My First Half Marathon: 8 Valuable Lessons Learned

The day had finally arrived. My first half marathon and I was pumped and ready to go. But there was a minor hiccup that I thought would set me back – the rain. But I didn’t let a few showers put a damper on this big event that I’d been preparing for the last nine weeks (minus 2 weeks due to work obligations). I will say, however, that there are 8 lessons learned that I wish to pass along to people considering long distance running.

My First Half Marathon: 8 Valuable Lessons Learned Share on X

1. Train in all kinds of weather. While training for the half marathon, I avoided running outdoors on cold, windy, snowy, and rainy days. Why? Because I was a wimp. If I had trained outdoors on raw and wet days, I probably would have been better prepared. As a meteorologist, my job is to track the weather. As you can imagine, I paid extra close attention to tracking the forecast leading up to the big day. The mild temps and sunny skies that I had forecasted the previous week quickly turned to gray skies and rain the week of the marathon. I was able to pick up a few last minute items including a hat to make running in the rain a bit easier. I didn’t anticipate how slippery the pavement would feel, which made navigating through the slick streets tricky.

2. Bring along energy boosters. I learned the valuable lesson of eating before a long race when I ran my first 10k last year. So I made sure to have a couple pieces of toast first thing in the morning. I also guzzled an energy drink prior to leaving. But, I should have carried something else to keep my stamina up throughout the race.

Fortunately, the staff provided runners with performance boosters at every mile marker. However, since I have never taken them before, I was a bit apprehensive to try anything for the first time during a race. So, I stuck to what I knew best – good ‘ol H2O. For my next half marathon, I’ll do some research and try a few while training.

3. Figure out a bathroom plan. Some people travel long distances to participate in marathons. It would be impossible for them to avoid using the potty right before a race. With only 15 minutes travel time, I knew I’d be okay. I spend the last few days drinking a lot of water to stay hydrated and went easy on the fluids prior to start time.

So when the announcer mentioned that there were port-o-potties set up, I thanked my lucky stars that I’d already done the deed. The line grew so long in just a few short minutes that some folks decided to create their own makeshift potties in the adjacent bushes. If I ever decide to join a race further from home, I’ll do my best to figure out where to pee before the start gun goes off.

4. Train on hills, not just flat surfaces before the race. I approached the first hill around the fourth mile. That one was pretty doable. But the ones that followed were quite a doozy and sucked the wind out of me. I went from about a 9:20 pace to a 10:15 pace.

5. It’s okay. Your GPS may be a bit off. I always trained with a performance tracker throughout my training and decided to do the same during the half marathon. There are also mile markers and clocks set up, but I still like the idea of having one handy. If you decide to bring along your own, just be aware that the times won’t be exact. I noticed that I’d hit the mile a few second before the mile markers and this is perfectly normal.

6. Be camera ready. Don’t get me wrong; I’m not advising that you should get all dolled up before a race. But just know that there are cameras everywhere throughout the course. I would have bought a few marathon photos last year, but I looked hideous. I had no idea my photo was being taken.

At one point, it looked like I was gasping for air. That was not how I wanted to remember my first 10k experience. This time around I smiled at every camera I saw. I also didn’t break stride just in case there are a few action shots. If you have family and friends there to support you along the way, be sure to coordinate a spot. That way you’d be all set to pose for a quick snapshot.

 

7. Follow the signs. The Long Island Marathon consisted of the 10k, the half marathon, and full marathon on the same day. Those running 13.1 and 26 miles ran the same course throughout most of the race. However, those running the 10k race ran a different course and had a completely different start location.

After reading about the 12-year-old girl who accidentally ran the half marathon, I made sure to check the bibs and signs around to make sure I was in the right spot. Half marathoners sported brown bibs, while 10k and full marathoners donned two different shades of blue. I happened to noticed a couple of 10k runners grouped with the full marathoners minutes before the race and ran over to alert them. I would be mortified if that happened to me, so I had to let them know.

There are also signs and staffers directing runners where to go. It’s so important to follow them. At one point the half and full marathoners split and go off in different directions. Keep in mind that there are thousands of people. If you’re not paying attention, you can easily get lost.

8. There are some thing you can’t plan. Just go with the flow. The plan was for my husband to meet me a near the finish line with the kids. It was pouring at this point and thought it best for them to wait in the car. Unfortunately, the car wouldn’t started. Turns out he needed a jump. Needless to say, I had to walk a few extra blocks to meet them. We were able to get a jump from a good samaritan and all was good.

Have you participated in any marathons? What lessons have you learned?