It’s Friday night, and I’m at home, preparing my race kit list for my first half-marathon on Sunday morning. It’s not the first time I’ve run 13.1 miles or 21.2 km, but it’s my first official half-marathon race. I’m not at home, however, and have packed everything I think I’ll need to run my target time of under 2 hours.
Pre-race nerves strike, though, and I worry I’ve forgotten something. This article serves as more than an advisable piece for aspiring runners. It’s everything I’ve prepared for my first half-marathon, written down as my kit list, so I can ensure I haven’t forgotten anything. However, it might be too late if I have.
Before the Race
“Get ready.”
That’s the best advice I’ve heard or can offer. First things first, I checked the weather forecast for my race as soon as possible. That’s important because if it’s going to be hot, what do I need to stay safe? Likewise, it’s going to rain; how does it feel to run in my wet weather kit? Then, I headed out for a few runs to simulate my race-day plan. All the kit I’ve planned to take with me, I’ve trained with, which is especially true of my new running belt.
In the weeks leading up to the race, I’ve read the race briefing and all other relevant information about the event. Every event is different, so check on the organiser’s website and all the correspondence you’ve received from them. This also includes your race bib, and whether it’s sent to you in the post or if you need to pick it up in person before the race. If you need to pick it up from the event village, you might need to arrive a little earlier than planned. For this half-marathon, it’s organised by RunThrough, who send race packs through the post. I had to pick up both ultra-marathon race bibs from the event village.
This one isn’t necessarily about the kit, but it does involve laying it all out the night before. The nerves everyone feels on race day are real. It’s exciting and nerve-racking. The last thing I want to do is frantically search for your running shorts or waste your pre-race buzz trying to decide what shoes to wear. That’s why I’ve prepared this half-marathon kit list to help me prepare.
What I’ll Wear – Half-Marathon Kit
Running Cap – The first thing on the list, and it’s something I’ve already forgotten to pack. The weather forecast predicts a sunny day; however, it looks as if it might rain, so I might not miss a protective cap, fortunately.
Running Top – A running t-shirt differs from a regular everyday t-shirt in design. They tend to be lighter and breathable. A good running t-shirt, however, should be moisture-wicking, which means it draws sweat away from the body and allows it to evaporate quickly, keeping you both cool and dry.
Running Shorts – There are numerous shorts and running bottoms on the market. I own about six different pairs. They differ in length and pocket styles. However, I prefer my shorts to have two zip pockets on either side and a drawstring that keeps them securely in place around my waist.
Running Belt – Running shorts have pockets, but they’re not the best solution for carrying everything I’ll need, such as my running bottles. Normally, I’d wear a vest, but having tried out a running belt, it’s perfect for this shorter distance when I won’t need to carry extra gear. It has pockets for my phone and bottles, what more do I need?
Socks – Some runners swear by running socks, especially those with anti-blister and moisture-wicking properties. I’ve never had a problem with using my everyday socks, but everyone is different.
Running Shoes – I’m wearing the same shoes for this half-marathon as I did during my first marathon. The Brooks Hyperion. They served me well during my road races, and they’re super light, which will help me with my sub-2-hour target.
There’s one cardinal rule for races. Don’t leave it to race day to try something new. Stay tuned to hear about my race and my new shoes!
Running Tech on the List
Running Watch – I use a Garmin Forerunner 965. It would be impossible to forget, as it’s permanently attached to my wrist. However, running out of battery isn’t ideal, so I made sure to pack my charger, even though I fully charged my watch before leaving home.
Headphones – I have issues with my headphones and charging them, so I’ll need to ensure they’re fully charged before I arrive at the start line. While some people swear by running without music, I need something to help take my mind away from how hard I’m running.
Race Day Essentials
Race Bib – Most races use race bibs, which display your race number. This number allows race organisers to allocate your time and photographs to the same person. Most organisers insist that this is clearly shown across the front of the body, but people often wear them all over their bodies.
Safety Pins – I’ll need these to attach my race bib to your clothing. Some organisers provide these, but some don’t. However, it might be easy to find four of these at a large event, but who really needs the stress? Why not take some with me for ease?
Chip Timer – One of the draws of running an organised race is the idea of chip timing. It’s an official time that uses a chip to track when you crossed the start line and the finish line. Sometimes, this is attached to your race bib, but RunThrough use a chip tied around your shoelaces.
Nutrition
Breakfast – While it isn’t a part of my kit list for the actual race, it’s vital to success. A high-carbohydrate breakfast, low in fat, will be critical for powering them through my run.
Water Bottles – I’m using two 250ml soft flasks to carry in my running belt. My biggest concern with these is the fact that I’ve only ever run with one at a time. This could prove to be a mistake.
Electrolyte Tablet – Electrolyte tablets are important because they replace the electrolytes lost through sweat. This helps hydrate us more quickly and efficiently than water. I will probably drink one of my homemade lemonades before and after the race. However, I won’t be taking them with me.
Gels – I’m taking five SIS energy gels, each containing approximately 22g of carbohydrates. I’ll take these every 5km or so, so I won’t need all five, but the extra gels allow for room for error. It’s also possible that I won’t need these, as the race guide says these gels will be available at the aid station. However, I’d rather have them and not need them than need them and not have them.
Half-Marathon Kit List Done, Ready to Run
My lists didn’t start well, considering I forgot the first thing on the list. However, as I continued writing, my nerves began to settle as I had everything I needed to run a successful race. Everything is laid out on the corner sofa. All that’s left is to charge my headphones, and I’m all set.
There are a few things I could have included, but it all felt unnecessary. I won’t be using recovery shoes, and since the sun is no longer forecast, I might not need sunscreen. Anti-chafing balm and Vaseline might become a regret, but I don’t suffer with chafing too often.
But there will always be things I’ve forgotten, and there will always be things I take and might not need. What’s important now, however, is to have fun. I’ve trained for this, and I have a clear goal. So, it’s time for bed, as I prepare for my first official half-marathon.
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