Happy & Healthy

Tips for when you're running a
(half) marathon

You really shouldn't see me now. I'm waddling through life like a duck. Going up a step takes me a thousand hours and going down is even more hellish. I just had to hurry a bit for the Thalys I had to catch, and that little hop must have looked really strange, not to mention I was dying from the pain. Oh, I'm such a wimp, and not because I ran the half marathon in Paris , no, I actually think that's pretty cool, but because I just didn't prepare well enough for it. I should have trained more, stretched better before and after training, I should have gotten a massage, taken a warm bath, that kind of stuff. No, I went straight to the terrace for that well-deserved glass of Chablis and an omelet with cheese. So now I have to sit on the blisters. I really know how to do it right, so I'm giving you some tips in case you're planning to participate in a ‘race’. Here's what you need to have or can expect:

1

Are you running a race in another city? Book a nice hotel. With a bath and an amazing bed. It's worth spending a bit more money than usual, you really deserve it, and sleeping well before and after the race is essential.

2

Make sure you've bought breakfast or know where you're going to eat it. Don't wait until the morning to look for it. Eat something you usually eat before a long run. Don't suddenly start eating oatmeal if you've never had it before, that could go wrong.

3

Make sure you're dressed warmly when you head to the start. So put something over your running clothes. Bring someone with you or drop off your clothes at a locker just before you start. Starting cold is disastrous for your muscles.

4

When you're in the starting area, you often have to wait quite a while before you can actually start. People often wear jackets or garbage bags that are thrown into the bushes just before the start. So bring something that can be discarded afterward.

5

People along the sidelines that you know can give you an incredible boost.

6

During a long race, you need to eat along the way. Often bananas, oranges, dried fruit, and sugar cubes are offered, but also bring something you've trained with before. For example, a sports gel that gives you an instant sugar shot and makes you fly.

7

Your phone must be fully charged.

8

Make a fun playlist at home that is long enough. Music can make or break a race. I was at the 17-kilometer mark and really couldn't go on. Then I heard R. Kelly's ‘The World’s Greatest’ really loud, and that got me through it.

9

Drink drink drink. Drink before you're thirsty, otherwise, it's already too late. So don't skip a water station, even if it's just one sip.

10

It's also really nice if someone is waiting for you at the finish with a warm sweater, a glass of champagne, and a big hug.

11. Book a massage right after the run. This will save everything.