The 7 Things You Need to Know Before Running your First Half Marathon (Told by an Amateur Runner)

Growing up I spent numerous summers cheering at the finish line of Grandma’s Marathon and always felt so inspired about what these runners had just accomplished. Running my own half marathon had always been a bucket list dream of mine, but it became even more meaningful after recovering from Lyme disease and all the toll that had brought me. Though I had some casual running experience, I had never participated in a race before and I knew something was different this time. It was finally time to take on this challenge!

Going back up to Grandma’s Half Marathon in Duluth, MN was my destination, and as the big day approached, my anticipation only grew. I didn’t know what to expect, but I was eager to be amongst the other racers and feel their own excitement and energy. The sense of accomplishment when I crossed the finish line was beyond words. And quite honestly, to my surprise, I completed the race in 2 hours and 42 seconds — a time that far exceeded my expectations!

In this blog post, I’m thrilled to share with you my training journey. The program that helped prepare me, the products that kept me going, and the mindset that led to my success on race day.

My hope is that my story can inspire and empower you to chase your own dreams — no matter how distant they may seem.

Are you ready? Let’s do this!

1.) Find a training program you want to do, and stick to it! 

A structured training program is essential for seeing success building up to any distance running. I did a bit of digging before I got started last winter and ultimately found my training program through MarathonHandbook.com. I love their site because they have great resources for runners of all kids — and have training programs accordingly. Whether you’re starting from ground zero, have a few miles under your belt, or a time you’re wanting to beat, they have a training program for you!

The kicker is, once you find a training program that aligns with your goals and preferences, you gotta stick to it! This is where the discipline and commitment comes in. Utilizing training apps like Nike Run Club helped me to track my progress, monitor my pace, and stay accountable to myself.

Ultimately, consistency and adherence to your training plan are crucial for building endurance and increasing mileage safely — you don’t want to injury yourself before the big race day!

2.) Buy the Right Shoes Early in Your Training

This is a mistake I admittedly made during training for my half… I had a pair of decent cross-training shoes that held up fine while starting my training, but as soon as I started to tack on some miles I began getting blisters on the balls of my feet. I thought investing in a good pair of running shoes was overrated so I tried to power through… all the way up to one month out from race day.

After several weeks of continually getting blisters I decided it was time to make the investment and find a pair of good running shoes… go figure. I inquired with some friends who are distance runners and the two brands that kept being recommend were HOKA and On Running. I did a deep dive of the two brands and decided to go with On — and have looooved the pair I got!

In short, what I was looking for was a running shoe that didn’t over support the foot, but were able to hold up well on distance runs. (Certainly more detail and research to share on this, but the bottom line is wearing shoes that are over supported don’t make you use your foot muscles regularly. This often results in feet then becoming dependent on more support in order to feel good!)

I ended up with a pair of On Cloudswifts — and you can use this link to get 10% your order!

3.) Fuel Your Body with Good, Quality Items Before and After Your Runs

Oooh, this one was always so hard for me if I wasn’t being intentional with what I was feeding myself! 

Proper nutrition is the fuel that powers your marathon training. Prioritizing wholesome, nutrient-dense foods to support your body’s needs is so vital no only when preparing for runs, but when replenishing after them, too.

Before your runs, consume a balanced meal or snack consisting of lean proteins, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats. Afterwards, replenish your energy stores with a combination of protein and carbohydrates to aid in recovery.

One brand I turned to to help me stay well balanced in this area was Ora Organics. I loved adding their Protein Powder to smoothies or drinking them on the go in a blender bottle to keep me fueled. I also used their Pre-Workout Powder to help give me an energy boost before some of my longer runs.

Try any their products today with 25% off your purchase!

What’s most important to remember is what you put into your body directly impacts your performance and overall well-being!

4.) Become a Part of a Community Page

Running a marathon is a journey best shared with like-minded individuals. Joining a community page, such as a participants Facebook group specific to your race, offers a wealth of information and support. You’ll find fellow runners sharing tips, insights, and motivation. From course details to recommended training strategies, this online community becomes an invaluable resource that truly enhanced my overall marathon experience!

5.) Have a Good Soundtrack or Podcast to Listen To

I’m a sucker for a good dance-party playlist and there’s just truly nothing that gets me more hyped than hearing the first few lines of Starships by Nicki Minaj… 

Having something like music or a podcast can be a powerful tool to keep you motivated and entertained during long training runs. Create a playlist or have your favorite podcasts cued to keep your mind engaged and distractions at bay. 

My best piece of advice here is to make sure whatever you plan on listening to on race day is downloaded to your device! There are thousands of phones and carriers trying to get signal in a small area which can lead to longer loading times (and dead air if yours isn’t already downloaded!)

6.) Do a “Rehearsal” Run!

A few weeks before your marathon, plan a long run to simulate race day conditions. Use this run as an opportunity to trial your entire race-day ‘fit, including shoes, apparel, and nutrition. Experiment with your planned fueling strategy to ensure it works well for you and doesn’t cause any discomfort.

This rehearsal run allows you to iron out any kinks, build confidence, and fine-tune your preparations for the big day!

7.) Have Fun! Your First Race Is the Only One You’re Guaranteed a PR

Above all, remember that running a marathon is a remarkable achievement and something to enjoy!

Honestly, the best piece of advice I was given while training was to embrace the journey and have fun along the way. Your first race is the only one you’re guaranteed a PR.

Enjoy the training process, celebrate each milestone, and savor the race day experience. Soak in the atmosphere, cherish the memories, and revel in the joy of crossing that finish line!

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As an amateur marathon runner, I learned that marathon training is not just about the physical act of running. It’s a holistic journey that encompasses proper preparation, fueling, community engagement, mental fortitude, and enjoyment. By following these seven lessons, you can enhance your marathon experience and set yourself up for success. Remember, running a marathon is an achievement in itself, regardless of the finish time. Embrace the process, trust your training, and savor every step of the way.

Happy running!