If you or someone you know is getting ready to race, finding out tips for the Robin Hood Half Marathon will certainly come in useful.
Our writer Amber Bungay, who has run it numerous times and is a PT, has shared a range of useful advice, from fuelling tips to preparing for the big day.
The running event is one of the highlights of Nottingham’s September calendar – and for those participating, this will help you enjoy the race and maybe even hit a PB. For more guides and features, subscribe to The Notts Edit to receive our articles in your inbox for free.
8 top tips for running the Robin Hood Half Marathon — from a PT and runner
By Amber Bungay (@amberb.pt)
1. Now is not the time to drastically increase your distance
Yes, the big day is fast approaching, but the aim now isn’t to cram in extra miles. Trust the training you’ve already done rather than risking injury in the final few weeks.
2. Practise your fuelling strategy now
This is such an important aspect of race day – do not wait until September 27 to find out what upsets your stomach when you are running a significant distance. Now is the time to understand when gels/food work for you, when you are going to take them, how much water you will need and where you can comfortably store all of this.
If you find that gels are not a good option for you, you are not alone. I find that jelly babies work really well for me – so why not stick some of those in your vest?
3. Expect hills
Now, I’m not going to lie to you… there are hills throughout the course. I mean, can you really run around The Park or Wollaton without one?
Do not panic. Slow down slightly and focus on effort, rather than trying to maintain your usual pace. Let the cheering crowds push you ahead and, when it gets tough, let your supporters carry you up the hill!
4. Nothing new on the day
Seriously, race day is not the time to test out new socks, shoes, clothing, breakfast, etc. Experimentation is not a good idea when you’re about to take on 13.1 miles – stick to what you know and especially stick to what you know is safe!
5. Don’t get carried away at the start
When you’re starting off, the atmosphere at the Victoria Embankment is buzzing, the adrenaline may be pumping, and people may be speedily taking off beside you – but be sure not to make the classic mistake of shooting off far quicker than you normally would. Your first few miles should almost feel easy and comfortable, because trust me… You’ve got a long way to go.
6. Don’t panic if you don’t know the course
This one might be controversial, but I would stress that you don’t need to know the course. You absolutely can look at the route beforehand (robinhoodhalfmarathon.co.uk), and if knowing what’s coming helps you feel prepared, go for it. But if you’re someone who would rather just turn up and run, this isn’t necessary.
Unless you’re a speedy machine aiming to be at the front of the crew, not looking at the route has never been a problem for me. There will always (seriously always) be people around you, and you will all be following one another.
The course is pretty self-explanatory also, with volunteers and supporters leading you in the right direction.
7. Look after yourself
Many people forget how important recovery is right now. Now is the time to focus on your sleep, nutrition and overall recovery, as well as your training.
You don’t need to absolutely smash every session now… instead, you want to arrive at the start feeling healthy, fresh and ready to showcase the hard work you have put in.
8. Get your race-day plan sorted
Make sure not to leave everything until the morning of the race. Remember, roads are closed during the event – so check your travel plans, parking or public transport. All travel information can be conveniently found online. (robinhoodhalfmarathon.co.uk).
Additionally, if your race number is not being mailed to you, make sure you plan when you will pick it up at the race village the day before. While there, scope out where the bag drop is, where the toilets are and consider anything else you will need on the day.
The less you have to worry about on race morning, the more you can focus on enjoying the experience.
A final note
This is your reminder that the race is going to be hard. There are no two ways around it. At some point, you are going to start hurting – that is completely normal. But remember:
You have done the training.
Take it one mile at a time.
And enjoy it!
Do not spend the next few weeks stressing about what is to come. Instead, look forward to it. The experience is unlike any other – and crossing the finish line is going to feel incredible.
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