Race season is right around the corner and whether you’re a pro, or new to running like I am, a half marathon is definitely something you should consider. The 13.1 mile race is one of the fastest growing race distances, with new races popping up all over the world. So when Saucony Canada invited me to participate in the Saucony Cambridge Half Marathon in England, I embraced the challenge. And in doing so, I instantly became aware of all the half marathon myths that I had bought into.
So, if you’re considering lacing up your sneaks and hitting the ground running, don’t let these common misconceptions trip you up.
1. You have to be a runner
As the fitness host for CBC Life’s Fit Class Live, working out is an integral part of my lifestyle. But the last thing I would EVER call myself is a runner. The furthest I’d ever ran before my first half marathon was probably a 5K. Maybe the furthest you’ve ever run for was the bus. That’s okay! Trust me when I say that anybody can run a half marathon. You definitely don’t need to be a seasoned marathoner to cross the finish line. If you’ve ever witnessed a half marathon from the sidelines you would have seen people of all shapes, sizes and ages running past you at their own pace.
2. You have to be fast
Speed is not the name of the game when it comes to running your first half marathon. Building up endurance is what’s going to help you cover the distance. And truth be told, you don’t even have to run the entire distance. If you need to take a walk break, take it! There’s absolutely no shame in it. In fact the run-walk method can be a useful strategic approach to help you avoid muscle fatigue that happens near the end of the race. And remember, even if you’re close to last, you’re still ahead of everyone at home sitting on their couch.
3. You have to train everyday
One of the best things about training for a half marathon is how well the training fits into a busy schedule. You may be surprised to learn that the process actually takes less time than you think. Running every day is NOT necessary. Even the most experienced runners know that it is important to give your body at least one complete rest day a week for recovery. During your training process it is crucial to make sure that you’re listening to your body and if you feel any pain, stop right away. The last thing you want is to injure yourself and not be able to run on race day.
4. You’ll want to stuff your face after the race
You’ll definitely burn a lot of calories during your half marathon, but it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re going to want to eat and drink everything in sight. There’s a good chance that your appetite could be suppressed for hours due to something called runner’s stomach. During a run, the body diverts blood away from the stomach and towards the working muscles. This means you could be left with some digestive woes. But on the bright side, what you will want to do is take a nap. And yes, it will be the best nap of your life!
5. Running is an individual sport
Contrary to popular belief, running is very much a team and a community sport. Sure, you may run the entire race yourself, but the social component is vastly underestimated. One thing that really stood out to me in the process of training for my first half marathon was the social support that kept me on track. It ranged from my inquiring parents, to the new friends I met at the local running group to the strangers in the crowd that cheered me on race day. I was never alone and it all helped to keep my feet moving. I’ll never forget my struggle during the race that was the final mile. I stopped to catch my breath and a fellow runner looked at my bib and shouted “Chloe, keep going. We can do it!” We CAN do it. Completing this race is an individual achievement, but you are truly working together as a team.
Whether you run or walk it, just know that you can do it. I promise it’s worth it! See you at the finish line! Have you ever ran half marathon?
