If you’re about to start thinking about training for your first ever half marathon, the thought of running 13.1 miles in one go might be quite daunting. The team at the Wiggle Manchester Half have put together some top tips that helped them get through their first running challenge…

The first run is the hardest…. 

With so many life priorities to juggle, it can be easy to find excuses to put off starting your training. Convincing yourself to do that very first training run is always the hardest part, and your mind might be a whirlwind of questions.

Do I have the right trainers?

Should I use a tracking app?

Where should I leave the house key whilst I’m running?

Once you’ve found your own rhythm, and are more comfortable in your environment, things get less scary every time. Be kind to yourself on those early runs, test what you can do, but don’t get disheartened if you have to walk for a while to catch your breath. Getting out there is better than doing nothing, so treat yourself at the end to say well done for starting something special.

Don’t compare yourself to others

It can be helpful to set yourself a goal, whether that be finishing in a certain time (2 hours is quite common for a Half Marathon, but loads of people are slower or faster than that) or just making it to the finish line. Whatever you choose remember that everybody is different, and you’re not racing each other, this is your own personal journey. It’s only natural when out training to compare yourself to others, but the reality is that regardless of if you are faster, slower, sweatier or pinker than those around you on the streets, it doesn’t matter one bit. Concentrate on hitting your own personal targets, and leave everyone else to take on theirs.

Keep a training record

Whether you’re using a smart phone app (such as Strava or Runkeeper), or would rather go old skool with a pencil and paper, keep track of all the training you are doing. At first this might seem a bit bizarre, but as the training starts to rack up, it’s incredibly rewarding to see all the hard work you have done and the improvements you’ve made. Even the most reluctant of runners is soon regaling their colleagues with stories of how they covered the distance of the A57 before tea last night.

We’ll add more tips on this website in the lead up to the 2019 Wiggle Manchester Half.