5 Things I learnt from my first half-marathon
Race: Great North Run 2021
Half marathon doesn’t sound nearly as cool as ‘Marathon’
Don’t worry imma do the London Marathon one day
To start training early
I spent the summer of 2021 training. Throughout the three months, I injured my ankle, my back and my dignity when I fell flat on my face and smashed my phone screen on one run.
I learnt that the earlier you start training the more time you have for when things go wrong e.g. getting covid a month before as well. This approach safeguards so that you know for sure you’ll be ready on the day.
To invest in trainers
I ended up with a back injury because I had been training in the same 5-year-old trainers which had the same level of protection as my slippers.
I should have listened to my mum’s advice at the start of summer and bought a new pair. Turns out regular runners are supposed to do so annually. It’s really important because it prevents injuries which can last your whole life long.
In the end, I waited till a week before the race (after barely being able to walk let alone run) before I got myself a lovely new pair, because that’s just the stubborn little fool I am.
Using a running app
I use running world, but there’s also Strava, these are great for measuring your pace, time and distance. Just make sure on the day you have an alternative e.g running watch because running with your phone during the race kinda ruins the experience.
To have the best time!
There was a point during the race going through the city centre where I started crying. I was just so happy, grateful, proud, tired and every other emotion. Turns out crying will running is really hard so I took some deep breaths and kept going. It was simply such a great experience! + you get so much free stuff at the end!!
