A Quick How to on Running a Half-Marathon

This is a quick how to on running a half-marathon (or possibly a full one):

First of all, you must set your intention. Be clear with your intention and what you're committed to. If you are doing a half-marathon because your girlfriends are doing it and you don't want to feel left out... say it. If you're doing a half-marathon because you want to look good in a bikini... own it! Ultimately, it's not going to matter why you did it once you cross that finish line.

Once you've made your commitment by setting an intention and making your declaration, you MUST register. There are people who register but don't end up racing but you're more likely to do it if you've already paid. Plus, it will put you into the mentality of running a half-marathon or full-marathon - it's the future that you are living into... which is 13.1 or 26.2 miles.

Now, you must create a training structure. Most people (like me) follow an existing training schedule. Google training schedules that will fit best with you and your lifestyle (I use Hal Higdon's). You're probably going to have to make some life adjustments yourself. Print out the schedule and post it in a place that you go to everyday. This is your structure for success.

Along with a training schedule, you need to speak to someone about nutrition and injury prevention. You can try doing it yourself, but it makes a bigger difference actually speaking to someone. They can answer any questions that you have. Your body is one-of-a-kind... let me repeat that... YOUR body is ONE-OF-A-KIND. Take care of it by doing what works for YOUR body.

By race-time, you should be ready and hydrated. At the end of the race, don't be attached to the outcome. If your toe nails fall off, it's probably because your nail was too long or you didn't train well enough. Learn from the last and kick ass in the next.

Happy running! :)