First half marathon advice

dizzydoll

Hoping to do my first half marathon in 2026. I have been running 10km for a few years now. I can do 10km in around 50-60 minutes without pushing myself, can do in under 50 in races. I have started weight training in the last month which I think is essential from what I read for a half marathon.

I would hope to start a training plan early next year but looking for advice on which half marathon to choose. I would prefer one that is not full of hills for my first if possible.

I also see I should probably be taking supplements when running or pre/ post workout which I have no idea about so any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks

akelly02

the half should be no bother to you if you are comfortably doing a 10k in 50mins

im not sure on the weight training side of things , you seem to be flying it either way.

im only new to running , but im hoping to sign up for mullingar half for my 1st ever race. i believe its a lovely , flat course. on paddys day.

Euphoriasean

Yeah, the half should be no bother to you with the way you’re going. In the first half of the year you have Dublin, Limerick, Cork, Mullingar and Wexford, all of which are pretty flat overall, although Cork and Limerick do have a couple of short climbs.

The main thing now is to get some structure into your running. Try to keep a long run at the weekend(build it up weekly), a couple of easy runs during the week and then one interval or threshold session. Whatever you do, keep your easy runs very easy so you’re saving your energy for the harder sessions.

Absolutely keep up the strength work, it’s something most runners, myself included, don’t do enough of. I usually make up for that by doing more hill work, and I’d definitely recommend fitting in some hills if you can because they make a big difference.

I found the Runna app really good. You pick a race, tell it how many times a week you can train and it builds a plan that fits everything in, including strength training. It got me from a 3:39 marathon to a 2:54.

In terms of supplements, I don't really take on anything bar your standard multivitamins. You might also want to practise taking gels on your long runs so your stomach gets used to them before race day.