Video:Tips for Approaching Your First Half-Marathon

Transcript:Tips for Approaching Your First Half-Marathon

If you're an avid runner and thinking about moving beyond the old 10K, a logical progression might be to prepare for and run a half-marathon. This 13.1-mile race comes in all different terrains and locations around the world, and it provides a challenge and opportunities to interact with other runners, while pushing your running distances to new heights.

Helpful Tips for Approaching Your First Half-Marathon

Here's how to take that first step.Since you need time for training, start your pursuit of a half-marathon well in advance by looking for one that is at least twelve weeks away. Search engines often list upcoming half-marathons in your area or in a location where you might like to travel to, combining competition with vacation. Other places to look for upcoming half-marathons include running clubs or groups of socially networked running friends.

Facts and Tips for Approaching Your First Half-Marathon

Half-marathons have gone high-tech with online registration or downloadable forms. The sooner you fill out your form, the more likely you will actually pay less, as registration fees typically go up as the race draws closer. Once you're registered, it's time to enact your half-marathon training schedule. Once you've developed your own training program or adapted another, which covers all your running, rest, and cross-training each week up until race day, run this by a specialist or physician to make sure it's right for you. It may need to be tweaked to minimize risk of injury or fatigue.If you're not already a member of a running club, think about finding a race partner or group to train with. Not only will this keep you motivated, but it will also help you gauge your performance and potentially offer new approaches to your half-marathon training. Groups can be found through local gyms and community centers or online through social networking groups and forums.

Before Your First Half-Marathon

As you get closer to the big day, plan to dress appropriately for the anticipated weather, and spend some time visualizing yourself running the entire course. Test out different gels and energy snacks along the way to see which your body processes best. Be sure your training plan includes a mild taper during the final days leading up to the race, to make sure your body is rested and ready for the big run. Get good sleep two nights before the race, and do everything you can to get any rest the night prior.

Day of Your First Half-Marathon

On the day, be sure to take advantage of every water station to rehydrate – except maybe the overcrowded one at mile one – and stick only with fluids and snacks or gels that you've trained with along the way. Don't let the early adrenaline rush mess with your pace, and do everything you can to relax and let the weeks and months of hard-earned training kick in. Most importantly, have fun with it and let the cheer of the crowd propel you all the way to the finish line. Soak up the experience and put it toward preparing for the next race—because there's always a next race, maybe even a full 26.2.

I'm Jonathon Stewart, with About.com.