Training for your first half marathon isn’t that much different to embarking on a 5k or 10k (easy for us to say). But the basics are the same.
Watch these videos to find out how you can get ready for race day and find out some top fitness tips including:
- How much time you have available to train will determine your schedule and help you set realistic goals
- Aim to run two thirds of your final goal distance in training – you don’t need to practice the full half marathon before the big day
- Build up the length of your runs gradually so you can maintain injury free running
- Join a running club so you can get advice from other runners and meet like minded people who might be training for the same half marathon as you are
- Alongside your training make sure you are eating and sleeping enough and allowing time for your body to recover in between runs
The first informative video is from ultra-experienced Scottish long-distance runner Tarit Adrian Stott from Run and Become who has some sage advice. He says the key to half marathon training is to firstly understand your current level of fitness and then to ask if you want to complete or compete the marathon as your training programme will differ depending on your answers. But don’t take our word for it, listen to the expert’s half marathon training tips for beginners.
Training tips for 10k & Half Marathon by Run and Become
Once you’ve established the basics it’s time to get training for that first half marathon. Jeff Chandler from Jeffruns 50 lays down some great pointers such as getting rid of your goal time and focusing instead on having fun, finishing and enjoying race day. Watch the video to find out more tips and advice for the big day.
Half Marathon Training Tips for Beginners by Jeffruns 50
But it’s not just running. There are other vital components to take into consideration if you want to make it around the course – things like sleeping, eating, strength exercises and recovery. Here Jeremy Koerber from BJC HealthCare focuses on five key things you must do when training for your first half marathon. This clip outlines the lot (although we’re not sure if the presenter ever blinks).