’s cold out, take some cover ups to wear at the start line which you don’t mind disposing of before you start. You might also want to carry a bin liner to use if it rains! I personally have never been a bin liner kind of girl!
8. Break Down The Distance into Manageable Chunks
I will be focusing on my race as 4 x 5km runs; that way I won’t freak out looking at the bigger picture! After all it’s mind over matter (right?!)
9. Post Race Nutrition
Once you have finished (hoorah!) you should eat something Low GI along with some form of protein. A lot of people say chocolate milk works for them; unfortunately I am lactose intolerant so this is not an option for me! Other ideas are a bagel with peanut butter or a smoothie. The main thing is to refuel as quickly as possible and not to forget to rehydrate.
10. ENJOY YOUR RACE!
…what’s the point otherwise?!
So, what’s on your race day kit list? Any EssentElle tips of your own?!
Elle
![ad | Q: What’s the one thing that gets you through your [active] day, but you barely notice it?! 👀
A: great kit that fits, moves with you and makes you feel good 🤩
Well, Athleta has finally landed at Next and is available to shop from @nextofficial with next day delivery 🎉 Come spend the day with me, as I put some of my favourite pieces through their paces…
Chilled out morning routine, followed by training clients online before checking in on emails. A lunchtime walk is great post lunch to reset and regain focus for the rest of the day. Then to end my day with some Yin yoga is my idea of the perfect day.
Now tell me you wouldn’t do yoga for an excuse to wear this all in one, Athleta Jumpsuit?!
𝘱.𝘴. 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘨𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦 🫶🏾 𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘦𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘴 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘢𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 ‘𝘺𝘰𝘯𝘪 𝘮𝘶𝘥𝘳𝘢’, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘦𝘹𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘭𝘺 𝘱𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘴𝘪𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘧𝘦𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘱𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳 ✨ 𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘮𝘶𝘥𝘳𝘢 𝘪𝘴 𝘢𝘭𝘴𝘰 𝘴𝘢𝘪𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘮𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴, 𝘴𝘢𝘧𝘦𝘵𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘲𝘶𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘴𝘵 𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘶𝘴 𝘵𝘰𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘱𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘱 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘥𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘧𝘦𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘺.#nextwomenswear #activewear #powerofshe](https://www.keepitsimpelle.com/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed/img/placeholder.png)
I agree with you on packing the night before: you're bound to forget something otherwise! One of my race day tips is to make sure you get to the race with plenty of time to spare, as queuing for toilets and taking your bag to the bag drop can take longer than you think, and you don't want to get to the race start all flustered and stressed. Just make sure to take warm clothing so you don't mind if you have to wait around in the cold for a while! x
Yes I defo are with you for the big races / events! It's so much more relaxing and gets you off to a good start! …for the smaller races I do sometimes, I'm usually the last to arrive! All in the hopes that the bag drop queue is gone (if I even take a bag) and that I can get going asap especially if it will be a continuation of a run I've done to get to the start line!