I Tried Training for a Half-Marathon and Failed—These Are the Five Things I'll Do Differently Next Time

As a kid, I always looked up to my older brother as the embodiment of athleticism. He was a great runner, and his achievements in the world of competitive racing were awe-inspiring. With each race he conquered, he fueled my desire to follow in his footsteps. But there was one small problem: I didn’t seem to have inherited the natural running gene that he had, and my short-lived eighth-grade cross-country record was proof of that. 

However, as an adult, I wanted to give my running career another shot, so I challenged myself to run a half-marathon. Unfortunately, I lost the motivation to train and gave up around the 8-mile mark, never making it to race day. Looking back on my failed attempt, it's evident there were a few key errors from the start that left me struggling to find my stride. While I’m not actively training, I run regularly and finishing a half-marathon is a goal of mine in the future. Here are the five things I'll do differently the next time I train for a half-marathon.

1. Stay Hydrated

One of my biggest missteps while training was underestimating the importance of hydration. I simply didn’t drink enough water before, during or after my runs. I’d often finish my runs feeling drained, dehydrated and unable to recover as quickly as I could have. When you exercise and sweat, your body loses electrolytes and water, so it’s important to replenish those stores by drinking water. By not staying hydrated, I ended up with a weaker workout. 

To ensure I stay hydrated when I train again for a half-marathon, I'll be relying on my trusty Stanley water bottle. It holds 40 ounces of water, so I don't have to worry about constantly filling up throughout the day. Currently, I fill my water bottle up before bed and place it on my nightstand so I start hydrating as soon as I wake up. This is a habit that leaves me more hydrated overall, and I plan to continue doing this the next time I train. I’ll also be incorporating electrolyte-rich beverages like Gatorade into my post-run routine. It's packed with sodium and potassium, two essential minerals that are lost while you sweat. With my new approach toward hydration, I already feel better during my runs and know that I’ll see the same results when I start training again.

2. Eat a More Balanced Diet

When I first attempted to take running seriously, I wasn’t fueling my body properly. As much as I love McDonald’s Free Fries Friday, I quickly realized habits like these weren’t helping me accomplish my goals. It became evident that a balanced eating pattern with complex carbs and protein was a missing piece of the puzzle. Complex carbs like whole grains, fruits and vegetables have become my go-to choices. They provide a steady release of energy, which helps support stable energy levels and avoid those dreaded spikes and crashes during longer runs. Mindfully incorporating complex carbs into my diet once I start training again, especially before long workouts, may make a noticeable difference in my energy levels.

Meanwhile, incorporating enough protein into my diet has been crucial for my recovery after runs. Often if my legs were sore, I would use it as an excuse to skip a workout and take a recovery day. But the soreness I was experiencing was from pushing my muscles to grow and work harder than they were used to. Eating enough protein is important to ensure you’re getting the amino acids that may help the maintenance, repair and growth of muscles. Next time around, by mindfully eating a balanced amount of protein, I can improve my endurance during training.

3. Get a Running Buddy

One practice that I started during my weekly runs, and plan to add when I train for a half-marathon again, is running with a buddy. Running can sometimes feel like a solitary endeavor, but having someone by your side can make it so much more motivating. The joy of sharing the experience with someone else, specifically my roommate, has turned each dreaded workout into a fun, social activity. And while having fun is more than enough reason to run with a partner, we also help each other stay motivated and accountable. Plus, it’ll be fun to share the finish line with someone I know!

4. Switch Up Running Locations 

During my first attempt at training, I found myself opting for the treadmill located in my apartment's fitness center. It was undoubtedly convenient, and I didn’t have to face the crisp morning air. But running indoors quickly became monotonous and sucked all the joy out of my workout—that’s why I’ll be running outside next time. Whether it’s a scenic trail, through a beautiful park or simply just around my neighborhood, the landscape changes with every step and makes running feel more special. Plus, the different terrain offers a variety of challenges as the elevation rises and falls. Running outdoors also keeps my mind engaged by the evolving environment. When I enjoy my surroundings more, I become less focused on the distance left to go and more entertained by the experience of my run. I think this simple change will make the 13 miles fly by.

Related: What Happens to Your Body When You Walk 10,000 Steps per Day

5. Change My Mindset

During my treadmill workout phase, I used to be fixated on maintaining a specific pace, and if I fell short, I’d get frustrated. However, my perspective on running and training underwent a significant shift, and I have come to realize that mindset is everything. Next time around, I will go in with the mindset that true pride isn’t found in the digits on the stopwatch, but in the commitment, dedication and mental strength that is poured into training. I understand now that chasing a speed is not an accomplishment. Shifting to this perspective will be a challenge, especially for someone with a competitive nature like mine, but it’ll allow me to savor each run and recognize that the ultimate reward is the personal growth I’ll experience along the way.