I have dreamed of running a half marathon. I thought it would be such a major accomplishment and something that I thought would challenge me physically and mentally. Last January 2015, I made a commitment to start training for my first half marathon, as I had previously run 5ks. I did not sign up for a run or anything, I just started training, by following Hal Higdon’s plan. Halfway through my training, I realized that without signing up for anything the motivation could easily go away. With about 7 weeks or so to go before Wisconsin’s Cheesiest Half Marathon, which was the first weekend in May, I signed up for one after being inspired watching my Wisconsin Badgers make a deep NCAA tournament run and how hard those kids had worked to achieve what they were achieving. So, I was signed up, my training was rejuvenated and I was ready to go. I had a lot of rookie mistakes through training and running my first half marathon, 13.1 miles, and things that I will be sure to correct and be better at the second time around. Here are my lessons learned.
1. Get to the start line early
I felt that I arrived at the half-marathon site early enough. What I had not planned on, was the line to the bathrooms being so long. I ended you missing the National Anthem because I was step out of the restrooms. I had to hustle to my starting area, get my headphones and and sync my watch. I ended up stretching in line, while I was waiting to use the restrooms. Not an ideal situation. My recommendation is to get there with plenty of time, to use the restroom, stretch and be relaxed for the start of the race.
2. Pace Yourself
Having run 5ks in the past, I understood that my adrenaline was going to be at an all-time high with running my first half marathon. I was definitely amped up and feeling good. Found people to pace with, and was so excited with everyone cheering each other on. I got so lost in the moment and comfortable that I was running at a faster pace than I intended and was gassed out by mile 8. I stopped got some water, had some sport beans and briskly walked for the next mile. I walked / jogged the next mile. Hooked up with a couple of other runners and started to come back. They were encouraging me and I was encouraging them. Slowly, my confidence came back and I realized that I was going to complete my first half marathon.
3. Don’t set a time goal
The whole time I was training I was so concerned with the time that you had to finish the race in. What I realized later was that, with this being my first half marathon, time was not what I should be concerned with. The thrill and excitement of finishing the half marathon was so powerful that my time didn’t even matter to me. I finished the half marathon and that alone is something to be proud of.
4. Don’t forget fuel
During my training I realized that I would need something along the run to help keep my energy up. I decided to use sport beans at mile 3, 6, 9 and save a few for 12. I carried a bottle of water with me and then had Gatorade at the water stations when I didn’t use the sport beans. I trained this way ahead of time and was comfortable with it. I noticed other runners did not fuel like this and were asking people at the water stations if they had extra. So prepared ahead of time, this definitely helped me get through the run.
5. Wear proper cloths
I wore shorts and a long sleeve under armour shirt. The morning of the race was cool and since we would be running along the lake, I figured it would be cooler. I felt the reason I gassed out at mile 8 was because I overheated. Definitely felt warmer than what it really was. I did have a t-shirt on underneath to I ended up taking the long sleeve shirt off. Next time, I know not to wear a long sleeve shirt but instead shorts and a t-shirt will be just fine. Wear comfortable clothing.
6. Find your motivation
While I struggled to the finish and mainly between mile 8 – 10, bonked and desperate to find my inner strength, I came upon other runners when I was struggling who encouraged me and I encouraged them. As we kept getting closer to the finish, more and more people were cheering us on. I felt my confidence increasing as we were approaching the finish line. I encourage you to read every sign, listen to the cheers and enjoy the moment. Thank the volunteers. Acknowledge the cheering crowd and high-five the kids that have their hands out. The entire journey is fun.
7. Cross the finish line with style
Understand that the finish line will probably be photographed. As I reached mile 12, I started thinking of the finish line, my wife and son standing there cheering me on, and the months’ worth of training and sacrifice’s I made to achieve this goal. My wife and I talked before hand that I would carry or run holding my sons hand across the finish line. I noticed my wife and son, gave him a high five and she snapped some photos. My son kept high fiving people as I finished the race. Whatever you do at the finish line, make it special, you earned it!
Completing the half marathon was one of my greatest athletic accomplishments. Overall it was a tremendous experience and I couldn’t be happier with it. I definitely want to run another one. It will be back to training for me. Enjoy the experience!
