Half-Marathons are a great challenge. They are a great way to push yourself and improve your running performance. A half marathon can be run on its own as a challenge but it is also a great way to get your friends together and run a race.
If that sounds like a challenge that you would like to take on then congratulations! Before you get out there and start training, we have put together a couple of tips on how to prepare for your first half marathon. These tips are applicable to those training for a half marathon as well as to newbies looking to take on their first race.
Check Availability
First off, ensure that you are free on your chosen date, particularly if it is a Bank Holiday. Half marathons are fairly common, especially around the UK. If you don’t find a race near you, try Googling Half-Marathon Events 2017.
The next thing to do is to check availability and book. To do this, you need to check a few different sites. Depending on the race, there will likely be a number of websites hosting the event. These sites, will list all available races and allow you to select the date which suits you.
Other sites to look at include sites such as www.cityrunner.co.uk and www.gorace.com which host lots of races throughout the country. It is important to double check you book the correct date and the correct venue for your event.
Sign Up For the Race
Once you have selected the date and location, it is time to register for the event. This is where you need to register using the site that you have entered. For example, to enter an event through www.cityrunner.co.uk, you would go to the ‘My Events’ page and click ‘Register’. The page will tell you what you need to do next.
Types of Races
It is important to remember that there are a lot of different types of race. The type of race that you pick depends on what you are looking to do.
For example, if you want to race for time and to push yourself, then a sprint or 5km run is the way to go. On the other hand, if you want to compete with other runners, then a half marathon may be best for you.
Plan Your Training
Before you go out and start training for your first half marathon, it is important that you sit down and plan your training. It is important to make sure that you set a realistic goal. You do not want to start out too fast and end up injured half way through.
Before you train, you should perform an assessment. This includes making sure your are fit enough to start training and also making sure you are ready for the race. There are a lot of people that race for time, they can run a marathon without any training and end up being competitive. However, if you are looking to improve your times, then you will likely need a decent training plan.
There are a ton of training plans available online. However, they can be a little overwhelming. A good way to start is to look at training plans that other people have completed. A simple google search will give you plenty of results.
Select Your Race Shoes
As you will be wearing your running shoes for your training as well as the race, it is important to make sure that you pick the right shoes. A lot of athletes fall into the trap of buying the shoes for their training without getting an assessment and choosing the shoes for the race.
The right shoes make a huge difference, whether you are going for a good time or a competitive race.
Take Your First Run Slowly
One of the biggest mistakes that many people make is that they run too fast in their first few runs. Whether it is for the first-timer or the seasoned veteran, it is important to take it easy when you begin to train.
If you are training for your first race, it is important to take it slowly, even if you feel ready. We recommend taking a few days between training runs to make sure you are fully recovered. Take at least a couple of days off between training runs.
Increase Your Speed Over Time
Once you have started training properly, it is important to increase your speed. For your first few weeks, it is okay to increase speed by one or two percent. Remember to go easy on the first couple of weeks.
The reason it is important to increase your speed gradually is that you do not want to injure yourself. Your first few training runs are for getting a good foundation. You do not want to injure yourself and then not be able to train for weeks.
Race Time
If you have followed our tips then you should be ready to go. You should be well rested, have a good training plan and have a good base of fitness.
You will need to pace yourself. It is important to know your race time and the goal you are trying to achieve.
It is important to remember that the race will not go perfectly. However, if you follow our tips, you should be able to finish your race in a decent time.
