Half Marathon Weekend: How to be a Better Runner

I just finished my 3rd half marathon and let's just say I'm not the best runner. I've only truly finished one and you know what, yay for trying.

Every time I enter a race, I get better with my 5k and 10K times. I push my body and feel like I'm accomplishing something.

Here are some tips to get better at running by a girl that you normally won't take advice from, but knows how to get back out on the race track:

Tip 1:
Running is not about being perfect. It is hard and you beat everyone still sleeping.

Tip 2 :

Spend the money on VIP packet pickup if they have it 

My race has the option to buy packet pickup the day of and I wish I did that. I spent too much time driving and since I had to get to the race by 6:15 and the race didn't start till 7:30 so I was standing around for about an hour. If I had VIP pickup I would have had something to do for the hour. 

However if you were staying at the hotel where the expo was it made complete sense to not buy the VIP packet pickup 

Tip 3: Have great weather!

(I know this isn't up to you but it makes the run much better)

Tip 3 (for real) Start at a higher wave (if you are allowed) so if you are slower you have a few more minutes on the course. Stay to the side so you don't get in faster runners way. 

Tip 4: Get a massage the day after because it will shorten recovery time and keep you moving. The day after you will be tired and want to do nothing. What's better then going to the spa? 

Tip 5:  Sign up for your next race no mater what. It should be between 3-6 months later which will keep you motivate to train but long enough to rest and let your body heal. Getting hurt doesn't help you get better. 

 Have fun and congratulate yourself. You tried and trained and the actual race is just the last 13.1 miles of a long course. All those training miles are still miles completed.