Lessons Learned from a Half Marathon

• Bodyglide should go everywhere....if you've ever chaffed in a location, slather it on. If there is a chance of chafing in another location, slather it on....even those private parts people!





• If there is desire, you will finish....maybe not with your time goal, but you will finish!





• Grab every single bit of food thrown at you after the run, as you simply don't know what your body will need to recover so its best to be over-prepared rather than find out later that there is no way to get back to the food line.





• Have friends stand by with dry clothes, mylar blankets or simply old towels that you can discard. Your body can easily take an entire hour to re-regulate your inner thermostat.





• Stay in front of your pacer....and know their voice. When you hear them talking, push yourself to up your pace so you continue to have a decent space between the two of you.





• Smile at those supporting you....it makes them feel that getting up at the crack of dawn (or before) is worthwhile, but it also is contagious and simply makes you feel better





• Remember to run the tangents....yesterday's race had me to .2 miles more than I needed to....I knew better, but just wasn't paying attention.





• There is no such thing as too much training. I think I undertrained a bit, but I also think I was on the verge of running just enough. Another 1-2 weeks and I think it would have been perfect.





• Take water/gatorade as often as you did during your last long run. if you drink every 5 miles, do so at the race.





• Don't try something new at race time. Those reps who say you don't have to break in those pretty new Brooks at the expo are LYING! My early running partner can seriously attest to this one.





• Its ok to be nervous...I was nervous for the 4 days leading up to the race, but race morning, I was fine.





• Get a ton of sleep the three nights before the race. Two of these nights I was in bed before my kids, and I'm ok with that!





• Running a half marathon is equal parts mental and physical strength. I think I was 90% of the way there for both, but still succeeded. I wish I could have ran that last 5k of the route, but there is always a next time.





• When you get tired, focus more on your form...every unnecessary movement depletes energy, so maintain it with the best form possible.





• If there is any injury that is more than just muscle soreness, seek expert opinion immediately...the sooner you get the proper advice, the sooner you will be back to proper form and running again!





• Be proud of completing regardless of the state of your body, mind or time....because you are a runner!