Swindon Half Marathon - Top Tips to Get you Started

Preparing to run the half marathon can be a daunting thought for anyone especially if you're a complete novice.

It's important to remember we all have to start somewhere. So TGtS along with personal trainer Matt Gleed have compiled some top tips to get you going!

Have a plan - Run for a reason

First things first, make sure you set up a training plan. This’ll guide you towards race day and help keep you on schedule. Having a plan will also be a huge help during those tough weeks you feel like giving up! 

It's also great to make sure that you're running for a reason. Charity or sponsored runs close to your heart will give you momentum and get you inspired to keep training and come out with a big performance on race day.

Have the correct kit

This one’s a biggie! You need to ensure you have the right shoes to avoid injury and enhance your performance. Get yourself down to a specialist to look at your running stride. This’ll help keep away nasty blisters and aid comfort.
 

Listen to your body

When you’re out and about for your runs if you’re feeling like your body is really struggling then don’t be afraid to stop. You don’t want to cause an injury by pushing through the pain. After all, you don’t want all of your training to be in vein!

Hydration is also key to a successful run. When you start running further distances you might want to look into a bottle belt; this’ll hold a couple of small bottles and keep your fluids replenished.   

 

Change your routes

Training on the same routes will only make running very boring!  Why not try mixing up your routes to keep you feeling good and challenge yourself on different inclines and terrain? Make sure you keep updating your running playlist too, there’s nothing like an up tempo song to really give you an extra push.
 

Monitor your progress/race experience

Keep records using an app or graph so you can see your miles increase or speed increase. This will be great motivation to keep going but also allow you to target a time on race day.

Getting some race experience is great practice for the big day. You’ll be able to get the feel of running next to a big group of people. It’s important to remember other competitors will be passing you and vice versa. Trying to pick a dual with every runner that you come across is a dangerous mind game, take it nice and study. Don’t worry about other people and focus on your own goals.
 

Run with someone

If you have a friend who is also going to be racing then pair up and head out together. Running groups and organisations are great places to meet people of a similar standard, take the initiative and run together.

Why not double your workouts? When it’s time to up the mileage you don’t have to do it all together in one go. Splitting your mileage into 2 sessions in one day or over a weekend can be just as good this stops to much continuous strain on your body.

Research your race

Make sure you know what to expect on race day. Ask yourself a few questions like: will there be water stations, food stations or energy stations? If so, look at the distances and see if they suit your running plan for the race. If not, look at getting yourself setup with supplies in a belt.

 

Don’t race to win

Race day either run to enjoy the event or run you race based on a time challenge. Running with the aim just to beat everyone else opens you up to a lot of variables that are impossible to control.

To get you use to running at your target race day pace, go for fast short runs once a week so your body can get use to the stride and turnover. For a half marathon 6 miles for a tempo run is good.