Push Ups & Patience: Tips for beginner 1/2 Marathoners

Are you a beginner when it comes to longer distance races? Looking for some great tips and ideas on how you can make the most out of your 13.1 miles? I'm here to help with my best tips, from one beginner to the NEXT!

First, a little background so you can get to know ME! I have run my whole life. I participated in Cross Country and Track and continued to run for fitness and emotional enjoyment throughout life. But somewhere down the road, I thought I would like to try to tackle a LONGER race. Get the kleenex box out because I DO remember the moment when I added it to my bucket list. It was after my 4 baby was born and I tried to run around the block and literally couldn't. 40 pounds overweight, a messed up pelvis and problems with my body, discouraged because I didn't have time for ME and overwhelmed with taking care of four little bodies I thought someday I will do do this. It took two years but I made my way back from the ground up. I started so slow, used Beachbody programs, eased my way back into running (and slowly easing up the anxiety and overwhelming feeling of four children). This meant getting my confidence back with neighborhood runs, 5Ks, a 15K and then FINALLY the 1/2 Marathon.

So I am hoping that my tips will help you prepare for your first big race!

The 1/2 Marathon I picked was locally, in Naperville, IL.

TIP #1... pick a race that is close to you so it is easier all around. You are going to have to pick up the race packet the day before so you don't want to have to travel too far for the pick up. I made packet pick up into a fun day for my son as they had a trolley we got to ride.

TIP #2...If you are an anxious person like me prepare to not sleep well. Before any big event I need a sleep aid like Simply Sleep or Tylenol PM to help me calm my nerves AND even then I still woke up multiple times and because I had little kids in my bed. I would shove them over so they didn’t kick me and woke up some to go to the bathroom so they didn’t have an accident in my bed. The joys of motherhood. Life doesn’t stop because I have a race in the morning. Try to do what you can to get rest the week of the race so you feel well rested.

TIP #3 Outfit preparation! I think I changed my outfit a million times during the week. The problem was the weather was 70 degrees and then 50 degrees and finally on race morning about 20-30 degrees. I did find some nice warm clothes at Old Navy so I decided on that outfit at the last minute. The race gave us some disposable gloves and jacket which I also donned during the race. Make sure you have multiple options in case the weather is unpredictable and do a trial run in your choices so you can make sure nothing rides up or feels funny when your running.

Bonus tip! Make sure you check your shoes BEFORE you start your training. I ran two 1/2 marathons basically back to back (with about a month or so in between). I discovered my shoes were too worn a week or so before the next race. I should have replaced them right after the first 1/2 marathon but didn't take the time to look. Remember to replace your shoes every 300 miles or as needed.

TIP #4...save some ratty gloves, hats, jackets or shirts that you can wear to the race and then toss when you get warm. The race collectors typically collect them and donate them. You stay warm and you don't have to lose an expensive piece of clothing. OR the Dollar Store sells gloves and hats if you don't have any old ones. I also was given one of these disposable coats to wear till the start of the race.

TIP #5...Your FANS! This was the first race that I was in that my kids and husband would be at cheering me on so of course I wanted to do better than normal because they were watching me. The kids made signs for me the day before and I was eager to see their artwork. Knowing I had my loved ones cheering me helped me. I couldn’t believe my pace for the first 8 miles (in a good way!) I was killing it !!! I started in the 8 minute average pace group but even being at the back of the group the pace was a lot faster than that.

Bonus TIP: Remember the pace groups are just an average time so make sure you use your own tracker on your smartphone or watch. I like the app Endomondo which is FREE and accurate. It tells me the pace per mile and my hubby can send me encouraging messages which come across in a robotic voice which makes me laugh.

TIP #6....What do you need for an extra boost? My two favorite things about the race were my kids at mile 8 waiting for me. I was about to give them a hug but they were like, “no keep going” and they proceeded to run with me till the end of the block. Mile 8 was when it was starting to get tough so that was exactly the motivation I needed. I kept thinking in my head, “my kids are my REASON and NOT my EXCUSE.”

Aren't they adorable running with me. It might have slowed me down but it filled my heart with so much love!

I was completely drained and numb from mile 9-13. I could barely push through but I thought as long as I am running I am still accomplishing my goal which has always been to just finish. I am researching why I felt drained for the last 5 miles...not sure if it was because I ran so much faster than I did in my training (maybe some more sprints next time), more hills in this course than I was used to (note to self add hills to my next training program), or maybe a need for longer runs.

My kids had planned to run the last 1/2 mile with me and I was so looking forward to this moment. They are everything to me and having two of the four run through the finish brought tears to my eyes as they saw that Mommy is able to accomplish goals while raising them and I know they were very proud of me!

BONUS TIP: Never stop considering what you can do better. Even if you have run your whole life you can still give yourself notes to improve.

By the way…did I mention the whole reason I signed up for the second 1/2 Marathon was because there was a super big medal involved:) Think of your motivation during your race and while running as it will help you visualize crossing the finish line.

TIP #7: Visualization and practicing your finish! I made sure to practice sprinting towards the end of each run I did so I could use that oomp to get me to the finish line. I pictured them calling my name, putting the medal around my neck and the satisfaction I would get from finishing my goal.

TIP #8 When the race is done the tips don't stop. Take the blanket they hand out at the end. Your body heat quickly drops after your done running and it does help to keep you warm. It is usually a silly foil like wrap but it does the job. I typically get rid of mine AFTER the massage.

BONUS TIP: Don't forget to grab food from the post race tent. You will be hungry after the excitement is over and they don't allow you back into the tent for goodies.

TIP #9 MASSAGE! Hurry over the massage and stretching tent early as the lines do tend to get really long. And be sure to schedule a real massage for a few days later. Some experts say to do it that day but I couldn't handle the long massage until a few days later.

A few miscellaneous training tips that were really helpful for this race:

Beachbody at home programs such as T25. I didn’t run out of breath for this race and I credit it to the T25 program. I did 2 weeks of it the week before the race. I probably should have gotten in a few more miles outside but the weather was very cold and my husband was out of town which made it tough.

Second, being prepared. I had my stuff, the kids gear (winter hats, coats, shoes), race gear and everything I needed put in the car and laid out of ahead of time. That is what keeps me focused and not stressed. Preparation in every aspect of the race from start of the training to finish kept me on track. Also, thankful for a wonderful hubby that is so supportive!