If you’re new to distance running these tips for how to prepare for your first half marathon will get you started on your running journey!
If any of you have ever thought about running for more than just exercise, it can be overwhelming. Getting started can be scary and a little intimidating. For me, I had thought about doing a half marathon for years. I used to run cross country in high school, but really didn’t enjoy it very much. It wasn’t until my hubby was traveling like a mad man last year, and I wasn’t able to get to the gym very often, that I started running again, and really loving it! And that’s really what it’s all about. Doing something you love.
I thought it would be good to share with you how I prepared; the steps I took, changes I made in my fitness and diet, etc, in case anyone out there has thought about running a 5k, a 10k, a half or full marathon. Because getting started can be the hardest (and scariest) part.
FIND A TRAINING PLAN
I can’t stress to you how important this is. Having a training plan that you can follow and is tailored to your running level and ability is key to being successful. It holds you accountable, gives you something to put a check mark next to (and who doesn’t love checking something off the old to do list!) and gives you guidance and goals that are visual. I printed my training plan off so I could cross the days off as I went. I was able to see how far I was into my training, and at the end, how far I’d come.
For me, Hal Higdon was my go to resource. He is an expert in the sport of distance running and his website has training plans for all levels and distances. I dare say I haven’t found a better resource than Hal Higdon. I followed the Novice Two Program since I have running experience and had been running a bit prior to starting my training.
I also tailored my gym workouts. The training plans include cross training, which for me is circuit workouts and weight lifting. I definitely cut back a bit on this while training for the half, but mostly because it was my first one and I wanted to focus all of my attention on the program.
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GET FITTED FOR RUNNING SHOES
Another very important point I can’t stress enough. For so long I wore whatever shoes I thought looked cute and were comfortable. Of course comfort is important, but knowing how your feet act when you run is also super important. Do you pronate at all or are you a neutral runner? I’d never thought about this before. I used Road Runner’s Shoe Dog first to get a feel for what I thought my feet did, but then I went into the store and had them fit me in person. They put you on a treadmill and video tape you running to get a good look at what your feet, ankles, legs, etc. do when you run. It was an eye opener.
Once you complete the assessment online, it gives you some shoe options based on the outcome. If that’s as far as you want to go it will give you a good idea of what to look for in a running shoe. But going into the store was really helpful for me as well.
I wear the Mizuno Wave Rider 19s right now, but will be getting the Wave Rider 20s soon. Mizuno’s are a great neutral shoe and super light weight. If you aren’t sure about shoes, I highly recommend you check them out.
Some running stores (like Road Runner Sports) can also make you custom insoles. I wasn’t a huge fan of them, but my hubby loves his and they’ve really helped him during his runs.
EAT MORE
I’m so not kidding about this one either. When you start putting more mileage in during the week, you’ll start to feel hungry more often. I was eating more frequently during the day to keep my energy up and prepare for my afternoon runs. Now, I don’t mean for this to be a free for all, eat whatever you want deal. You still need to maintain a healthy diet, you’ll just notice you will probably be more hungry than you were before.
GET YOUR BREATHING IN CHECK
This was actually the thing that propelled me into longer distance running last year. I’ve never been a good breather when it comes to exercise. I always hold my breath when I’m lifting (terrible) and I was a total hot mess running; just huffing and puffing away. Once I figured out my breathing my running game totally changed.
I follow this cadence: 3 breaths in, three steps. 3 breaths out, three steps. When I’m going up a good size hill it’s a 2×2 cadence (2 breaths in, 2 steps. 2 breaths out, 2 steps.) or a 2×3 when I’m recovering (2 breaths in, 2 steps. 3 breaths out, 3 steps).
I’m telling you, once I figured the breathing out I could run further and longer without feeling completely exhausted.
GET YOURSELF SOME NEW GEAR
Now, this one obviously isn’t a must do. But it helped motivate me to get some new attire for my training. It was almost like “I invested in this gear I better stick with the program.” Or “I look cute, now let’s get running!” Either way, taking the time to find some new clothes really motivated me to continue on my training path.
Oh! And if you’ll be running in the dark, reflective gear is super important. There are many options out there for shirts, jackets, pants. All with reflective material.
A DEVICE TO TRACK YOUR TIME AND DISTANCE
Now, this doesn’t have to be a new $400 Garmin watch. I could be as simple as an app on your phone or what I have, a device that I wear on my shoe and it syncs to my iPod I wear like a watch on my wrist. I can’t remember what it’s called but my hubby got it for me. Super handy. Either way, if you’re going to be training for a race it’s good to have something to keep track of you’re pace, time, and distance at the least.
LIKE IT?! PIN IT!
There you have it! A few of the things that helped me get started on my distance running journey. I was SO nervous when I first started. I was worried I was going to be terrible. But I ended up really enjoying myself and the time I spent running.
Any other long distance runners have good tips you can add?
These are all great tips! I’ve only run a 10k, but want to work up to a half marathon. I’ll definitely keep this advice in mind.
Wow it is so much involved in running marathons! You explained it so well. I like your gear. It’s girly and cute. It makes sense that you are more hungry since you are burning so much energy. I was always hungry when I danced 5x a week and I still get really hungry from working out and the fact that I’m still nursing. 🙂
HA-HA there can be yes. But it’s fun and can be whatever you make of it.
Yes, when I danced I ate constantly! Trying to eat a bit healther these days though. 🙂
xoxo
These are great tips! My go-to marathon training books were by Hal Higdon and Jeff Galloway. Both very knowledgeable runners. Of course you have to look cute when you run! It makes you feel better too, for some reason. I always would go into a specialized running store to buy my shoes because the people working were always so knowledgeable and helpful. Great advice for runners!
Thanks Dawn! That means a lot coming from a runner. 🙂
You are so right about it making you feel better! I feel more confident when I’m running in cute clothes. I was very surprised by how knowledgeable they are the first time I went in. They are all runners usually. Great place to get advice.
xoxo
Great tips. I would love to take up running or cycling. I do pronate when I walk so the shoes are definitely important. x
Louisa @ My Family & Abruzzo
Thanks Louisa! Yes, make sure you get yourself some stability shoes if you pronate; it will be very helpful. Good luck if you decide to take it up. I’m always here to answer any questions you may have!
xoxo
Sounds like great advice. Although I have distance runners in my family, I have never been a runner. I do love to walk, however.
Love this! I have done 2 halts and all great advise! I really want to get fitted for running shoes before my next… I have never done that!!!
Wonderful tips here, Tiffany. My hubby does half marathons. Running has never been my thing, but I would love to start. I can’t agree more about the importance of good shoes. I know it changes everything!
Thanks so much for sharing this, Tiffany. I’m not planning on running a marathon any time soon, but I am taking a jogging class at college this summer and I am discovering how much I love running.
Financially, the cute outfits and quality shoes aren’t possible for me right now, but I really appreciate the tips on breathing and compression socks (I never would have thought of those!).
Thanks for sharing these helpful tips. Happy running!
Great tips. I run, although not so much in the last few months if I’m honest. The longest distance I’ve done is 10k, but I would love to do a half marathon, the time for training is just a bit daunting at the moment. I’m happy sticking to my 5k training runs 🙂
Great tips! I agree that the Hal Higdon training plans are good. I used his training plans as a resource when training for a marathon a few years ago. I am tentatively planning to run a 10 mile race this fall and your post reminded me that I need to write out my training plan!
They really are great. Good luck if you choose to run the race this fall!