Today (Sunday), I ran what was not only my first-ever half marathon (13.1 miles), but also my first-ever race! I have never thought of myself as a runner- I played tennis in high school, and then in college transformed into elliptical girl with occasional short bouts on the treadmill. But at the beginning of this semester I decided I wanted to train to run a half marathon! I tend to like setting specific goals for myself and then working to accomplish them, and this was no different.
Before this spring, I had never run more than 3 miles.
I found a 12-week training plan for a half marathon on About.com (check it out here) and followed it to the T, with the exception of the week in March when I was in Miami on spring break, when I ran a little less than I was supposed to (but still ran). I printed out the 12-week chart and put it on my desk, and each day would cross off that day on the chart after I completed the run, penciling in any changes I made to it (like if I swapped two days’ workouts).
I also signed up for this awesome weekly email for people training for a half marathon, also from About.com. It sent me tons of useful articles and tips every week.
And then today, after 12 weeks of training, I FINALLY DID IT!! My goal time was 2 hours 10 minutes (13 10-minute miles), and I ran it in 2:09:22, so I was very happy! The course was very challenging and mostly uphill, so I was even more pleased with my time given this. I also felt GREAT while running it, all the way through the end- I even had enough energy left to sprint to the finish line. I had been really nervous about it beforehand, but the race was actually a lot of fun and I really liked doing it!
Having never been a runner before, I picked up a lot of tips along the way:
- Don’t wear cotton clothing or cotton socks on long runs- wear athletic material that wicks away moisture (Nike makes a lot of good running apparel)
- If your knees are killing you after running, it’s probably because your shoes are worn out (I got new sneakers about a month ago and it made a HUGE difference)
- Eat lots of carbs the day before a long run (last night I had pasta and rolls from Bertucci’s!)
- It’s considered bad luck to wear the race t-shirt during the race- wait to wear it until you’ve completed the race!
Are you thinking about training for a half marathon for the first time? Email me (stephanie@hercampus.com) if you want to hear more about it!
And now, some pics from the half marathon!
At the start of the race (I’m in a white tanktop and black shorts)
At mile 8 or so
Rounding the corner before the finish line
Home stretch!
Crossing the finish line at 2:09:22!
Right after finishing!