10 Tips for Half Marathon That I Wish I Would Have Known

Before my first half marathon, I felt completely clueless on what to do so I researched a few tips for running races. After running my own mini-marathon, I decided to share what I would do differently and what I wished I knew.

I have included some affiliate links in this post of products that I have used. If you use any of these links to buy something, I may make a small commission.

Guys, I have NEVER been a runner. I never ran in high school. Honestly, I didn’t think I could and so I never did.

When I got to college, I started running in the evenings as a stress relief and discovered I actually enjoyed it.

I would have said, there is no way that I could do that!

But I am here today to tell you that if I can run, you can do it! Everybody can, but it does take some serious time and determination. ​

There are a couple of different types of runners.

First, there are the hard core serious runners who are ALWAYS running. They do countless races and run hundreds if not even thousands of miles each year. They eat, sleep, and well of course run. This is a VERY small percent of people.

Most of the time, these people don’t need anything else to help them stay motivated. They are incredibly driven and can push themselves without needing help.

The much more popular type of runner is the casual runner.

That’s me! We run for fun, for certain events, or because we really like cake.

It is not in our blood.

These tips for running your first half marathon are geared more towards casual runners.

1. FIND A HALF MARATHON TRAINING PROGRAM

It sounds obvious, right?

Nobody just shows up to a half marathon or a full marathon without training. It isn’t something you just wake up in the morning and decide you are going to do that day. You need to be prepared and have a plan.

I HIGHLY recommend finding a beginner training guide like this one.

Even if you are an avid runner, a good workout program can ensure you are not under or over training.

Stick to it and you will do great!

It is so encouraging seeing yourself get stronger each week as you increase your miles.

2. GET GOOD RUNNING GEAR

Find a good running shoe. You can go to a sports or running store and get you sized accurately. I am partial to my Asics, but I get last year’s model because it is cheaper.

Don’t try ANYTHING new on race day, not even underwear, socks, sports bras, etc. Practice at least a couple of runs with each item of clothing and make sure you don’t run into any problems or annoyances.

Dress in layers so you can easily take off when you get hot throughout the race. You will see people chucking their sweatshirts on the ground left and right within the first few miles. Buy a cheap sweatshirt and if you need to toss it, you won’t be tossing your best Lululemon jacket.

I was definitely in the minority, but I ran with a Camelback water bottle throughout my practice runs and on race day. It was so helpful in keeping me hydrated and it helped my running posture.

3. FIND PERFORMANCE NUTRITION YOU LIKE

Experiment throughout your training about which foods give you fuel before, during, and after your workouts. This is a great time to try some pre-workouts, running gels, and post-workout supplements.

Many people use running gels that will help give your body fuel throughout endurance runs. I like this kind here, especially the variety of flavors.

Again, try these out throughout training and don’t try a new brand on race day. Some people’s bodies don’t respond well to them.

4. PRACTICE DIFFERENT RUNS

It is a good idea to practice a variety of runs because you just don’t know how race day is going to go.

Practice running solo just in case your running partner is sick and can’t run with you. Run with a group during training to work on setting your pace or just getting used to running around others.

On race day, it is incredibly challenging running next to hundreds of people. It really slows you down as you will be passing, bumping into others, trying not to get in other people’s way. (Putting an accurate pace time on your registration will help this).

Run with music and also without. Find a good route with hills. Practice MANY options.

5. SET REALISTIC GOALS FOR YOUR HALF MARATHON

These can easily be what time do you want to beat? What do you want your average mile pace to be?

It could also be the amount of times you have to walk. Maybe you JUST care about finishing! Whatever your goal, find something to work towards. 

Going into my first half marathon, we had two goals.

1. Run the whole time. Unfortunately, I don’t have as much will power as I would like and I fell into the temptation to walk, so I did, multiple times. Overall though, I would estimate that I walked under 1 mile throughout the whole 13.1 miles, so I am PROUD of my accomplishment.

2. Our second goal was to finish under 2 and a half hours. We ended up finishing at 2 hours and 32 minutes. It was so discouraging that we missed our goal by 2 minutes, but again WE FINISHED!

At first I wanted to cry. Why didn’t I push just a little harder? Why did a walk all of those times? Why did we stop to take that picture?

Then, I realized we made! It was our first ever mini! I remembered how it felt giving 110% as I crossed the finish line.

I learned a lot and had fun. That is what matters!

6. FIND A SUPPORT TEAM

I have always done runs with my siblings, so my parents have always been my support crew. Not only did they cheer us on along the way, they dropped us off as close to the start line while they dealt with parking.

Seriously, a support team is SO helpful!

Make sure you have a plan on where to meet up after the race, especially if you are doing a large half marathon.

7. PACK EARLY FOR YOUR HALF MARATHON RACE DAY

Whether it is your first half marathon or your tenth, I would highly recommend that you pack early. You will need specific items for your race that you CAN’T forget, like your shoes.

Have an “after race” bag packed with essentials too. Make sure you have some post-workout supplements, hydration, bandages, and Tylenol.

After being in the same shoes for hours, I always LOVED changing into flip flops afterwards also.

8. DON’T OVER INDULGE

If you are anything like me, you will be tempted during training and on race day to feel like you can eat whatever you want, you earned it.

Enjoy treats, but don’t over indulge, especially if you are trying to lose weight through running.

Don’t make yourself feel sick. It isn’t worth it.

9. DON’T COMPARE YOURSELF TO OTHERS

Forget about other people around you. I hate to break it to you, but you WILL get passed.

Old people will pass you.

People with strollers will pass you.

You are ALL on the same race and you are competing with the clock, not the person next to you.

10. HAVE FUN

I have SUCH fond memories of my races. Obviously, there are a few bad memories, but overall mostly good.

Take pictures before, during, and after the race to document. It is so fun to look back years later and say, “Wow, I can’t believe I did that!”

​When I look back at these pictures, I have so many memories with my brothers. I remember the inside jokes, the laughter, the pain, but mostly the fun.

We had no idea what we were doing, but we did it, and you can too! Our bodies are capable of so much more than what we think they are! It just takes determination, hard work, and commitment! 

As you can see, we are not professional runners. I am sure we looked silly multiple times throughout the race.

We made mistakes and were definitely not perfect. BUT we finished!

We got a medal just like the really fast runners way up at the front.

They had goals, we had goals. We met some of those goals as we ran across the finish line.

No, we didn’t make our goal time. No, I didn’t run the whole thing.

Don’t focus on the goals you don’t accomplish, but the goals you do!

Good luck!