5 Simple Tips in Training For A Half Marathon

Training For A Half Marathon

You have managed to run 5K or maybe a lengthy 10K. Now you are ready for the next step: half marathon running. Training for a half marathon may sound hard and tedious but rest assured that the distance of a half marathon is a friendly one. If you’re a runner who is used to run 5K or 10K then you can look at it as a step forward in your running workout. A lot of runners like running half marathons because unlike a full marathon run, half marathon requires less commitment and the runner can rest and recover faster.

If you think you are ready to take a half marathon run, be ready to dedicate yourself for a 12 weeks training. Here are some tips to know before you start with your training and boost your mileage up.

1. Before starting your half marathon training, you need to check if you’re fit enough to run for a long period of time. Consult your physician for a physical examination and check your fitness level. They will tell you the do’s and don’ts.

2. Always make your Monday as your rest day. Take it as a day off to rest your body from the workout. Rest is important to prevent injuries.

3. Don’t forget to stretch! Spend some time in stretching. Stretch every day, before and after you finish you run. You can also do some strength training like doing push-ups or weights. Runners get health benefits from these activities especially when they are training for a half marathon.

4. Move at your own pace! Don’t be wary about how slow you are going. Always remember to run at a comfortable pace.

5. Focus on distance. You need to push your workout to run at least from 3 to 10 miles. Pick a course near your neighborhood which is safe or find a nice, scenic area that you will enjoy during your long run. After finishing the course, measure the distance. Continue doing this routine until you can run for a bit longer.

The important part of training for a half marathon is the long run which is increasing the distance of your runs every week. Your mileage will increase to 10 miles during your 12 weeks training. Motivate yourself to endeavor until the finish line. You can continue running at your free days or weekends and be consistent with it.

Training for a half marathon doesn’t mean that you need to run the whole marathon. What is important is that you enjoy what you are doing and finish the course with a smile.