1/2 marathon...anyone done this?

[wookalar]

I'm running my 1st October 10th. I feel pretty good, have knocked out a few 10 milers and have another Saturday. Any advice?

[fez]

run 3 more miles?

[raddam]

did my first in August
if you can do 10 milers, no problem

tips,.....
I took tunes with me
hot tub for about an hour after you run, it does wonders

good luck

[wookalar]

I took tunes with me

My ipod has been a lifesaver so far....

[altagirl]

I did one back before my first knee surgery. I was doing a bunch of 10k training runs, did the Army 10 miler, and then the half-marathon. It wasn't bad at all. If you can do 10, 13 is no problem.

I didn't have music, but that's a great idea.

Have fun!

[Cornholio]

Hm...

Try to run your race course terrain before the race-- like, if there's a big hill at mile 10, try to mimic that in some long runs.

Practice eating-- know when you're going to take Gu, water, and Gatorade. For a half, I eat a pretty good breakfast (oatmeal with a hint of sugar) about 2 hours before, the suck a Gu 20 mins before race time. If your time is going to be over 90 mins, maybe take another one an hour in. (Everyone and his mom has a different opinion on this, which is why you practice it.)

Don't underestimate the power of your taper. Take it easy that week.

If they mark kilometers, use those for pace instead of miles-- it's easier.

Good luck! Have fun!

[Viva]

Don't get excited and start the race too fast...you'll blow-up. Know your pace and stick to it. By mile 7 or 8 you'll know if you're able to hammer the finish and then you can make adjustments.

Also, HAVE FUN. Leave the music unless you can't run without it. Instead, talk to the other runners- I've had some great conversations during races and have met some cool people. It's a short race and you'll probably be done in around an hour & 20 or so. Make friends and use it as a learning experience

Always THANK the aid station volunteers, without them, no race. Period.

Good luck!

[altagirl]

Instead, talk to the other runners- I've had some great conversations during races and have met some cool people. It's a short race and you'll probably be done in around an hour & 20 or so. Make friends and use it as a learning experience

The Army 10 miler was the most fun I've ever had running. As I was running along, I kept meeting friends - some I hadn't seen since college. It was literally like a reunion. And even the 1/2 marathon, which was in Germany, was fun for chatting with other runners - though it was a pretty small event and I was running completely alone for a few stretches. Gorgeous scenery though.

[wookalar]

I have definatley learned to slow the pace down. It's difficult to picture the distance in the first few miles, but if I get to squirrly my knees start aching.

You can set your watch by my 10 minute miles....weird....

thanks for the input, hopefully there will be pics....

[Red Baron]

Awesome advice gang, I've got my first half-marathon coming up in Moab on October 23rd; same deal here, we've been doing 8 to 10 mile runs once a week and shorter stuff/speed work the other days. I feel great and can't wait to run that race. Not mention it's along the Colorado River in an amazing canyon...

That said, I got my lazy ass from running a 40 minute 5k, to a 26 minute 5k, in the time between April and now! Granted, the 40 min time had more to do with bad shoes causing shin splints than anything else, but hey, how many people can say they took 14 minutes off their 5k time this summer...

Also, Viva, 1 hour 20 sounds a bit optimistic for the half marathon, I'm just going to shoot for a sub-2 hour time, and be happy to cross the finish line and have a cold beer...

[Cornholio]

1:20 is just over 6 minute miles. That's perrty quick.

Did I read that you're running 10s, Wookie-man? 2:00 is a pretty common and very respectable half time.

I like training with the tunes, but I don't race with them.

What races is everyone doing?

[The AD]

hot tub for about an hour after you run, it does wonders

I know it probably feels good, but is it really a good idea? If anything it seems like you'd want to use ice rather than heat.

[shamrockpow]

I know it probably feels good, but is it really a good idea? If anything it seems like you'd want to use ice rather than heat.

I'm in agreeance AD (as our president might say). Any time you really kill it mileage wise, you want to be icing, not heating post-exercise. What really works if you want to feel better days quicker is to set up an ice bath. Put a heavy plastic sleeve around your legs and feet and dump them in there for 10 minutes, followed by 10 minutes off. Do this three times (1 hour) and it'll really reduce the wear and tear for the first few days after distance running...

[climb2ski]

The 1/2 is a great distance. You can really run it without to much trouble. I like to grab a little gel food about 2 times durning that distance. The small amount will give you a nice burst without any stomache issues.

The steamboat is a great 1/2. Almost all downhill. I have gone from not being able to run a mile to doing about 20-30 a week. It is addicting....

[Viva]

Yet that man is happy and poets sing of him who conquers with hand and swift foot and strength.

[acostiga]

It is addicting....

agreed. the half-marathon is fun times, long enough to be involved but not too painful afterwards. one of my biggest worries the first few races was having to drop the kids off at the pool halfway through the race. you'll be glad that you've evacuated the premises before the race begins.

post race? you've gotta replace those carbs, right? cold iron city, in the aluminum bottle!!!!

good luck, and provide a TR!