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TIART: How to Run Your Best Half Marathon in 2009
Today’s topic over at Take it and Run Thursday at the Runner’s Lounge is how to run your best half marathon in 2009. Having run a couple of half marathons, I thought I would join in on the fun.
I wore the same race shirt for both half marathons, and on the back it says “DON’T THINK – JUST RUN!” I put that on my shirt to inspire others but also to remind myself of a couple of important points:
- Don’t worry about the other runners around you. Run your own race.
- Don’t think of it as 13.1 miles – just run it one mile at a time. This especially helped me early on in the races, and before I knew it, I was at mile 10 or 12.
- Pre-race nerves are normal. Don’t look at it as a big race. Look at it as just another training run with a lot of other people.
I recently ran a half marathon and of all my races (about 10 or 12 ranging in distance from 5K to 10K to Half Marathon), I would have to say that this race was the best. No, there was no PR involved, it was a hot 80 degrees, and most of the race was spent running around walkers. BUT for me it was the best because it was a fun, strong run with no pain, and here’s the coolest part – I got to run the entire race with my dad.
So don’t think that just because you didn’t get a PR that you didn’t run a good race. For me, running pain free and enjoying the race are what it’s all about.
Joy said...
1Great post! And pain-free enjoyment is definitely happy-making
PS – you know my “spoilers” are fake, right?
01/22/09 1:07 PM | Comment Link
Marci said...
2Great point about PR, often we tend to focus soley on time, but there are so many factors and staying injury free and enjoying the race are very important.
01/22/09 1:10 PM | Comment Link
tfh said...
3I think another, implied tip here is– wear a cool t-shirt to help inspire other runners!
01/22/09 1:41 PM | Comment Link
Xenia said...
4Well said!
Now remind me of this when I run my half mary in March, okay.
01/22/09 2:24 PM | Comment Link
Teacherwoman said...
5Great post, Running Knitter!
01/22/09 5:50 PM | Comment Link
MCM Mama said...
6Great tip! And I need to find myself a cool shirt to run in…
01/22/09 6:42 PM | Comment Link
Lisa Slow&Steady said...
7“running pain free and enjoying the race are what it’s all about”
YES!!!!!!
01/22/09 7:48 PM | Comment Link
Alisa said...
8Totally true!!!!
01/22/09 7:49 PM | Comment Link
merrymishaps said...
9I sure hope I can finish my next half pain free!
01/22/09 9:22 PM | Comment Link
RBR said...
10Great report! I agree about the time thing. The accomplishment is in the doing regardless of how fast.
What a fun thing to run with your dad. My dad and I have done a local 5 mile race for the last 2 years in a row and it is fun to do something like that with him.
01/22/09 11:25 PM | Comment Link
Audrey said...
11Great post! I agree – the half is my favorite race distance as well. Even though I didn’t PR at any of them last year, some were still really fun and enjoyable!
01/23/09 12:07 AM | Comment Link
Sagan said...
12Love the message on your shirt!
01/23/09 10:07 AM | Comment Link
Denise said...
13Great post. It is important to remember to enjoy it…if not, why do it?
01/23/09 5:07 PM | Comment Link
aka Alice said...
14Awesome timing…I sooooo needed to read something that would take my mind off my (inevitably slow) time this weekend. You’re right, having a fun race is important too (my current mantra!)
01/24/09 12:05 AM | Comment Link
A Soldier's Girl said...
15Hey there! I think these are some great tips. Especially the one about taking it one mile at a time. Maybe one day I will actually be able to run a 1/2 or even a 1/18th of a marathon and I will keep you in mind!
Hope you are lovn the Arizona weather…:)
take care!
01/24/09 11:35 AM | Comment Link
Pokey said...
16You are a very wise woman Miz Eileen!!!
I agree with you about RNR…its definitely a race to run/enjoy with friends and not worry about time. I had such a great race too…its amazing how enjoyable running is when there is no mental pressure
01/24/09 3:15 PM | Comment Link
Marathon Maritza said...
17I’m running a half tomorrow so thanks for the last minute motto! I won’t think, I’ll just run!!
01/31/09 9:11 PM | Comment Link
healthy ashley said...
18This is great. I definitely agree with the ‘Don’t Think- Just Run’ idea! i recently ran my first and that’s how I got through it (with a smile on)!
02/3/09 5:49 AM | Comment Link
RunningLaur said...
19Pretty sure the only way I can make top 300 is if everyone faster than a hour drops out to go to the all star game or the rodeo! Thanks for the words of wisdom, here’s hoping!
02/6/09 2:36 PM | Comment Link