The half marathon length is just over 21 kilometers, making it a distance that not everyone can meet. You may be physically active, but to be competitive and arrive in under 2 hours and 10 minutes, which is considered a great time, you need to train hard.

Around three months are enough to get everything done and get in shape. You need to mind many other things aside from simply running fast. Training for a half marathon means physical and mental preparedness, so be ready for everything.

In this article, we’re talking more about getting ready for this challenge. If you want to be part of a half marathon race, you need to patiently build up your form and time it perfectly for the big event. Read on to see how to create the ultimate training plan for half marathon races.

1. Strict diet to be physically in top shape

Marathon and half marathon runners need to be slim and fit. Unlike sprinters who tend to build a lot of muscle to handle the explosive start and run the short track as fast as possible, these runners need less muscular mass but the healthiest body possible.

You need to dedicate yourself to a strict diet before hitting the big race. Eat more veggies and fruits, aim for protein instead of carbs, and maintain a BMI around the 20 mark. This is the ideal number, so if you’re overweight, train and control your diet to optimize yourself for the best results.

2. Get the adequate gear to avoid injuries

Before hitting the running track, you need to get yourself the right equipment. Shorts and shirts may differ and are not as important, but your running shoes must be state-of-the-art. Good shoes will make you feel good and help you run longer distances, but more importantly, they help you avoid injuries.

The right shoes are different for everyone, so you can choose from one of the many brands depending on your style and needs. What you shouldn’t compromise is the design. You need only shoes that were made for running. Accept nothing less than this.

3. Gradually raise the distance and pace when training

If you haven’t been running at all for a long time, you shouldn’t start with top numbers right away. If you’ve been inactive for months, start very slow and go for a mile or so short run. This will be enough to reactivate your muscles, joints, and mind.

You should also get a lot of rest between training sessions. Sleep well and have frequent massages. Cross-train something else while resting, and slowly build your strength and agility. Increase 10% of your distance and speed per week; this is considered great progress.

4. Always stretch before training

If you want to avoid injuries and the feeling of sore muscles, you need to properly stretch and warm up before going to training. Never sprint right after getting on the track. Instead, take some time to breathe in and feel the surroundings.

Stretch your legs and arms and make sure your entire body feels a little pressure before starting a more serious workout. You can run short distances but with a very gentle step and slowly. You need to start up your engines, which is only possible with patience.

5. Be prepared for any weather on the race day

When the day of the race comes, you might experience rain, extreme sun heat, or even snow. Most organizers of races won’t call it off under these conditions. Unless it’s something extreme, chances are you’re running.

Knowing this means you need to be fully prepared for the occasion. It’s best to have quality shoes that will keep your feet dry if it’s raining, and you’ll need sunglasses that won’t fall off if it’s sunny. Expect anything and use it for your advantage, not the other way around.

6. Follow the same routine on the race day as you had before

Many inexperienced runners will be so excited about the race that they’ll do something out of the ordinary and ruin their chances for success. If you’ve been preparing one way, chose an adequate diet, and it proved great, warmed up a certain way, and keeps you healthy, why change the routine?

Change nothing on the day of the race. Do everything you were doing previously, and let this be your comfort. Going out of your routine may make you nervous, and stress is the main reason for failure and injuries. Stay within your routine, and give the extra push at the end of the race.

Conclusion

These few points are everything you need to know. You should be on a strict diet and keep yourself healthy, exercise daily, improve yourself little by little, pick the right gear, and follow the same routine. If you do these things, success is guaranteed.