This post was created by a reader Julia about her experience train for and running her first Half Marathon!!!

On November 8th, I completed my first ever half-marathon.  I’ve been a “runner” (meaning someone who goes outside the gym to do it…) since August of ’08.  I started slowly, like really really slowly.  I was actually a swimmer growing up and through college, so running never came naturally.  However, without a team (post-college), and having little motivation to be inside all of August, I decided to hit the pavement.  I would jog/run for about 20-25 minutes 3 times a week and some abs here and there.  I did a 5k, 8k, 10k, and triathlon before finally running a half-marathon.  In order to properly prepare for races, I had realized I needed a regimen. I used a combination of Hal Higdon and Smart Coach (RunnersWorld.com).

I determined that each calls for 4 main runs:

• 2 were just easy (during the week)– 4-7 miles, at any pace that was too hard to chat constantly, but easy enough to do speaking some words here and there.

• 1  QUICK, SHORT run (during the week)–  3-5 miles, with some paced pieces (half mile at 4 minutes, or 1 mile at 8 minutes, anything that reminds you to pick up pace up– even just a pick up for 30 seconds every 4 minutes)

• 1 LONG, SLOW run during the weekend.

I followed this schedule for 8 weeks preceding my race.  I started with 4 runs of: 4, 3, 4, 7 miles.  Each week I increased one or two (not all 4!) of those runs by 1 mile each.  Don’t be discouraged by the long, slow run ever.  Go as slowly as you want to, it’s not supposed to be like the race, it’s just supposed to let you know how to be on your feet for that long… and it’s long.  So, go slowly, but make sure you get out there.

The race itself went very well.  I made sure I was there early.  I had breakfast at 7am (for an 11am start).  I had a toasted bagel with turkey (carbs are great, but protein sustains you during a long run!).  I had an orange and a mini Luna bar at 8:30am and made sure I was done eating by 9:30am (1.5 hrs before a race for me always).  But I did continue to DRINK until 10:30am.  Hit the bathroom, and started the run.

I was glad I spoke to some people before the race so that I knew WHERE the hills were.  I had planned to go at a loose, even tempo for the first 5 miles (including the first hill), then race the middle 6 miles (pick up at each mile and each hill), then give whatever I had left for the last 2.  I sort of did that…  I went out pretty loose and easy, but when I hit the hills at mile 4… I picked it up, a lot!  A bit too much.  I raced each hill, and went easier on the flats.  That was a great strategy, I just started it too soon.  To keep going, however, I kept repeating the question, “Can I keep this up for x more miles?”  If I said yes, I kept it going.  By the time I was halfway through mile 9, I was feeling a bit dead, but I knew walking would be a big mistake because my legs would feel like lead after.  I threw on some good pick-up tunes and spotted a runner ahead of me that I wanted to catch up to– slooowly.  So, that’s how I finished.  I kept looking at that guy in front of me, instead of at a watch, or looking for mile markers (believe me.. you don’t miss those… don’t bother spending too much time looking for them).  I cruised into the finish, picked up my pace and crossed the finish line in 1:44.50.  I was supremely psyched.  I walked it out for a really long time, extra stretching… and lots of water.

For me three things were key:
1.  Having a good training regimen
2.  Knowing the profile of the race– where are the hills (and there will ALWAYS be hills)
3.  Having a strategy.  Even if you bypass it, think about how MANY miles you are really doing… just thinking in your head: 6, 4, 3 (warm up, race, finish) or whatever, really helps you keep the right focus and remember how far you have to go.

Last note: Eating will vary per person.  I need to stop eating solid foods 1.5 hrs before a race, other people (like my very very fast bf, need to eat up to 10 minutes before).  Practice your eating on your long runs– do you need some LUNA moons mid-race (common among my friends)? Do you need extra water?  I didn’t carry any because I knew there would be plenty of water on the course and I hate runnign with water.  Practice to get a sense of what you need!

I run now about 3-4 times a week, gym twice a week and try to get in more yoga and strength!  I’m still swimming and will be doing a few triathlons next season.  I’m always happy to answer questions!