My First Half Marathon ✨🤭
My First 21.1KM 🏃♀️
Honestly the run itself was easier than expected, but didn’t think the aftermath would’ve been so bad.
The run felt okay, tho the longest I ran was 10km for my build up. I was quite nervous and thought I’ll be giving up after 15km and end up walking the rest — because of the lack of training and I wasn’t feeling too well the day before. The first 10km felt so long, but after that it flew by! (When the race started, I was wondering why it took so long to see the 5km mark LOL. By the time I reached 15/17km, my thighs and calves and ankles were feeling it — it was tight!
Also, the post-race experience was horrible!!! We took SOOOO SOOOO long just to get out of the Padang!! And unless you queued for the goodie bag, there was no water in sight (the staff told a runner who had cramps to not queue for the goodie bag because it was going to take about 30mins). The last water point was about 5km before the finish line — INSANE because everyone would’ve ran their hearts out the last few km or so, expecting water points! People were fainting and cramping all around 🫣
When I got home, it hit me — headache, knee pain,felt super super hot internally. I knew I was completely dehydrated and quickly drank electrolytes! Up until the evening I felt so hot internally 🥵
<To do better>
Will definitely bring my own gels because they ran out of it at the water points!! I’ll definitely immediately drink more electrolytes instead of waiting to come home to do so 😤😖
<Did great!> Carb loading with pasta and chicken breast the night before was 💯
Signed up for my next half marathon in Apr next year. Will train harder and aim for a better timing (This year was about 2:50)! Also, big shout out to my husband for running with me tho he also felt sick the day before AND the morning of 🫶🏻
Running a first half marathon is an exhilarating yet demanding journey, especially when training time is limited. The experience shared highlights common hurdles many beginner runners face, such as underestimating hydration needs and experiencing muscle tightness after 15 km. Hydration during any long-distance race is critical—not only does it affect performance, but improperly managed hydration can lead to exhaustion, cramps, and even fainting as seen in this athlete's post-race environment where water stations were scarce near the finish line at the Padang event. For anyone approaching their first 21.1KM, preparation goes beyond just accumulating running mileage. Complementing training with strategic nutrition like carb loading—pasta and chicken breast being excellent choices—helps fuel the body for endurance. Equally important is learning to manage hydration and electrolyte balance during the race rather than waiting until afterward. Bringing your own energy gels and electrolytes can prevent bonking (energy depletion) and reduce the risk of dehydration-related symptoms such as headaches and excessive internal heat. Understanding pacing is another key insight. Although the initial 10 km segment may feel long, pacing oneself to conserve energy and maintain steady breathing improves endurance for the latter half of the run. Stretching and strengthening exercises targeting thigh, calf, and ankle muscles pre-race can help prevent the tightness and soreness reported beyond 15 km. Post-race recovery is critical as well. Recognize signs of dehydration and overexertion early and replenish fluids gradually. A slow cool-down routine and immediate electrolyte replacement can ease symptoms like knee pain and overheating. Training consistency leading up to the half marathon, including increasing long run distance beyond 10 km in preparation, reduces anxiety and improves confidence. It's admirable that despite feeling unwell before the race, the runner completed the event and is committed to training harder for a better time next year. Having a supportive running partner, as seen with the author’s husband who also participated, can provide moral encouragement and shared motivation. In summary, a successful half marathon hinges on comprehensive preparation—physical training, nutrition, hydration, and mental readiness. Learning from firsthand experiences and understanding race day logistics, such as water station placement, can greatly enhance performance and comfort. For those gearing up for their own half marathon adventure, consider these insights to make your debut as rewarding and less challenging as possible.
You’re amazing !