- Events
- Calculators
- Running
- Triathlon
Cycling Events
Triathlon Articles
- Fitness
- Sports
Outdoor Events
- Nutrition
Nutrition Articles
Health & Injury Articles
- Kids & Family
The Newbie Runner Diaries: My First Half Marathon
Written by
Our endurance editor Hunter Hewitt recently trained for and completed his first half marathon. He documented his experiences in the Newbie Runner Diaries series.
My First Half Marathon
1 of 12
From my first day of training, to crossing the finish line, to the post-race festivities, the half marathon was an incredible experience.
The following three slides contain some of the lessons I learned throughout the journey. The subsequent slides provide an archive of the diary entries from the Newbie Runner Diaries series.
The following three slides contain some of the lessons I learned throughout the journey. The subsequent slides provide an archive of the diary entries from the Newbie Runner Diaries series.
Lesson #1: Goals
1 of 12
Don't...even set one. Don't put yourself in a position to potentially not reach a specific goal time, as it will only lead to unnecessary disappointment.
Do...set a goal to simply cross the finish line. Your first half marathon is a learning experience, and the accomplishment of finishing the race is special enough. Cherish the moment, and save the thoughts about PRs and goal times for future races.
Do...set a goal to simply cross the finish line. Your first half marathon is a learning experience, and the accomplishment of finishing the race is special enough. Cherish the moment, and save the thoughts about PRs and goal times for future races.
Lesson #2: Course Map
1 of 12
Don't...neglect it. Don't assume that you can avoid studying the course to understand the route you'll be running.
Do...prepare for everything you will encounter. Windy roads or paths, hills and slight inclines, and different surfaces are all important things to prepare for. While the Celebration Run was a beautiful course with scenic views of San Diego's Mission Bay, I was not ready for the slight inclines and turns.
Do...prepare for everything you will encounter. Windy roads or paths, hills and slight inclines, and different surfaces are all important things to prepare for. While the Celebration Run was a beautiful course with scenic views of San Diego's Mission Bay, I was not ready for the slight inclines and turns.
Lesson #3: Friends and Family
1 of 12
Don't...go alone. It's ok to run alone, and many people prefer this. But once you finish, not having anyone to share the experience with can take away from the excitement.
Do...ask someone to join you. Whether you have a friend or family member who is willing to run with you or someone waits for you at the finish line, the experience is much more enjoyable when your loved ones are present. Plus, who else is going to take dozens of photos of you at no charge?
Do...ask someone to join you. Whether you have a friend or family member who is willing to run with you or someone waits for you at the finish line, the experience is much more enjoyable when your loved ones are present. Plus, who else is going to take dozens of photos of you at no charge?
I Hate Running
1 of 12
In his first entry, Hunter talks about his hatred towards running during his younger years, and how he has recently developed a fondness of the sport.
What's Your Running Style?
1 of 12
Read about Hunter's trip to a speciality running store, where he learned about pronation, supination and finding the shoes that best fit his running style.
Setting the Goal Time
1 of 12
Deciding what your goal time should be, or if you should even have one, can be a tough decision. Find out the lesson Hunter learned while attempting to set his.
Appreciate the Process
1 of 12
In his fourth entry, Hunter realized how important it is to appreciate the small victories along the way instead of focusing on the end goal.
I Think I'm Officially a Runner Now
1 of 12
You don't have to run a marathon, or even a half marathon, to consider yourself a runner. Hunter decided it's time to get rid of that mindset.
Half Marathon Training Plan
1 of 12
Check out the half marathon training plan that Hunter used to train for his race.
7 Things That Helped Me Train for My Half Marathon
1 of 12
Casual runners don't need much when it comes to gear and accessories. To effectively train for a half marathon, however, it doesn't hurt to invest in some helpful tools.