Top Tips for your First Half Marathon
TOP 5 TIPS FOR YOUR FIRST HALF MARATHON!
With Cardiff Half Marathon fast approaching, and training plans well underway the nerves may be setting in for many first-time half marathoners. Fear not, the ladies from the BAMR facebook group have got you covered with their top 5 tips for your first half marathon!
1. IT’S OKAY TO WALK IF YOU NEED TO!
13.1 miles is a long way and your pace will likely vary quite a bit! It’s totally okay to walk any time you need to! You will still cover the same distance as everyone else and earn that medal just as much! You’ve done the training; race day is all about just enjoying!
2. DON’T TRY ANYTHING NEW ON RACE DAY!
Not had gels before? Maybe best to avoid them on the day (stick to jelly babies). Don’t risk brand new shoes and make sure you have already run a few times in your race day kit, so you know nothing is going to rub and you’re going to be comfortable.
3. DON’T WORRY ABOUT ANYONE ELSE’S PACE!
It’s your race and today you will set your half marathon PB! Don’t set off too fast and keep it steady!
4. MAKE SURE YOU’RE FUELLING RIGHT
A BAMR pre-race breakfast favourite is a peanut butter bagel or porridge with honey. Drink plenty of water to ensure you stay hydrated before, during and after the race! (The kind folks at Brecon Carreg water will be on hand at Cardiff half keeping all 25,000 runners hydrated! Check before you set off where the water stations are so you won’t need to carry too much water with you).
STAY HYDRATED!
5. HAVE YOUR NAME ON YOUR TOP!
There’s always a great crowd at Cardiff Half, no matter what the weather! If your name is clearly visible on your running top people will be shouting and cheering for you all the way around! This can make a huge difference and help you get that much needed extra boost when you start to feel a bit tired!
IF YOU ARE RUNNING CARDIFF HALF MARATHON, KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR THE BADASS MOTHER RUNNERS WHO WILL BE OUT IN FORCE!
“ I’ve run Cardiff half twice now and am super excited to run it again! Especially as this will be my first half marathon in my Badass Mother Runner Kit! Cardiff Half is an amazing course with lots to see and the crowd support is always second to none! We have a lot of ladies racing on the day and even more coming to cheer!
Good Luck to everyone running, it’s going to be a fantastic day for all involved!”