Entering a Half-Marathon

woo!  a friend and I are starting training today, 3 mile run.  building up to 10 miles before the 13 mile race in october.

 

Any marathoners out there have any tips?  I'm pretty sure the most I've run is around 5-6 miles back in college field hockey.  should be interesting!

Not a marathoner (yet!) but plan to run a full marathon in April 2008.  I may take up a half-marathon between now and then.  I'm on my first "real" training week, too - although I've been running since May.  Longest run this week was 6 miles.

The one thing I noticed most - hydration is key!  With all the heat, I tend to get dehydrated a lot, which makes it harder to run!  Also, try to do as much outdoor running as possible during your training - the treadmill just doesn't compare (I can run 7 miles easy on the treadmill, but put me on a street and 3 is sometimes difficult!)

I am planning to join a "running club" for some more marathon tips as the time gets closer, especially when it comes to how to eat and all.

I also bought the book called "The Non-Runner's Marathon Trainer" and they have some good tips.

Congrats and good luck! 

First and foremost; buy a good pair of shoes!  it can mean the difference between shin splints and no shin splints.  Protien mix or bar after longer runs (4 miles or so) can really help your body recover so you can continue to run every day.

The two i ran had water, gatorade (or some such substance), orange slices, and 'sports beans' along the way to help you through it.  Introduce these things to your body NOW, not the day of the race.  Well, introduce things you don't normally take with you when training once you hit the '8 mile and over' days.

download podrunner or something like that to keep you going, it really helps keep a steady pace, moreso than just 'fav music.' 

Go gett'em!!!!!!  Beware, they are addicting!!  Who knew?

Congratulations on starting your training!  I am on week 3 of my half marathon schedule.  This will be my 3rd half.  To add to Zarelha's good comments I would recommend getting fitted for a good pair of running shoes at a running store.  Don't ignore lingering pains, because they can sideline your training.  There are good resources on Runner's World and Coolrunning to help you identify what's going on.  If you're feeling really tired and sore, it's ok to replace a running day with the elliptical or swimming.  And talk to other runners you know (the running club is a good suggestion).  I was lucky enough to be surrounded by very experienced runners who were always happy to share their advice and experiences with me.  Good luck!

Yes, shoes!  How could I forget the shoes!!! 

I went to a running store that has video gait analysis and got the best shoes I could afford - and they make a WORLD of difference!  Lots of little (and not so little) nagging ankle, shin and knee pains disappeared once I got the right padding.

I am going to run my first 1/2 on September 16 (I have run 3 full marathons, but never a half before)... I agree with jwonder about good shoes.  I have been running for awhile and can tell you that old or ill fitting shoes can create a host of problems-- back, shins, feet, etc.  Spend the money and get a pair that fits.

good luck!!

thanks everyone!  yay your resonse got me all psyched up again :)  I just did a quick 3 miles at lunchtime.  gonna hit the shoe store after work!

Which schedule are you following.  Make sure to increase the miles slowly.  You don't want to arrive at the start injured or exhuasted.  Also don't forget to taper, about 2 weeks for a half.