Are you ready for your first half marathon?
There is nothing like the feeling of a first of any kind, but there is something very special about running your first half marathon. If you’re reading this, you’re probably asking yourself Am I ready for my first half marathon?
The answer is YES, you will be ready if you:
- Prepare
- Plan
- Adjust
By Jacqui Pressley, P3Runner
There is nothing like the feeling of a first of any kind, but there is something very special about running your first half marathon. If you’re reading this, you’re probably asking yourself Am I ready for my first half marathon?
The answer is YES, you will be ready if you:
- Prepare
- Plan
- Adjust
How to Prepare
- Set your goal or goals and write them down. 13.1 will end up being your favorite number (it’s overwhelmingly most runners’ favorite distance to race!). When you visualize the number, that mileage goal will become a reality.
- Be prepared to dedicate 3 months to your training.
- Get fitted for the right shoes. This is a must – the right shoes can either make or break your training!
- Prepare to have fun and a great experience.
Plan
- Plan for 3 months of training. If you need help finding a training plan there are training plans found on the DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon website
- Post your plan in a place where you’ll see it every day (like near your treadmill or in your cubicle). It will feel good to check off all your accomplishments every day throughout your weeks and months of training.
- Schedule your rest and recovery days. If 5 days of training are on your plan each week, 2 rest and recovery days will be helpful allow your muscles time to rest and heal. Don’t underestimate the importance of those rest days!
- Incorporate strength training with your weekly mileage. Strengthening your body will help you become a better runner and help reduce the risk of injury.
- Be consistent and stick to your plan.
- Practice your race day hydration and nutrition plan (and your clothes!). You don’t want to try anything new on your first race day when you have no idea how your body is going to react!
Adjust
Trust me, things may come up throughout your training that will throw a wrench in your plans. The weather at times may not be ideal for running. Adjust by going to the gym and run the treadmill or ride a spin bike. Maybe you’ve had an incredibly busy work week and found it a challenge to get out there for your training. Don’t worry about missing training days here and there. Adjust by fitting in a strength workout at home or an online cardio workout. The important thing is to realize that everything not going to go perfectly, but that doesn’t mean that you won’t still have an amazing experience on race day!