Here are eight things
you shouldn’t forget to do before running your first half marathon. You’re running 13.1 miles! Don’t forget – that last .1 miles is the most
difficult. Always save a little
something for that last minute or so – enough energy to smile as you sprint
across the finish line – and pretend like you aren’t miserable.
Pack the nail
clippers. Don’t forget to trim your
toenails. Keep them nice and short, but
don’t trim them too short. Related to
this – DON’T get a pedicure in the week or two leading up to your race. The technician may just scrape off your
calluses you’ve been working so hard or irritate a blister. Don’t learn this the wrong way and save this
pampering session until AFTER your race.
Reward yourself.
Brown bag it. If your half marathon is not scheduled in
your home town, always pack your own breakfast.
Many runners are creatures of habit and routine. We repeat a lot of the same habits – and our
breakfast fueling routine seems no different.
I always pack my English muffin, peanut butter and greek yogurt for race
day. I stay away from the hotel’s
continental breakfast (which is usually not even open before a race anyway) or
refrain from stopping at a convenience story.
You want to get your stomach set out correctly at the start line and
fill fueled the best you can. The only
thing I grab from the hotel is my morning cup of coffee.
Lube up. Body glide, Vaseline or whatever your choice
of lubrication is – use it. Use it
between your legs, under your arms and under your bra line – all the way
around. You may be surprised where you
rub and find friction during a race.
Wear the shirt
tomorrow. Don’t wear anything new
for your race – including the race shirt.
No matter how much you like it or how proud you are of it, just put it
in your gear check bag or suitcase and wear it tomorrow. You never want to try anything new on race
day. Just wear what’s proven it works,
doesn’t chafe or fall-down.
Fill up. Even though water and sports drink are
offered on the race course, always bring your own handheld water bottle or
hydration belt that you’ve trained with.
You will be grateful that you have these comforts with you at all times
during the race. You can always (and will)
refill your bottles at the water stations.
And you can use them to store your nutrition items, like gels, chews and
gum.
Bring extra. I always suggest that runners take a gel or
chew at the start line and then follow up with another at miles five and
ten. But, always bring an extra (fourth)
packet with you for a half marathon event.
I also suggest not trying the gels that are offered on the race
course. Just like your clothing, you
never want to try anything new on race day.
You can never pack
too many shoes, right? Pack
flip-flops and an extra pair of running shoes to wear after your race. You may have blisters, toenail problems or
have wet and sweaty shoes. You want to
be prepared and comfortable for the walk back to your vehicle and the ride
home.
