I remember running my first half marathon. Crossing that finish line gave me such a sense of accomplishment and pride. It gave me a love for running that now, almost ten years later, I still love.
Running has such a special place in my heart that a few years ago I became a running coach (among my other three licenses that I have) as well as wrote an eBook about running.
In fact, just for funzies, lets take a look at one of my very first ever videos I ever made complete with old logo and branding.
It’s so true, though right? Sometimes the hardest step is the first one out the door. And what’s even worse, when we have kids and we’re pushing a stroller? Well that’s a completely different ball game isn’t, it?
I don’t know about you but going for a run with a child, takes like 12 times as long.
I’m not talking about the run itself, I’m talking about getting ready to go! Now, don’t get me wrong, I love my little man and our runs together.
When you run with a stroller, you have to pack the stroller; and when I say pack the stroller, I mean make sure that there’s enough snacks and supplies that will cover us in case we get lost for the next three weeks.
Then make sure there’s water, make sure there’s books for entertainment, make sure that he has a hat on, and sunscreen.
And… Oh! Don’t forget their favorite stuffed animal, which in our case, is George.
Joshua’s little monkey named Curious George looks how I feel most days. His head has been chewed into oblivion, he’s got all kinds of homemade patch jobs trying to hold him together, and he wreaks from all of the love he gets from his little boy.
But let’s get back to why you’re here.. and that’s the “dos and don’ts for running your first half marathon”.
My only point in telling you that story, mama is that even though you have kiddos, you CAN run a half marathon. It will take time, effort, and commitment, but you CAN do this.
DON’TS First!
- DON’T think that you can run 8 miles a week and all of the sudden run 13.1 on race day. It will not happen unless you are Hercules or Athena the Greek Warrior goddess. This is a process, mama. Start low and work your way up! Which leads me into point #2
- DON’T start training without a plan and schedule in place. This ties in with point number one where you can’t just go out and start running. You have to have a plan in place. I’ve got an eBook that takes you through each step and comes with a training plan here. Even though it says “Walker to Marathoner” it prepares you for a half marathon as well.
- DON’T compare yourself to other runners. This is so hard, believe me, I promise I do understand the comparison game. Just don’t do it. You don’t know their life and they don’t know yours. The fact you’re out there and working towards a goal is awesome! There’s nothing to compare; you do you because I mean lets be real, you are pretty fantastic.
- DON’T buy new shoes right before the race. This may seem like a no brainer but you’d be amazed at how many people I’ve come across that will buy new shoes right before a race. Yikes! Each and every single runner is different so load up the kiddos and head to a local running store to try on different pairs of shoes to find one that works for your foot.
- DO choose a local race if possible for your very first half. Reason for this is so that you can know the race route and train accordingly! Believe me, I know it's super cool to think about traveling to a race, but save those races for if you decide you want to do more than one half.
- DO remember your water. Yes, carrying a water bottle in your hand for a long run is obnoxious... Been there, done that. Here's a tip - when you're on your long runs, you can 'plant' water along the path. When I was running long distances, I would plant small water bottles along my course, then drink them and throw them away. It's so much better than carrying water!
Time to Run!
I know that was a lot of information but don’t stress! I’ll break it down for you really quickly.
Remember, there’s more to this than finding a random training plan online. Make sure you can trust the source and someone with a running coach certification is definitely a trustworthy source!
Running a half marathon is a huge deal and takes a lot of work! Keep a good attitude and don’t compare yourself to veteran marathoners who run many half marathons a year. Focus on you and your training and you will be just fine.
I know that being a mama and even being a mama that works outside the home, it can be hard to reach fitness goals and accomplish goals such as running a half marathon. You feel like your time is not your own and you're just running rampant all the time.
But, here's the bottom line, mama.
You can do this, but it will take hard work and dedication; once you’ve made your decision to do it, go for it. Don’t look back and question your decision, run free and cross that finish line with confidence. Whether it’s a sub two hour half or a 4+ hour half, you've accomplished a goal.
And that, sister, is a win!
*Don't forget to pin this to your running board for easy access later!
I’ll be running my first half in a month. I feel I will be ready and my training plan, so far, is going as planned. However, any advice for the mental boredom? I started running at 40 and I’ve come from 2 years of recreational running(3-6miles) and usually stopped whenever I ran out of thoughts to think. Even with music sometimes I’m just bored out of my noggin. Especially since I’m aiming for a 10 min mile, which means a loooonng run. The mental part of this is proving just as tough as the physical!
Hi Karen! Congratulations on running your first half marathon! That’s so exciting 🙂
It is most definitely a mental game as well as a physical game. I have a giant playlist while I run, but if you’re burnt out on your playlist, what about an audio book? It’s like someone is telling you a story while you’re running to keep your mind off of your lungs and legs! You can grab audio books on Amazon.
Let me know if this helps and be sure to tell me how your race goes! GOOD LUCK!
Hi Karen! How did your first half go? I’d love to hear! 🙂
HI 🙂
I loved the race! The weather was perfect, it was a beautiful course in a park setting that I was familiar with and I didn’t get bored at all either. Besides my music and the scenery, people watching became my favorite thing. I didn’t run my best because I was dealing with healing an overworked hip and a mild cold during my taper weeks but for my first I was happy to complete the distance feeling good… and now I know this will not be a bucket list item but I have a time to prove next time!
Thanks for following up.!
That’s great! Yes, I love people watching at races! It takes all kinds 🙂 I’m glad you enjoyed your first race. Here’s to many more! Congrats!
This is truly useful, thanks.
You’re welcome!
This is a great article with many helpful hints. I have my first half marathon on October 14th (running it in memory of a loved one I recently lost). My Personal Trainer has been working with me on a training schedule. I have never been into running, but have recently starting to enjoy it. I’m looking forward to the challenge and the accomplishment. Thank you for your tips ?
That’s awesome, Jessica! Good luck on your race! Come back and drop me a line when you’re done and tell me how it goes, I’d love to hear ♥️
What is the brand of that belt that holds your water, I need one! Running a half next month!
Congrats on running a half next month! I just updated to put in a clickable (affiliate) link to Amazon for the Omotion water belt. Enjoy!
So I’m currently helping my mom through chemo.. driving 6 hours every two weeks one way to hospital appointments and treatments with her.. I’m an unmarried only child and she is a widow so it’s just me and mom. Top that with a job, volunteer work, and a budding relationship (with a great guy, by the way😍) …. I have been feeling MAJORLY overdrawn and unmotivated to continue my training plan. I got to WEEK 5 of 20 and hit a wall. I’m mentally and emotionally TOASTED, and we won’t even talk about how tired my body is- I can’t get enough sleep to save my life and I’ve got the blues something awful.. until I read this article. I subscribed to your newsletter .. so I am hoping to Regain some motivation to keep going.. i really don’t want to quit and I’m feeling low on self esteem.. I’m trying to train as a way to lose weight and not feel like so much of a loser… thanks for all you do.. I’m scheduled to run in either December 2019 or January 2020…. so we will see what happens!🤷🏾♀️😊
I’m so glad that the article helped you! You have a lot on your plate right now so be sure to listen to your body if you need the rest. So glad that you subscribed to the newsletter and welcome to the community 🙂
Hi! I have a half marathon in December and it will be my first and I am super nervous but I have been following a plan and tmrw I have to run 5 miles I’ve done it before but I did legs this morning so I am a bit sore!! I just worry if I am not eating enough because I am a hs teacher and we have to be at work at 7 am and i have brunch at 10:30 and then we finish at 3 and I am starving and devouring every snack I can find in my room then by the time I head home usually 5 wonder it its too early for dinner lol…anyways I am enjoying training and may run with my running club tmrw…thanks for post!
Hey Brenda! Congratulations on your first half this coming December! I am sure you will do wonderfully. As far as your run tomorrow goes, remember to listen to your body and don’t be afraid to walk when you need to. It sounds like you could benefit from meal prepping since you’re so hungry by the time you have meals. I have a post on this –> https://coachambergeorge.com/meal-prepping-guide-for-mamas/. Enjoy the rest of your training for the race and best of luck! I’d love to hear how it goes, so feel free to reach back out or send me a message on Instagram at handle coachambergeorge. 🙂