Running. Some people love it, some people hate it. I happen to fall under the category of those who hate it. However, I can admit that it’s one of the best forms of exercise out there. It doesn’t require any equipment (except for a pair of sneakers), it can be done wherever you go, and it’s a full body workout. I decided to run a half marathon this past January as a way to avoid the dreaded freshman 15. Here are a few tips on how to complete a half-marathon, even if you hate running.
1—Invest in quality shoes. When running a half-marathon, the number one item that you need is a good pair of running shoes. Since you’ll be running a lot of miles over the next few months, you don’t want to skimp and buy a low-quality sneaker. Not only will these shoes wear out quickly, but they’ll also put your health at risk by causing more pain to your feet and making you more susceptible to injury. I have a pair of Nike Free Runs that I’ve used the past few years for light exercise and running, but I decided to get a new pair of sneakers specifically made for long-distance running. I bought another pair of Nikes and I love them so much. Not only do they provide good support, but they’re also very cute and comfortable.
2—Dress to impress you. It is scientifically proven that when you’re confident in your outfit, you can take over the world (scientific source: me). If you’re going to run a half-marathon, ditch the drab, baggy middle school T-shirt and unflattering basketball shorts. Not only are these items not proper running attire, but they also won’t make you feel like you’re at your best. Instead, opt for a pair of running leggings and tech shirts. These come in a variety of different styles, colors, and patterns, and they are also designed to make your body feel it’s best throughout your training.
3—Make a training schedule. Training is the most important part of running a half-marathon. Attempting to run 13.1 miles with zero experience is a bad idea, especially if you aren’t in shape. The Internet has a wide variety of training plans that are only a click away, so spend some time researching which one is right for you. Some training plans are for people who are already in running shape, and others are for those who have never run a day in their life. I used a 12-week plan that had me running five out of seven days of the week, with longer runs landing on the weekends. I wrote down when I was going to run each week in my planner, which helped keep me on track. I admit that I wasn’t as on top of my training as I should’ve been (I missed a whole week once), but I promise you’ll be fine if you miss a few days here and there!
With these tips, you’ll quickly be on your way to completing a half-marathon. Do you have any other tips for first-time runners? If so, leave a comment below!
