This past July over FaceTime, my best friend Giulianna and I began to go over our goals in anticipation for the upcoming Fall semester. Going over our classes for the semester, restaurants we wanted to dine at, movies we wanted to see, and adventures we wanted to plan, I all of a sudden remembered thinking back one of my goals for 2018: Run a half-marathon. Even though it was a bit mind-boggling knowing that I wanted to run 13.1 miles in November considering it certainly wasn't easy to run a 5k, Giulianna enthusiastically supported my endeavors and decided herself to run the half-marathon and join me in our training leading up to the big day. Through hard work, discipline, and the support and love from our friends and families, I can confidently say that running a half-marathon is completely doable and worth it! Here's a a few tips for your half-marathon experience.
1.Follow a 12-Week Training Plan (That Doesn't Just Include Running).
Especially as a novice runner, I knew that I needed proper training going into the half-marathon. Sure, I had always been athletic growing up playing various sports, but had never ran distance to the point of thirteen miles. Giulianna and I decided to follow a twelve-week guide for novice runners on the Philadelphia Half-Marathon Website. What surprised me on the guide was that it wasn't an intense only-running schedule every day, but rather a schedule that included running days, rest days, cardio, and light intensity days, making the training do-able and did not leave us feeling burnt out or exhausted by the time of race day.
2. Join A Class At The Gym (+Bring Your Friends).
Cross-training is incredibly important when training, so Giulianna, myself, and a few of our other friends collectively decided to take a Vinyasa Yoga Class at the gym. The class was incredible, left us feeling refreshed, as well as provided us a chance to stretch and regain mobility when logging in our miles the days after.
3. Don't look at the time-remaining on the treadmill!
When starting to run my more beginner miles at the gym, I decided to use the strategy of covering the time elapsed button on the treadmill and chose instead to run to a point where I felt comfortable and to stop when necessary. Rather than choosing to count down the minutes and see how much time I had left to run or the miles that were left to go, I instead decided to focus on my stride and my breathing to relax while running.
4. Stretch and Invest in a Roller.
Stretch, stretch, and did I mention, stretch!?! In order to prevent injury as well as feel more well-rested and able to take on the week stress-free, stretch so that you won't feel the impact of your miles logged in or your time on the elliptical. Toe touches are your best friend.
5.Turn to Your Support System.
Throughout the entire process, Giulianna and I had the incredible support system of our friends and families in helping us accomplish our goal of conquering our first 13.1. I could not have been more grateful and thankful for the cheers, texts, and our personal cheerleaders before and during the during the race!
6.Live in the Moment.
Have fun!! I know I might sound like a mom, but seriously remember how hard you have worked to have gotten to this point while running the race. I did not have any expectations going into the race of setting a certain time to finish, and wanted to focus on the sights, sounds, and atmosphere while running in downtown Philly. I found myself constantly laughing at the posters that excited fans held, pumped by the music provided at different stops, and even high-fived strangers while running for a extra boost of confidence and love. By being relaxed and feeling at ease, the 13.1 miles flew by! Remember, you truly can do it, and I'm proud of you already. Xoxo.
