Happy Happy Friday!
So for those of you that have been following Hungry Hobby for a while (you are amazing) you know that it’s been a dream of mine to run a half marathon for quite some time. I was thinking about it the other day and I actually started this blog in the midst of training for a half marathon, I finished training (I got up to 11 or 12 miles) but it was so close to the wedding I decided my wedding/honeymoon were more important than running the race. I figured there would be other runs, and there were. When we got back from the honeymoon I completed my second 10K, shaving off almost 7 minutes off my first 10K time!
About a month later my body broke down on me and I got injured, which marked the last year and half I struggled with pain. Hip/butt/low back pain made sitting excruciating making my long commute especially painful. Things were up and down from there along with multiple physical therapy, chiropractic and alternative therapies round. This post isn’t about that though, if your new here I rehashed all the therapies I tried and how I finally got better in this post. The point is, since that first half marathon training program in November of 2013, I’ve always wanted to run at least one (let’s be honest I want to do more than one, but at least one in my life.)
During all those treatments people would continually say to me things like:
“Why do you want to run?”
“Maybe you just aren’t meant to be a runner.”
“Sometimes our bodies just won’t do things other peoples will or can.”
Of course, me being the hard headed only child reacted (internally) with an emotionally charged “I’ll show you.” Although I usually just said something like “Ya I know maybe you’re right.”
I really owe the fact that I can sit, stand, walk, and yes, run without pain entirely to Dr.Khavari at Functional Biomechanics (see side bar). Not only did he relieve me of chronic pain, but he supported me on my journey to regaining fitness, running, and my life. However, I know that it was also my new found appreciation for what my body can do, constant reassessment, little improvements, dedication to the rehab exercises and determination that got me through the last 6 months of training.
So after all of that, 2 years later, I’m finally signed up for a race it looks like I will be able to run. Fun fact, I didn’t actually sign up till this month, I was so worried something would happen. I didn’t want to announce another I’m going to run a half marathon and then not be able to do it, AGAIN. What am I nervous about?
1. It might rain—> thankfully I’ve ran in the rain before
2. I won’t dress right. I know I need to be bundled up at 40F and totally stripped at 60F, I think it will be around 45-55F during the run. I really don’t know what to wear!
3. Of course I’m worried my body isn’t physically ready or will break down on me despite all my training and hard work.
4. I won’t be able to pace myself, I’ll get going to fast and run out of steam. I’m also worried I’ll let ego get the best of me. I know I need to come out of the gate running round 10:30 a mile and can speed up after 7-8 miles if I’m able. However, I’ll be honest, that double digit number 10 always make me a little angry with myself.
5. I’ll catch Mr. Hungry’s cold
I knew I would be nervous so I reached out to all my awesome running friends and here is what they had to say!
From my run group:
“Well you’ve already done it, but joining a running group is good advice.” Tony T
“My advice would be to prepare for any weather conditions. It poured during my last half and I was so happy I brought extra clothes for the ride home!” Lauren M
“Don’t deviate from your training nutrition / hydration plan. If you train with water, the race isn’t the time to try the fancy fuel drink they offer at mile 9’s aid station. Also find out how many aid stations there will be. Will you want water etc. at other times? If yes, carry your own hydration.” Laura T.
“Don’t let your adrenaline get the best of you . Control your start and start slow” Nancie D.
“Get your running clothes in order the night before. That includes getting your bib pinned. Nothing like running around like a chicken with your head cut off on race morning” Tony T
“All the above advise is great. Listen to your body and follow your training program. Taper! It is a little weird, but fresh legs on race day feel amazing. Most important, have fun!” Lisa M.
From my blogger friends:
“Don’t try anything new on race day, such as new shoes, new clothes, new fuel etc. you want to practice fueling during your long runs so you know what works come race day, and you want to make sure gear fits well and doesn’t chafe before race day. No one wants stomach issues or blisters come race day from new shoes or new fuel. Also, have fun and relax!! The first will always be a PR and is a huge accomplishment do don’t forget to smile (it relaxes you anyways and helps to calm nerves) and take in the race and environment!! Get to know the course as well. If it’s hilly, flat, a loop or out and back. In your training try to incorporate the course. So if it’s hilly kid race, had hills into your runs at the mid point. If it’s Downhill, so some
Down hill training etc. have a goal, but don’t be upset if something happens during the race and you have to adjust the goal. Sometimes the unthinkable happens. So have an A goal but also a B goal. Like if it’s windier than usual or high temps. You have to account for this as far as pacing. Wind and high heat ca affect race pace.Hope this helps.” Bryanna from www.wholesomelyfit.com
“Bryanna has some great tips! I second all of them. Additionally, rally up a support team to cheer you on at several spots on the course. I was lucky enough to have my boyfriend zip to three spots using his scooter! Having family and friends at the finish line is also huge. I had to hold back tears as I crossed the finish line. Depending on the temperature and weather conditions, dress in disposable layers. I was super confused when I saw clothes strewn on the side of the course 1 and 2 miles in, because no one told me that it’s wise to layer up (if it’s cold) with throw-away clothes, which you can strip as you warm up. Don’t forget your music or whatever you listen to. 13.1 miles is a long distance and as such, a long time. Be sure to have all your tunes ready and downloaded, and your devices fully charged the night before. And remember, this is the performance you’ve been training months for! Enjoy it, have fun, smile, and take it all in, including the sights of your trail. I loved my first half, which was this past November, and am looking forward to my next one, in May!” Christina from https://xtinaluvspink.wordpress.com
“Have fun! Everyone is always worried about the details but I found it was a better experience when I stopped worrying about my time and just went with it. That being said, don’t fly out of the start chute lol. You don’t want to burn out too fast.” Montana from http://prettylilmudder.com
Also, Susie’s (from Coach Suz Training) letter to first time half or full marathoners to pump you up!<—— This post is literally the most amazing thing I’ve ever read. DEFINITELY go READ IT! You’ll feel 100x better!
So now I feel a little better! I know I need to prepare:
- Make a playlist—> instead of relying on pandora’s running mix
- get my packet Saturday night, lay out my cloths and pack extras in case it rains
As well as relax and have fun, like they said it will be a PR no matter what, I can always set an easier time to PR my next one (knock on wood!)
Did I miss anything? What tips do you have????
Were you nervous for your first race?
I remember before my first 10K I was super nervous. I wrote about how nervous I was for that one too and you guys offered me such awesome support, it was amazing!
Of possible interest:
Baking Basics: Bake With Room Temperature Ingredients via Sallys Baking Blog
How to Build Your Own Instagram Worthy Smoothie Bowl via Stone Soup Blog
11 Dietitian-Approved Tips for Healthy Meal Prep via Weight Watchers
Great advice, Kelli:). I think you provided some top-notch advice for the first half marathon. It indicates how expert you are. Hopefully, we will see regular advice from you especially for the marathon players. Thank you.