43 Tricks People Who've Run A Half Marathon Want You To Know - BuzzFeed

Start by running short distances slowly. You can gradually increase your speed and distance over time.
"Condition your body through many weeks of training before the big day. Start slow and gradually increase your distance each week until you can comfortably run more than half the distance of your marathon easily at a consistent pace." — xpeed718

Make sure you do a long run every weekend and aim to do a couple of short runs during the week too.
"I focused on the long runs more than anything and if I missed a day or two or three during the week I didn't sweat it too much." — Tasha Genck Morton, via Facebook

But don't beat yourself up if you miss a day of training.

"It won't kill you if you skip a workout! You can do it, trust in the training you did, and have fun! There's nothing like the feeling of crossing that finish line!" — cicelyberzack
"Don't beat yourself up over missed days of training. Sometimes life gets in the way of other plans, ain't nothin wrong with that!" — Maseyface
"Take extra rest days when your body needs it, seriously, it'll be OK! Don't feel guilty if you miss a day, and don't forget to enjoy it!" — Maggie Francis, via Facebook

Follow a training plan or download an app to keep you motivated.
"Definitely follow a training plan! It makes life so much easier. I followed one of Jeff Galloway's plans and it was the best decision I have ever made!" — misodawn
"Download the free GIPIS app for a personalised training plan." — jamesd4dae3bcfc
"Get the Nike Running app and sign up for a running program. The app lets you compete with your friends, so if you schedule your training to run the same length of time, you can train together." — hannahm480766604

Incorporate exercise that isn't running into your training plan.
"Don't just run: Do some spinning and body pump classes as well. It will give your brain a rest from worrying about getting miles in. Although running uses your legs, your whole body needs to be in shape." — andreamac33

And make sure you do some hill training.
"Train on hills even if your race doesn't have much elevation gain; getting over the elevation is a great way to make running longer distances on flatter courses easier." — allylilly1234

But don't train every day.
"Rest days are just as important as running. Don't be too hard on yourself and try to have fun." — lelands
"Try to plan your week's running every Sunday, factoring in at least one full rest day!" — Maggie Francis, via Facebook

If you're going to invest in one thing, make it your shoes.
"Invest in good shoes that are right for your body type and weight. Don't follow all the trends you hear about. What's important is researching and trying on different shoes to find the ones that are right for you." — xpeed718
"Invest in good running shoes. After you've chosen, train in the shoes you'll wear in the race. Never buy a new type of shoe right before the race without properly testing them. Otherwise, you may develop blisters or injuries during the race. Do your homework." — Wonton
"Invest in good running shoes! Find a running specialty store and have them help you find the right shoe for you." — kateb66

And make sure they're slightly bigger than your normal shoes.
"If you're doing long-distance running, you'll need to wear bigger shoes than normal. I wear a size 7 for all shoes, except my running shoes which are an 8.5! It seems like they're too big when you first wear them, but your feet swell up when running and you don't want black toenails from them slamming into the front of your shoes for 13.1 miles!" — georginal478eaa0a3
"The shoes you run in should be slightly larger than your normal shoe size, because after extended periods of running, your feet will swell. If you're wearing your normal size, you run the risk of doing damage to your toenails and potentially losing them later from the tips of your toes repeatedly bashing against the fronts of your shoes." — skiinggnat

Pro tip: Buy last year's design because they'll be much cheaper.
"Buy last year's colours. Nobody cares, and they are about £40 cheaper than the new colours." — staceykenny1990

Download a podcast to listen to as you run.
"If you find yourself getting bored on runs, I recommend podcasts! They changed the way I run. I have a bunch of favourites that keep me focused and interested. Plus they mean I'm not just getting bored of listening the same songs over and over. If you're looking for some good ones, Tanis, The Black Tapes, King Falls AM, Beautiful Stories from Anonymous People, Reply All, and Rabbits are great." — Corie Nell Darrington, via Facebook
"The best thing I did was to start running while listening to stand-up comedy rather than music. Music can sometimes get boring, especially if you're not in the mood for that particular song and you don't want to get out of the zone to change the track. Running while listening to my favourite stand-up comedian helped the runs go by much faster!" — tracis496a4d84c

Or, if you prefer, make a playlist of songs you love.

"Some people swear by listening to podcasts but this didn't work for me. I filled my running playlist with songs that I loved and knew really well (like, every word and instrumental break). That way you can say to yourself, 'Oh just keep running until this chorus, now until the end.' — meganlouisemorris

Use running as an excuse to get to know your local area.
"Get outside, figure out a route using a site like Free Map Tools, and get to know new parts of wherever you live!" — jennieeff

Consider investing in a running belt.
"I used to run carrying a water bottle, but my arm would get really tired. Getting a running belt made a huge difference. Instead of having to carry my own, I can drink when I need to. I also set a schedule to drink: I set an alarm for every 10 minutes. Even if it's a small sip, it makes all the difference." — Ashley Bramble, via Facebook
"Get a running belt. I love mine. If your race is in the summer and you can't wear anything with pockets, a running belt is so handy. It's an easy and non-irritating way to hold your phone, money, spare hair tie, and extra bits!" — georginal478eaa0a3

And buy yourself a bottle of anti-chafing gel.

"Two words: body glide." — Molly McCormack, via Facebook
"When you start running longer distances put Vaseline EVERYWHERE. This stops chafing which can be really painful." — sparkinvent
"Anti chafing body glide or powder. Use it EVERYWHERE: armpits, nipples, under boobs, thighs, buttcrack, anywhere where skin meets skin (or sensitive bumps like the nips) it's gonna bleed." — katrinas490cf8b1d

Trying making your own ~natural~ Red Bull.
"Mix together honey, lemon, chia seeds, and water. Drinking a bottle during each training run helped me a massive amount." — Michael Standen, via Facebook

Run with other people.
"Running with a buddy gives you more incentive to get off your couch and go." — hannahm480766604
"I ran with a friend who also trained for the half marathon and we pushed each other. As we were training during the winter months, we even managed to run when it was dark because one of us would always be motivated enough." — k4cc455ed0
"Sign up to Parkrun! I was a casual runner and only did the occasional 5k or 10k race because I found it difficult to find a running partner and it was the only way I could run in a group. Parkrun is the best and biggest running community in the world where anybody can join in with a timed 5k walk every Saturday morning at 8am in a nearby park. It's my church." — saram4db5c079b

Make sure you've run at least 10 miles before the race.
"Make sure you train up to at least 10 miles." — staceykenny1990

And think about signing up to a few shorter races before the real thing.
"One of the best ways I was able to consistently increase my distance and pace was by signing up for lots of races beforehand. They hold you accountable and show you how the racing environment is different from running on your own or with a running group." — allylilly1234

If you're going to use energy drinks or gels, try them out while you're still practising.
"Try out foods, energy gels, or drinks for training runs so you know what works for you and there won't be any unpleasant surprises on race day. There's nothing worse than finding out that something doesn't agree with your body mid-race!" — Annie Metcalfe, via Facebook
"If you've only trained with water stops, don't switch to energy drink on the day because you'll probably feel ill!" — georginal478eaa0a3

And make sure you've worn your race day outfit before the actual race.
"If you're running for a charity and they give you a special T-shirt to wear, RUN IN THIS SHIRT AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE so you can find out if it doesn't fit or rubs anywhere." — meganlouisemorris
"Definitely don't wear clothes, shoes, or any gear that you haven't tried on a long training run!" — georginal478eaa0a3

Sign up to a race that suits you.
"Do your research before signing up for a race. If you're not training on hills, avoid signing up for a race in a hilly region. Make considerations for elevation, climate, and even things like local vegetation that might trigger allergies." — Margaret DeVico, via Facebook

And look for one that will attract a big crowd.
"Sign up for a race where you know there will be plenty of spectators throughout the entire course. The easiest times are when people are waving, applauding, and encouraging you as you run. And the hardest times are when you are alone on the course. I always get so much energy from the funny and/or motivational signs that spectators have made. Try to pick a race that runs through city streets and through neighbourhoods. That way, you'll know there will be people cheering you on the whole time!" — KatherineMarieM

Consider raising money for charity.
"Tell as many people as possible that you're running a half marathon and consider raising money for charity – it's a great motivator!" — jennieeff

Chill out in the week leading up to your race.
"It sounds counterintuitive, but any hardcore runs you do 7-10 days before race day won't help. So, cut your training milage in half the week before your half marathon. Overdoing it in the days leading up to the big race can lead to fatigue, disappointment and, gasp, injury." — Max McLarty, via Facebook

And eat meals that are high in healthy fats.
"Start eating high fat meals (i.e. avocado, salmon, oily fish, etc.) a few days before the race. This ensures that you burn fat, as opposed to sugar, which sustains your energy for longer!" — radinab

Treat yourself to a big meal the night before the race.
"I ran a half marathon, and the night before, I went to an Italian restaurant and ate salad, breadsticks, and pasta. Then I went home and had leftover chicken and dumplings. And for a light dessert, I ate an entire can of Betty Crocker whipped chocolate frosting. I had so much energy during the race the next day that I literally skipped during mile nine, and then I fell asleep in the car afterwards. Whether or not that was due to the race or the food, I'm not sure." — emilydianneg

But avoid drinking alcohol.
"I ran my first half marathon the day after a friend's wedding when I was still a little hungover. I wouldn't recommend it." — Simon Duprier, via Facebook

Put your name on your shirt if you want people to cheer for you.
"If you are putting your name on your shirt, put it on the front. People will cheer you on using your name as you go by and it is the best motivation!" — j4026a7aea

Go to the loo before you start.
"Before a long run, make sure you’re as ahem ‘empty’ as possible." — jennieeff

Remember to run at the pace you've trained at.
"When you cross the starting line, surrounded by people totally PUMPED to be there, possibly with upbeat music playing on speakers all around you, with people on the sidelines cheering loudly, you will be suffused with an intoxicating burst of energy. You will feel, for a moment, as though anything is possible. You will, quite possibly, be tempted to let that feeling push you to run harder, to achieve a faster first mile than you ever have before, to keep pace with runners who are faster than you are. DO NOT GIVE IN TO THESE URGES. IT'S A TRAP. Just run at the pace you've trained at, the pace you KNOW works for you, and instead of burning out by mile three and limping through the rest of it, you'll be rewarded with the same feeling that you had at the starting line, multiplied tenfold, when you cross the finish." — skiinggnat

And be careful not to drink too much water.
"Don't drink too much water! I had as much water and Gatorade as I possibly could at each water stop and it was a terrible life choice. It made the last three or so miles of the race so much harder than they needed to be and about 100 feet from the finish line I threw up all the water and Powerade I downed. It was embarrassing and gross and my sister had to piggyback me the rest of the way. So, please don't drink too much water and vom right before the finish line!" — helaynasjoberg

Take it one mile at a time.
"Take it one mile at at time. During my training for my first half I was so worried I wasn't up to the right mileage on my long runs. The reality is if you can run eight miles, you can run a few more. The half is easier than you think with proper training." — m41e9d0cb3

And know that it's mind over matter.
"Within the last two years I have gone from 'not a runner' to 'avid marathoner'. The biggest piece of advice I can give is that, honestly, it's more about what your mind is thinking than what your legs are feeling. Tell yourself that you can accomplish that run and you will feel such a difference when you are feeling like you are starting to give up." — hannaf4293b9ea5
"Have fun and think positive thoughts, because there is nothing worse than to go into a race thinking negative thoughts. Distance running, especially long races like a half marathon, is a battle with your mind, and if you already start on a bad foot, then it won't get any better through the race." — sarahm4fc637e96

Take it slow: There's no shame in finishing last.
"For your first race, make your goal just to finish. The person who ran the fastest and the person who ran the slowest still can say that they ran 13.1 miles that day!" — hannaf4293b9ea5
"If you have bad knees, I suggest taking it slowly. Don't run it: jog or speed walk it. There is no shame in being last at a marathon. You've already proven yourself to be tough by finishing one." — xpeed718

And don't focus on everyone else around you.

"Don't focus too much on other runners. It's so easy to get discouraged seeing others run past looking like they are perfectly fine and not dying. Focusing on yourself and your pace/goals can help you have the best run." — taylorreitmeier

Inhale every four steps and exhale every four steps.
"This increases oxygen to your heart and keeps you energised!" — radinab

If you're aiming to finish in a particular time, find a pacer and stick with them.
"Once you're at the race, find a pacer and stick with them. They're there to help you through the race, and they'll make sure you hit your goal time." — rebeccay474777a8e
"Run with a pacing group! The other people will be hitting the same walls, and you won't want to lose your new buddies so you'll be encouraged to keep going." — laurenk437784f1a
"Pace yourself! If possible, practise up with a pace group. You'll find yourself wanting to run faster at the beginning of the race, but then you may tire out. It's much easier to run at a consistent pace!" — ScienceLadyKatie

If you are tired, just run slowly instead of stopping.

"If you are tired, just run super slowly. Don't walk or stop. Walking or stopping is really discouraging. It'll all be worth it when you finish that run!" — alonabee
"No matter how tired you are, no matter how much your back and feet hurt, no matter how slowly you're going, never stop running. Just don't stop. The feeling when you've crossed the finish lining – running the whole way – makes the pain vanish instantly." — Kfinchgnehm

Get someone to drive you home after the race!
"Get someone to drive you home after! The (normally five-minute) walk from the finish line to my house took me a good 20 minutes and was worse than the 13 miles I'd just run!" — Jude Whitaker, via Facebook

Make yourself peanut butter and banana sandwiches.
"After the race, treat yo' self with some peanut butter sandwich or bananas as it will help you avoid cramping and pain." — xpeed718

And then take an ice bath.
"After the race, immerse your whole entire lower body and legs in an ice bath for 15 minutes. Trust me, this will help you walk like a normal human being in the days to come." — xpeed718

But most of all, try to enjoy yourself!
Running a half marathon is a massive achievement! Don't let it stress you out and try to enjoy yourself as you run.