If you love to run but aren't quite ready for a full marathon, a half-marathon is an excellent option. At 13.1 miles, a half-marathon is still a challenge, but it's one you can meet if you're able to keep your body in check and get plenty of training down. These are things you need to consider when you're getting ready to compete in a half-marathon.

Training

Running a half-marathon could be a shock to your body if you're not prepared. When you've decided that you want to compete in the marathon, it's time to start training. You should start by running a mile, or however far you can go without stopping. With each subsequent run, you should try to run farther than you did before. Running outdoors can also help you to get used to the environment of a half-marathon. As you are training on the road, according to Abels & Annes, it’s important to obey the rules of the road. Remember to use designated crosswalks, be cautious at intersections, be seen by wearing bright colors, stay alert, and don't be unpredictable. Before you run, make sure to stretch properly. Doing weight training can also help you to better power through the stress of such a challenging run. Finding a personal trainer to help you with getting your body in check is also worth pursuing.

Nutrition

According to Fleet Feet, what you put into your body is very important for your success in a half-marathon. You need to make sure you're getting lots of complex carbohydrates, protein, and vitamins. It's also crucial that you're well-hydrated, before and during the race. Talking to a doctor before running a half-marathon is always good. You can review your diet with them and get some recommendations about how to adjust it. If possible, get your blood checked so they can help you identify any nutritional deficiencies. Your doctor might also tell you about how to prepare your body so that you're not putting yourself in any harm by running a half-marathon.

Quit Smoking

The relationship between smoking and running isn't a good one, because exercising in any fashion calls for healthy lungs. Someone doesn't have to be a pack-a-day smoker in order to deal with the negative effects when running. If you're training for a half-marathon and you smoke, ditch the habit, either for the duration of your training or for good. You could still finish a half-marathon as a smoker, but there's no debating that it can impede your performance. Instead of having to slow your pace or take frequent pauses, you can bring more oxygen into your body and be able to push ahead far more than you ever would've if you kept smoking.

There are lots of reasons to run a half-marathon, from loving to compete to wanting to prove you have endurance. However, your reason can be as basic as loving new experiences. No matter where or when you finish, your half-marathon experience can be one of the most satisfying moments of your entire life. It can also help you to realize that a full marathon is something you're able to pull off.

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