For as long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to run a half marathon. Not a full marathon mind you–but a half marathon seemed both challenging and fun. Although I enjoyed running while in my pre-teen and teen years, it was never something I did very “well”, or very regularly. And as years went by and I got diagnosed with asthma, patellofemoral syndrome, a weak pelvic floor… well, it just seemed like I had one excuse after another to not run. So it wasn’t until I turned 39 a couple of years ago that I decided I was tired of making excuses and tired of feeling so tired all the time. I was ready to revisit my dream of running my first half marathon.
what my first half marathon taught me
you need to run your own race
I actually learned this during my 10k on Thanksgiving last year, but it held true for this race too. I am not part of a run club and typically run on my own, so it can be really hard to get in my head and overthink everything when I see someone else using different race day tactics and techniques than mine. Just remember–you aren’t at the Olympics. You’re really only running a race against yourself. Don’t worry if someone else is or isn’t doing walk/run intervals, stopping at aid stations, or charging up hills. Just run your own race!
trust your training
The first lesson that my first half marathon taught me perfectly leads into this one–trust your training. I knew I could do run the distance, I knew I could run hills, I knew I had it in me. Yet, there were often times during my running where I would have to remind myself that I had done run this distance before (in training) at the pace I wanted, and that I could do it again.
| Related: My Honest Experience with a GLP1 |
things don’t always go as planned
Event though I had been training, I still struggled on race day. Honestly, there was a lot working against me. I hadn’t slept well the night before because one of our family members got sick. The elevation difference really hit me hard and made my legs feel like lead. I had struggled with eating that morning so hadn’t fueled like I should have. So yeah, I didn’t make my goal time. But you know what? I recognize all the things I can improve on for next time and I’m excited to try again!
choose your race wisely
I spent a long time trying to pick a good first race and I don’t know if I could have picked a better one. I ended up picking the Olympic Valley Half Marathon mainly because it was a close race that was held on a Saturday (I don’t run on the Sabbath). True, the altitude did give me a disadvantage, but other than that it was ideal. The race size was relatively small, the course was absolutely gorgeous with lots of shade, and the route had very little elevation change. We also opted to stay on-site (you can read my review of The Village at Palisades Tahoe here) and it made packet pick-up and race morning a breeze.
tips for planning your first half marathon:
- Consider your needs for a race. Don’t just pick something because everyone else is doing it or it sounds neat, look at all the factors. What’s the race start time? Are you allowed to wear headphones? Is it a cupless race? All these things will factor into your race day and should be considered ahead of time!
- Although not unique at all, nothing new on race day is sage advice. I brought my own fuel, wore a single earbud, and chose not to carry a water bottle because those are the conditions I’m used to running with. And even though I love all the ideas out there for race whimsy, I kept it simple because I knew that glitter on my face or friendship bracelets on my arm would distract me.
- Making it a family affair? Great! While you’re packing up all your race needs, make sure you plan for your cheering section too. Snacks, water, sunscreen, and a few activities for little ones will make a positive impact on their day! And don’t forget to have them make some fun signs ahead of time! My kiddos were so excited to make their signs and kept them a secret until race day.
Have you ever signed up for a race? What lessons did you take away from it?
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