How do you start training for a half-marathon?
In February, I signed up for my first half-marathon, which will be in October, and now I’ve got to start training for it.
But to do that I’ve been trying to figure out the best training program. I’ve looked at a couple online and think I’ve found one that will work for me. It involves running three days a week and then cross training mixed in there on other days.
When it came to picking a half-marathon, I researched several options. When looking into races, I looked at the course maps to see what the course was like, how flat or hilly it was, etc. I also looked at the time limit because, as a first-time half-marathoner, I know I’ll be slower, so I wanted to make sure I would have enough time to finish. The race I ended up settling on is the Myrtle Beach Mini Marathon. I picked this one because it’s a flat course, and the time limit is long enough that I feel comfortable with it.
I’ll admit I’m nervous to start training because then it’ll make it real that I’m running a half-marathon. The longest race I’ve ever done is a 10k, but I have done several 5ks. I’ve finished every race I’ve done, but I’ll admit I struggled with the 10k because I didn’t train as much as I should’ve. The month before I had completed a 5k and achieved my personal best time and was feeling confident in the 10k, so I slacked off on my training for the month in between.
Because of that, I’m determined to correctly train this time, and because doing 13.1 miles is a lot harder than 6.2 miles. I’m also not much of a runner, instead I’m more of a jogger/walker, which is what I plan on doing during the half-marathon.
But as I’ve looked more into races, I’ve discovered more goes into preparing than just the physical training. There’s making sure you have the correct shoes for your feet. For example, I’m flat footed so I need shoe with arch support, and I’ve been researching the best shoes. I signed up for a half-marathon in 2020 that was supposed to take place in 2021, but it switched to virtual because of COVID. I didn’t want what would’ve been my first half-marathon to be a virtual race, so I got a refund. I don’t have anything against virtual races, I did a few during COVID, but I personally didn’t want the first half-marathon I did to be virtual. For me, I need that in-person support because doing it virtually means I’ll slack off.
But back to the shoes, it’s important to have proper fitting shoes, and last time I went and got fitted for shoes and inserts. However, those are starting to wear down, and I can tell I need new ones. I think I’ve decided on a pair, I just need to go get them.
When researching gear for running, I also came across articles talking about running socks, hydration backpacks, gels and other information to know. It’s a lot to process, but good to know.
I’ve got a lot of work to do before my half-marathon in October, but I know I can do it. My goal is to finish the race within the allotted time, even if I’m last, as long as I finish I’ll be happy. I’m also hoping by writing this column it’ll hold me accountable with my training.
Stephanie Hill is a staff writer covering Columbia County government for The Augusta Press. Reach her at stephanie@theaugustapress.com
