Half Marathon Training Do’s & Don’ts
Since running my 2nd half marathon, I wanna share some do’s and don’ts of half marathon training that could hopefully help you. I share more on my YouTube video here.
Do's
1. Invest in good runner shoes
Later on I am going to share why this is important. This might seem like a “duh” statement but runner shoes can make or break your experience for real. The two things you need to run a half marathon is yourself and your shoes. So this is an essential first step
2. Run At Least Twice A Week
The first time I trained for a half marathon, I ran at least twice a week but THIS time that was not the case. At fist I was running that much, but as I mentioned here about my Chicago Half Marathon experience, I trained too early. Therefore, by the end I probably trained once every 3 weeks.
3. Register for Race Early
This seems like a simple thing but is imperative to half marathon training because races do sell out. If you are last minute like me, you might want to postpone this step. But it should be one of the first steps. Because you don’t want to be doing half marathon training, then try to register for the race and realize that you can’t due to lack of space.
Don'ts
1. Neglect Weightlifting
The first time I trained for a half marathon, I weightlifted but not as much. Therefore, post the race I felt weak. Although I was proud of my accomplishment I was disappointed that I didn’t keep up my strength. But this time I decided to prioritize weightlifting. So post-race I felt both accomplished and strong. Which is why I feel like half marathon training must include both a good running plan as well as weightlifting strategy.
2. Forget Stretching
So the reason why I fist mentioned to buy good runner shoes AND this point is because I think I developed something called “Patellofemoral Syndrome”. Basically my knee started burning at some point – which also tied to me not running as much. In order to prevent this I would have been stretching more. Stretching is so important yet forgotten often. But in order to prevent injury it is also imperative.
3. Ignore Rest
Listen to your body. When I relied that my knee was hurting, I slowed down my training. Because I knew if I just pushed through, I could get injured. Then once getting injured, I wouldn’t be able to do my race no more. Incorporate rest within your half marathon training program. Like don’t go 6 days in a row, running and weightlifting with no days of rest. Rest allows you to build muscle and strength.
So listen to your body as you train & good luck with your race 🙂
