Having just completed my 6th run/event, I thought I'd comprise a list of things I have learned along the way. I wish I would have known these all when I started out on my journey.
1.) You need to train.
Seriously, don't fool yourself into thinking you can just wing your first half marathon without prior experience. I wish I had been less of a procrastinator regarding this. Building up your stamina and lung capacity is extremely important. Start off at trying 1 mile 3 days a week, 2 miles 3 days a week and so on and so forth to your capabilities. Trust me, training and preparing for the big day WILL pay off. You can't just become a successful doctor without the necessary training; the same thing can be said for running.
2.) Pace yourself.
You may wake up with a ton of energy the morning of the race, but you should keep in mind you still have MANY miles to go. Everyone always seems to go completely gung-ho and run as fast as they can from the get go, only to burn out entirely on mile 3 or 4. One of the key things I learned was that if you think you're going too slow when you start, that means you're doing it right. It took me a while to realize that it didn't matter who was around me, the race was about me and what I was capable of, not anyone else. Starting out slow and keeping a steady pace is the key to success.
3.) Your pre-race diet is critical.
Food is fuel for your body. Close to race day avoid things high in fiber (avoid runners trots and upset stomach), high in fat (also contributes to stomach problems), and don't try any new radical products. Stick to what you know works for your body and make sure it's nutritional.
4.) Dress practically
There are a few common sense guidelines to follow: If it's going to be hot out, dress down. If it's going to be chilly, cover your race gear with either a plastic trash bag with holes cut out for your head and arms (costs basically nothing) or wear crappy old warm clothes you can leave at the start line. There's nothing worse than being over-dressed with some nice, expensive clothes and finding that it's way too hot for them once you get going.
5.) Brand matters
This is really something I wish I would have known a long time ago! Brand really does matter in terms of race clothing, apparel and equipment. If you buy cheap, bargain brand things, you'll get what you pay for: blisters, chaffing, ripping and pain. I always get blisters and once I purchased expensive wide Nike shoes and non-blister running socks, it was NEVER an issue again. I also purchased some nice Nike running spanx which proved to be excellent. I wasn't dealing with any of the common first-timer running issues anymore because I spent the extra money on GOOD clothing and equipment. Another plus side is that it will last far longer than the cheaper clothing & equipment.
6.) Plan on getting there early
Without fail, you will somehow be running behind, so plan on getting up at least 15 minutes earlier than you planned on. You're most likely going to want to and/or have to pee or #2 before you run and trust me, the porta-potty lines are insanely long. If you want to make it to your corral in time, bank on that extra time to make sure it happens.
All of that being said, go have fun! It's an awesome experience and as long as you prepare yourself, it's going to be a fun day :)
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