First Half Marathon Tips | How To Run Your First Half Marathon

[@andrewcarter7503]

My mum, who is 84, suddenly decided at the age of 60 to take up running. For the next 10 years she ran the Bristol half marathon and until she was 75 did the Bristol 10k as well. She embarrassed me into getting fit again after years of lethargy. In few weeks at the age of 60 I'll be running in the Goodwood half marathon, my 14th at the distance. Mum's recovering from a replacement knee last year and hopes to be as active as usual soon. Thanks mum.

[@MsTrinichic]

I loveeeee this ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@mayka90]

❤❤😮🎉

[@allyboyd-davis7417]

A

[@kenanjabr1992]

Super mom! I hope your race was a huge success

[@sidewinder4718]

🗣that's what's up!🎯i cycle normally but im running my first Half-marathon in October✅️

[@--Taz--]

I did my first half about 10 days ago. It was great, I was feeling good and kept a bit higher pace. I ended 15min quicker than what I was aiming for.

[@Kelly_Ben]

That's AWESOME, congrats!!

[@--Taz--]

My "training" included only easy-paced trail runs, once or twice a week. It felt great and very easy to be running on a flat street as a result.

[@GTE_Channel]

15 min quicker is insane. Means you are a lot fitter than you know

[@--Taz--]

@@GTE_Channel I don't know about that. My aim was pretty low, but I am still happy with the time. At the 17th km I started feeling my legs getting heavy. Up until then was game on.

[@mjowsey]

Nice. I've done 3 half marathons and really didn't have much of a plan other than getting to the end!

[@tomascanevaro4292]

I ran my first HM yesterday in 2:09:39 😁apparently bellow average, but still happy

[@dhvanantrivedi]

That’s inspiring! I’m targeting 10K this year as its my first attempt.

[@StephenMcLoughlin262]

I started running 5 months ago after a car accident and being told to stop driving due to deteriorating eye sight (blind in one eye and myopic degeneration). So I decided if I can’t drive I’m going to run - at age 50 and only sports I’ve been involved in was watching on tele! Did my first 10k yesterday in 1.04, and recently got through the ballot for the London Marathon 2023 which now petrifies me!! Have a half on New Years Eve which is now my focus and would love around 2hrs - but plan A is to finish!! Loving the freedom of running and learning to live with aches and pains!!!! Love the video and thanks for the tips & encouragement! 🏃‍♂️

[@brotherdustin9363]

I pray as you reach your running goals and perfect sight return to you in Jesus name amen ❤️

[@stani.k]

Well done, this is very inspiring!

[@StephenMcLoughlin262]

Wee update!! 2 years on and I can still see and still running. Did the London Marathon 2023 in 5.07 and loved it!! Have since completed the Dublin and Belfast marathons twice and completed the London marathon last April (virtually) in 3.49. Wonderful to have no option except to put my running shoes on and go!!

[@BethanyBlount]

One other top tip I'd add is to strength train! I almost didn't finish my first half marathon; my hips were so tight and exhausted I had to walk several times. I didn't have any problems in training on my long runs or race pace runs, but putting them together was incredibly painful. Needless to say, I did not hit my goal time, but the first 5K and 10K of that race were the fastest of my race since they were actually at race pace. 😂

[@conradburdekin722]

Did my first half this august (only started any running at all in April). Set off too fast. Blew up at 14k. Did my second half this October. Started slower. Accelerated from 14k. Ran my 5k pb in the last 5k of the half 😳. Have become addicted to running. It’s honestly been life changing.

[@nealmansius5004]

Running a half in Frisco TX this April. Current pace 9:35 a mile. Plan A: Sub 1:45 (cur PB is 2:05) 🔥 Plan B: eight sub 9 min miles 💪🏻 Plan C: Finish with a smile 😊

[@ingridnuttle9429]

@nealmansius5004 I know this is an old comment, but I have my first half marathon coming up and I'm right where you are as of this comment! Current pace is around 9:30, would love to finish in under 2 hours but have no idea if I can. How did your race go??

[@ChunkyWaterisReal]

You're going to do all 3 my man

[@NicksWhipShop]

I ran a half marathon by myself last night for the first time in my life in 2:15:00. Most of it wasn't nearly as bad as I thought, but once I hit the 9 mile mark, the pain set is fast and increased exponentially with every step, especially in the knees. By the end I was limping along at about a 12 minute mile time and had a tough time getting into my car. 16 hours later now, and I am crazy sore and climbing stairs is currently difficult. My body definitely wasn't ready for that since my average is only 3.5 to 4 miles 2 to 3 times a week, but I'm glad I did it! For those of you like me who don't have a lot of training time, if you're wanting to run a half marathon - it won't be easy, but you can make It!

[@risefromyourpain]

Well done. Just done my first today at 2:15. Like you, the pain set in at 9 miles

[@vibingged]

The timing of this video could not have been better. I will be running my first ever half at the Queenstown marathon in NZ in six days, and this video just got me even more hyped for it! Wish me luck y’all.

[@susannaviles]

I just decided a few days ago that I want to do my first half next year, so this was a perfectly timed video and really helpful for me.

[@reubs7777]

How did it go?

[@kobusduplooy8039]

I am training for my fist half marathon in Feb 2023. At the age of 56 I decided to start running. My ultimate goal is to run the Ultra 65km Sky-Run trail in November 2023 and a 100 in 2024. Thank you for a great channel.

[@sidewinder4718]

🗣how did the half marathon go?✅️

[@omardgardiner2225]

Good luck.

[@SuperYtc1]

Farnborough winter half?

[@elvisperez9392]

JUST DID MY FIRST HALF MARATHON. - ZERO WATER - ZERO GELS - ZERO STOPS - ZERO VEST - ZERO NUTRITION - ZERO TRAINING - AT 3AM - FASTED I’M A BOXER/WRESTLER PACE 9’17 TIME: 2 HOURS

[@somemorewords9714]

Pretty badass ngl

[@noyekt]

Seeing all the posts about first one either just past or coming up. Great job!! Its not easy to run a Half Marathon, it can be nervous, exciting and challenging, but the accomplishment knowing YOU can do it is worth it! I plan on running a Marathon next year so done a few Half's this year. It gets easier and better each time I run! Keep it up all!

[@andyturner176]

Great advice, I've done a few half's now and the amount of runners I've over taken as they have gone off way too fast is unbelievable. Practice practice practice the refuelling as well, done that for an ultra and it worked really well.

[@runningchannel]

It's one of the most commonly made mistakes for sure! Which half marathon was your favourite? 😁

[@bardongalang32]

This video was from 9 months ago. Its 8-11-'23 now. Ill be joining my very first half marathon on 09-3-'23. I've been training for the last 3-4 months. And i need more before race day 🤘

[@chrisshaw2810]

If you are running a trail half marathon, study the elevation changes. It's all very well saying 'don't go off fast', but if the first mile is flat and then you go up a hill, then you may very well run your first mile faster than your second one (and that is perfectly ok). Also remember that walking up hills is a strategy, not a weakness - you must manage your heart rate. If you have a target time, then you need to break your pace down into sections. If your half marathon is 6.6 miles up hill followed by 6.6 miles down hill, then you won't spend any time running at your average pace. The longer the run the more fun the maths gets (but you really want to do the maths at home so you can enjoy the scenery on your run!)

[@sergiutelbisz1955]

I ran my first half-marathon one month ago. I have been running since March of this year and one day it just hit me that I should try it. I saw an event near me in October and I just jumped in and it was a wonderful experience. 21.2 km in 2h:7min, average pace 5:59 and I was not exhausted. I am grateful.🥰 I had 3 planned objectives: 1. To finish unde 2h 🤣🙈 2. To finish at the 2h:10min mark 3. To just finish in 3h , the time limit. Succeed between 1 and 2🥰

[@ronielcrespo6641]

Doing my 1st 1/2 this weekend. 2:49 during the training. Happy to do it under 2:30. After that I want to practice swimming for an upcoming Ironman. Maybe too crazy but that’s what my heart wants. Happy training everyone!

[@thejeffinvade]

I did my first half last month. Still having a fever from flu 36 hours before the run, finished at 1:40. About 20s per K slower than my goal pace. Was aiming for 1:33 before getting sick

[@ronielcrespo6641]

Update: finished in 2:20 @10:45 pace. Got to stay consistent. That’s all folks

[@bmylove4444]

Excellent!! Congrats!!

[@edsonrocks]

I'm 5 weeks away from my first Half Marathon. I'm super excited to be in Belfast for Sept 17th. I'm researching about tapering now. Thank you for such nice tips. :) Plan A: 2hours Plan B: 2h 20min Plan C: relax and finish 😊

[@omardgardiner2225]

How did it go?

[@edsonrocks]

@@omardgardiner2225 ❤️ I just completed the Belfast half marathon in 1:52:11 and was super happy. I also did the Dublin Half marathon in 1:52:40. I'm really happy with the results, first time races and I couldn't believe it 😊

[@andrewcarter7503]

Agree about the vibes. From the other runners, from the crowds. I always run faster on the day than in training. In training I rarely run more than 8 miles but never seem to notice the extra 5 on the day. Anyone planning or thinking of doing their first - go for it! And look around during that last mile. See the crowds, see the other runners, see the scenery, make some memories.

[@candybabyeagle]

My daughter and I are doing our 2n half marathon - the Route 66 half - in a week and a half. She runs...I walk. The 3 goal rule is great. My C goal is always to finish before cut off time. Next is to beat my previous time (I'm slow. Previous time 4:10). I guess my A goal would be a sub 4 hr since this course has a lot of rolling hills and the last one was fairly flat. Not bad goals for 72 and onky started doing this less than 2 years ago. Love your channel and greatly appreciate all the great tips especially on strength training.

[@koricksisomphone4453]

I just ran my first half this past Sunday! It was so fun. Thanks for all the tips on your channel. It was hotter than expected, hilly, and I cramped up in both quads at mile 12 but I still hit my B goal through It all!

[@DaMickLNP]

Sounds like Soweto this past weekend... was my first half, struggled up the last 8km...

[@UniqueAcountName]

I'm running my first half in June, super nervous, but also excited! This video was great timing

[@jungtao]

Agreed on the ultimate tip. We all get really excited and start too fast.

[@jameswalk2515]

Running my first half in Dallas TX (BMW) mid December, got my kit and my gummies of choice ready to go. Weather is my big changing factor, its been 80 degrees F and just now starting to drop for winter. The Running Channel has been my biggest prep tool, thanks for all the knowledge y'all share.

[@olaideafolabi3919]

Me too!!!

[@josiegjackson]

Did my first half marathon within a marathon training in the ankle-sagging route of Abingdon to Oxford - made it just above three hours! In the marathon, I ran my fastest half but still finished the full one well with an intolerant stomach with probably too many gels. Fab video as always!

[@saradevos83]

I did my first 2 half marathons, this year. I used the running channel marathon run plan and adapted it to a semi-marathon. I improved my 2nd one by 19 minutes.

[@chrishagemeier3029]

I ran my first half in 2020. It was more like "I am going on my long run" and following a given course through the local area in my vacation. Starting from km 7 I was just fighting with myself to go on. But I made it. The next Halfmarathon I made in June 2021. This time it was my usual long-run-day on my typical long-run-course. But this time it was just like "Let us see, how far I can get" and I added some distance again and again till I got my 21.1k. It was totally different from the first run (and I had a better time, too): feeling better and stronger. I wanted to do a Halfmarathon in the first half of this year, but CoVid19 struck me at the end of last year and so I had to start from literally nothing. Last Weekend I had my long run of 11k, I it was the first time this year, that I felt, I could go on for another 2-3 km. Thank you for your inspirational Videos, keep up the good work :)

[@richcushman]

Running my first half marathon in two weeks. Been training for it for 16 weeks. Really excited.

[@ChoirFan1]

Very first half marathon coming up in a week, 4 days after my 60th birthday! My last long training run was a 15km difficult trail run, about 10 days ago, and I felt relatively fresh at the end (pretty sore the next day, though), and did a PB 5km ParkRun 2 days ago…now for a couple of really easy short runs and lots of pasta meals 😁 I’m excited AND freaking out, at the same time 😳.

[@runningchannel]

You'll love it Steve! Good luck 🥳🥳 Let us know how it goes 💪

[@ChoirFan1]

@@runningchannel …finished this morning (Australian time)…pace plan for a sub-2:30 finish, and did 2:29:41 ! Pretty happy with that. No injuries, aerobically comfortable, but still can’t control my legs 😳

[@Gr3mlin13]

Did my first half marathon at the end of my first 70.3 Ironman. More training would have helped, but hit my C goal anyway, finished within cut off.

[@runningchannel]

CONGRATULATIONS! 🥳

[@morgandoerflein4957]

I ran my first half in October. If your race offers pacers, I 100% recommend sticking with one slower than your goal pace for the first 5km. You get a buddy plus it will keep you off the gas.

[@CarrieCole09]

I ran my first half a few days ago. For various reasons having a time centered goal was not really on the table. But my larger goal is to run a 50k in a few months so my goals evolved into "time on feet," learning about nutrition, learning how to walk and get running again. It was far from a time that I was jazzed about, but in context I was very happy. I got 27 miles on my feet more than half running so it was a total success!

[@pierremichaud2397]

I just registered for a HM as prep for 2 marathons this year (ran my first M last fall). My wife quietly announced she might be interested... Change of plans : super proud!!! to be her pacer and motivator for her first HM in April.

[@BGNewsReporter]

Have the Jubilo marathon here in Japan in 10 days. Already pumped for it! It'll be #20 for me, small milestone.

[@loriem1031]

I had told my friend that I wanted to train for another Half, my 1st was a Trail, 3 years ago, and I've done a virtual Half(with cold rainy weather and stomach issue🙄)and a 9K, but that's been awhile.....you're video came at a great time⭐

[@lucycampion9379]

Great tips, thanks you! I am running my first Half (in Cardiff) on Sunday, and the nerves have kicked in now. I was all set for a sub 2 hr race and then injured my Achilles, which has set me back. So am putting my plan aside and am just going to do what I can to enjoy it and celebrate the achievement, whatever that may look like on the day. I love watching Running Channel videos and getting advice from you all, and they definitely give me reassurance at times like this. Thanks Team, keep up the brilliant work! ❤

[@rwj_dk]

Did my a Half-marathon today (last was 12 years ago). Followed this tips here and other videos so keep being awesome!

[@nathaniel23946]

Running my first half marathon in less than 10 days 😍🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼 My go to fueling is Skratch lab hydration plus honey stinger gels!

[@madarachnid]

Jelly Babies all the way. Whoever invented those is a genius. I ran my first official half marathon at the Big Half in September. What an amazing event! Loved every minute of it!

[@karenmatzke]

Already nervous about my first half in Berlin in April. I'm a newbie runner, started 3 months ago. Thanks for the tips!

[@runningchannel]

Good luck Karen!!

[@hannahkenny9122]

hope it went well!!

[@karenmatzke]

@@hannahkenny9122 It did, thank you! Already signed up for the next one 😊

[@samiadham9690]

Hello dear

[@HollieLChappell21]

Love all these tips. After doing 3 half marathons I can say jelly babies are life!

[@runningchannel]

We love Jelly babies too! 😁😁

[@lisagurley6848]

I’m doing my first half in May 2023. I’m very excited. Honestly my only goal is to finish, since I’m new to running. I turned 40 in September and decided I need to try something new and I picked running.

[@jemmasykes1909]

I done my first half in September (Great North Run), I was disappointed in my time but super happy to just finish it, injury free, I now know what I need to work on for when I next do a half :)

[@andrewcarter7503]

"Finished" is a great time!

[@tb-3038]

My first half and race overall is in 3 days, had a pace in mind but got injured a week ago and stopped running all together. Regardless will try to make the best of it.❤

[@fighterinmkiwiscience3517]

How you get injured

[@tb-3038]

@@fighterinmkiwiscience3517 hiking , thought it would help blood flow and recovery after the last intense training block before starting tapering. It wasn’t any particular accident just started to feel a pulling pain behind the left knee but couldn’t stop since I was in the middle of nowhere and had to walk another 12km to get to the car.

[@fighterinmkiwiscience3517]

@@tb-3038 damn

[@brotherdustin9363]

I've been set back in training from sickness , it's frustrating but we can bounce back stronger 💪 don't give up God bless your training 👍

[@keithlohman3821]

Thanks for the encouragement! I am running my first Half Marathon in ten days at age 66. I think I am ready - some self-doubt - but trust the process! A great time will be 1:55. But anything sub-2:00 would be wonderful. That's what i trained toward!

[@keithlohman3821]

Success! I ran my Half Marathon. I had a goal of a 2:00 time, or even 1:55. However, the race was on some pretty tough trails with a lot of twists, hills, roots, rocks and leaves. I could rarely keep a regular pace. So, finishing in 2:09 was a real achievement for me! Thanks for your encouragement!

[@ahaan-thakker9142]

​@@keithlohman3821🎉

[@bigstuphill6361]

Watched your video last night before running my first half marathon and found the video brilliant and very helpful. I ran it in 1hr 42mins 😊. The tips you given were great. Keep up the good work. Thank you 🏃

[@clairetwinny]

I'm doing a trail half (Cardiff) this weekend, goals A B and C being to reach the end. I don't usually use gels but I've been trying out Gu coffee gels - about 5 miles from the end. So far, no stomach issues, but also I'm not sure the gel has really kicked in at the right time. So I'm wired after I finish - good for getting jobs done, not so great for recovery. Wish me luck!

[@jdpjamesp]

Did my first Half in September in Bristol. Glad to see I used most of these tips well! I said to myself at the start of the year I'd like to do a half in under 2 hours, but decided to set ABC goals of 1:55, 2:00 and finishing. Absolutely buzzing to get round in 1:53. Fuelling is still a challenge for me. I've been using gels but I'm increasingly finding they leave me feeling really unwell for a few hours after I stop running. I like the ease of gels, but not the side effects. So I need to experiment. Might try with Nurhu bars for something completely different and better for the planet. Role on Exeter next year! I signed up for that as soon as Bristol was done! And I'll be entering the Great North ballot too.

[@twold4this]

Well done. Not advice just my experience. I've run halfs + fulls. I'm pretty good for my age VM65-69. IMHO. Gels are not necessary for a half: sticky, inconvenient and damn expensive. If you feel you'll need something during the event... eat something you enjoy! Choco (not if it is hot.. Ooh, sticky).. you know what you like. Happy running.

[@njsfer]

I did my first half marathon in April this year. I didn't follow any specific training but I was consistently running every week and I ended up finishing it in 1:21:58 which was according to my plans but I could've done faster.

[@jimfrazier1073]

Wonderful, simple, realistic, video thank you. Shamrock 1/2 in Virginia in March, A goal 2:15. Love the channel, thankyou for all the info and inspiration along the way.

[@stephenp4679]

Dallas half marathon next month, been following Garmin Coach and feeling awesome, ready for a PB (it’s my first half marathon ever)!

[@gameln1]

Just did my first half marathon last wekkend (in 1:43h) and my first proper running race in over 10 years and it was absoulutly amazing. I finished 10minutes faster than my A- Goal and 17minutes faster than my B- Goal. I could have probably started a little bit faster, but overtaking lots of people in the last 8km when I was confident enough that I m going to finish (my C- goal) was great as wll.

[@meditalisoo7]

Did my first half marathon race 2 years ago and somehow got a 10k PB in the first 10k that still stands today. (I didn't run any 10k races since then). And somehow miraculously I didn't slow down massively in the second half. But my advice is: even if you do something like this once this doesn't mean it'll work again. Stick to your race plan as much as possible.

[@stewartsherwood7769]

I did something similar at the great North run this year, set a 5k 10k and 1/2 pb. Although I've since beaten the 5k pb during a 10k race.

[@meditalisoo7]

@@stewartsherwood7769 Yeah, maybe 10k PB isn't that bad if your 10k time isn't that optimized yet. Mine definitely wasn't since I was training for the 1/2. 5k PB might be a bit much although I wasn't that far off my 5k PB pace.

[@stewartsherwood7769]

@@meditalisoo7 True, had an accident and couldn't run for almost a month before the 10k. That definitely impacted that race time.

[@marnieCN]

Just signed up for 1st official half marathon at midnight....Omagh half! Previous done Omagh and Edinburgh as virtuals during lockdown. Excited but scared! Roll on March!

[@RatelHBadger]

My trick for getting through race day... I listen to the Folk in Scotland podcast. Two middle aged Scottish geezers, complaining about society, it's fantastic! Each episode is about an hour long, so I know when one ends it's time to hit the gels, and also they are just generally hilarious to listen to, I don't realize I've run 20k for 2hours until the 2nd episode finishes and I think, oh yeah, that's right.

[@runningoneddie]

Have a half marathon next weekend. Definitely not my first but I've been focusing on shorter races most of the year. Haven't raced one since February. It'll be interesting to see what I've got. It's a downhill one as well which is always challenging. Thanks for the tips. I usually carry a gel with me or if it is going to be warm, I'll bring a flask with Tailwind for fuel.

[@neelsmienie]

Doing my first race half marathon next year March. Training is going smoothly.

[@nowster]

I've run twelve HMs in the last year. All solo runs, not races. Unlike training for a full marathon I just gradually lengthened my long run each week. No special techniques. Fuel? A couple of slices of toast an hour before the run, jelly babies from about 8km on, though I do now have a fancy for Tunnocks Caramel Wafers. Fluids of about 500ml to a litre of dilute orange squash in a backpack depending on the weather. My usual time is about 2h10 on a hilly course. And I always have a big appetite the following day.

[@happy_running_sober]

Amazing content as always! Doing the inaugural Falkirk Half-Marathon next Sunday (hometown for me) and very much looking forward to it. Let's go!!

[@leslie117777777]

I have been running for a while, but I decided I’m going to run a half marathon by myself this weekend 🤗 I’ve run the distance before & hope it will be a fun time this time too 🤪🥰

[@FreakDaFunk]

Tomorrow is my Half Marathon PB first Time And You Upload the Tips God Bless You Guys 🤙

[@johnsimonsson2085]

I'm running Adidas Premiärhalvan which will be my first half marathon on April 20. I've previously only run for the enjoyment of running. But after covid and a series of injuries I set a goal with my personal trailer to be able to run a half marathon within 6 months. That was in december. I'm currently running roughly 15km on my long runs and my only goal is completing the half marathon. So I'm mostly looking forward to race day.🤗

[@andriratnasari2648]

I'm training for my first half marathon. My goal is just finishing the race within COT😀. Anyway, I really wanna see Mo and Suley running ultra on a trail😍😍😍

[@hardybrim1061]

Thanks for the tips.. still training for my 1st half marathon..

[@thejeffinvade]

I did my first half last month. Still having a fever from flu 36 hours before the run, finished at 1:40. Coughing so badly at the start line that others were moving away from me. My pace slowed by 20s per K from my goal pace. Was aiming for 1:33 before getting sick. There is always next race.

[@damienweatherley1556]

Such an awesome performance Sarah! And to be able to film at the same time and having jet lag is amazing! I have also cried at the end of a marathon last year and also the Cambridge Half, this year. Something about finishing a race which I thought would be beyond my capability just makes everything boil over once its done and I felt myself welling up as I recalled it watching you at the end. Can't wait to do it again at MK in May! Keep creating Running Channel!

[@grantwallace1882]

My new Garmin watch is training me for a solo half marathon. It keeps me motivated.

[@antonybates]

I have my first half this Saturday, and it's a trail one too!

[@runningchannel]

Good luck Tony! Where is it?

[@antonybates]

@@runningchannel Tollymore Forest Park in Newcastle, Co Down

[@Kelly_Ben]

Have a blast, and good luck!! Trails rock... pun intended.

[@Draddar]

Don't overdo the fueling. You can do the half marathon even without any extra carbs during the race. Theoretically it does probably cost a bit of time, but on the other hand you avoid any chances for GI issues which can be a real nuissance. For me a couple of energy drinks at the aid stations are generally enough. And when I tried the "proper" fuelling strategy that we usually read about I was nauseous well before halfway, had to slow down and just had a miserable overall experience.

[@gowanlock]

This pair are my favourite hosts on running channel

[@hairyairey]

I love them all! 😘

[@mrpoutine6588]

Wondering if you folks would make a video on best tips/practices for being a pacer?

[@runningchannel]

We can definitely look into it! Thanks for the great suggestion! 😁

[@LifeBeautifulMess]

My first half in 5 weeks in Washington DC. Love this channel!

[@michelle312900]

Running my 1st half next year Jan. Starting a 10 week plan next week! Thanks for the tips.X.

[@DavidJonesbt45]

Did my first half in summer, I wasn't aware you needed to fuel for a half, I didn't carb load either, again thought that was only for a marathon, got through it okay. I do run by low heart rate though.

[@giovanbattistafichera8439]

The only thing I find difficult about running half marathons is being mentally ready for the last 2km. The rest is not that tough. But I've run many already, and I know my target pace range. My advice to novice runners is to first get an idea of the kind of pace they can sustain and then run the first 5km slightly slower than that to make sure they're doing it right. Keep in mind that just like in training, pace can vary due to temperature/elevation/physical condition/sleep etc. Anyway, the worst you can do is to go out too fast. If you don't feel 100% fuck PB. Take it down a couple of notches and just take it in. It's a long enough race to be enjoyed without asking yourself who the hell made you do it. (unless of course you didn't train for it, but that's YOUR fault LOL)

[@paulhanson1600]

I wish I had seen this before, I just did my first half (Leicester). Got woken up by drunks at 4.30am the morning of the run, I was aiming for a 1:45-1:50. Managed to finish in 1:43:29, well chuffed. The crowd helped me keep going on the hill at the end!! (I only started running during lockdowns and Park Runs really helped me get started!)

[@paulhanson1600]

And now I just got a place at the April London marathon!! I've got to double the distance now 😮🏃

[@paulhanson1600]

Late update: was aiming for sub 4hr at London. Training went well except a few injuries like a twisted ankle before. On the day it went amazingly to plan and felt good until about 3 hours in then had to battle to keep going... But finished in 3:51 the amazing support really helps!!😊

[@Stevenc1984]

I've got Sheffield for the 4th time in March. My tip for that one would be practice running hills (300m elevation gain almost all between 3-8K) 😅

[@jennabutler6304]

Awesome video! I was wondering - can you all so a video on being a heavier/fat runner? Lots of things are more difficult (like foam running, running itself, etc) but for some weight loss isn't really an option (for me it's a required medicine that brought on the weight). I'd love tips from other large runners - we do exist! ☺️

[@brittanygray2742]

I'm going to run my first half marathon in 3 months. I'm a regular runner, the main thing I am worried about is being too slow. So I am doing speed work a few times a week to help shave off some time in the coming months. And my longest long run is only 6 miles currently. I feel like I can run forever, I just get bored and want to quit out of boredom... I'm having my hubby ride his bike along with me to help with this as my runs get even longer. Wish me luck!

[@vip93gura]

Running the Route 66 half next Sunday! It’ll be my first. I’m so excited!

[@mjuk1984]

I did my first half-marathon last October in Glasgow and managed to reach my A-goal. Was chuffed! My fuel preferences at the mo is gummy bears, energy drinks and water, but still working on finding the "best" fuel options for me.

[@runningchannel]

Amazing! Congratulations 👏 What do you tend to eat before your runs?

[@mjuk1984]

@@runningchannel I'm still working on carb loading strategies, not sure if it works for me. My tradition is to eat a McDonald's breakfast (1 B&E, hash brown and pop) a couple of hours before a run. Probably not the best option but it's seemingly works for me. 😄

[@kathydriscoll8189]

Great tips. I am running a half in two days. The Honor run. Such a great race. Outstanding bling.

[@scottishbanjo]

I did my first half marathon 3 weeks ago . I’d started training 4 weeks before . Im 56 but in my mind I thought I was 26 . Sadly I found I walked for a couple of km and my running pace is quite slow . I was really disappointed it took me 4 hours ! I felt kinda bad but I have slowly started back into the training and I did my fastest 5 k yesterday at a Park run … that was a much needed win

[@sarahswims]

Brown rice and pasta are great, BUT... If you aren't used to the fibre be careful changing your diet that close to race day!

[@thedanalcantara]

I ran one earlier this year as part of training for a marathon. Little did I know that the following day I would test positive for Covid and then a week later the marathon I had been training for would be cancelled… Still struggling to get my breathing back to what it was before, but determined to run another half (at least) in the new year.

[@christophervehon9554]

I can't wait to run another half marathon! Part of me has aspirations to run a full, but definitely afraid of trying.

[@gelejama8617]

I ran one of my quickest half marathon today, 1:39:02,zero water,zero gels and zero stops.

[@christiaanvromans9547]

I'm going to be doing the Manchester Half Marathon next year and I'm going to use the Garmin suggested workouts with the race day feature and see how that goes in terms of getting me race ready.

[@glennvandamme]

Perfect timing! After the 5k and 10k I just started my HM plan this week! 🎉

[@paullinseisen2149]

I have had some good success with following my Garmin plan for my first half marathon. Thanks for the tips.

[@billlee2726]

Running my first HM in 4 weeks. The plan was built around a 2:40 target finish time but based on my 10K/5K PRs, the predictor calculator said I "should" be able to do it in around 2:15. I hope this hasn't hurt the training paces to where I won't be prepared. I guess I should have better worked out my A, B, and C plans as the video suggested, rather than training for C the whole time.

[@simonround2439]

The alternative to carb loading - which is basically stuffing yourself with unhealthy sugars in a desperate attempt not to run into the wall - is to eat a low carb diet and become fat adapted. Once you can tap into your fat stores, you will have enough fuel in the tank to run several marathons without bonking. The only exception to this would be elte runners who need the top end speed that only carbs will give but for the other 98 per cent, fat adaption is ideal - it works beautifully for me .

[@vacationmode6286]

I signed up for the Disneyland Half in January -- excited to give it a go!

[@runningchannel]

Let us know how you get on! 😁

[@cornellmans6362]

Doing a 21km road race on Sat Oct 28th and then a 26km trail run on Su Oct 29th. Will be a mental weekend

[@13tinytink]

I'm doing my first ever half marathon in March, Paddock Wood...my current goal is to turn up, do the miles and try and enjoy it :-) the less pressure the better LOL

[@zeitakulobusta]

Love the channel, always targeted, concise advice, thank you! Fairly new regular runner, always been very fit, doing some parkruns since summer, focusing on heart rate awareness, longer runs near home and did a 1/2 ma'n distance last week in 2.04 at 130bpm all the way (male 56 btw). Never run a race outside parkrun and even then I've felt the pull of speed out the gate...wondering how my solo 1/2 experience and time would translate to an actual event.

[@mohdirwansophan78]

Great tips especially on choosing suitable training plan. Thank you!

[@jasonleeruns]

Did my first half at the great north run in 2021, Finished in 2 hours and 5 minutes so was going to try and beat that and get a sub 2 hour at the great Manchester run next year but I've signed up for a trail marathon 3 months after the half so may have to take the half easy.

[@simonluther3352]

I like dates for my sugar hit - one on the start line, one at 5 or 6 miles and one at 10 miles (if I remember!) Good luck all you new runners. My advice, don’t push too hard too quickly. Running can be a very beneficial part of your life for many years so try not to break yourself :0)