The Go Commando Half Marathon is going down this Saturday and I thought this would be a great time to talk about the half marathon. My very first venture into the crazy sport of distance running happened at the first ever Go Commando in 2011, I also ran it the following year and those two races are the sum total of my half marathon experience. So with that confession out of the way I thought I would take a minute to write down some thoughts about the premiere road race in Clarksville for all of those about to take it on.
1.) The hills at the back half aren’t really that bad. They aren’t, don’t get yourself psyched up over them. They are nice little rollers and they will give you a chance to use that awesome hill running technique I showed you in that video I did a while back.
2.) Enjoy the first half of the race; this is when you will see civilization. Once you get up over the bridge on Zinc Plant Road it’s going to be a while before you see anything but other runners and hills for a long time.
3.) High five other runners. Don’t bother with the elites, they will just look at you like you are crazy. They are too busy trying to win the cash prize, but everyone else, go for it. Since the second half is an out and back this makes it really easy to share some fives. I do this at every out and back race I have run and the return rate is about 50%.
4.) Thank the volunteers. As you grab a cup of water or gatorade make sure to say a quick thanks to the volunteers. They are out there making sure you have what you need to finish and they are not getting paid. A quick thanks will go along way.
5.) When you see Liberty Park it’s time to give it all you have left. Once you come down the bridge and hill on Zinc Plant Road you will just about be done. When you see the glorious site that is the Wilma Rudolph Events center it’s time to give it everything you have left.
6.) If it doesn’t hurt you are not doing it right. Everyone out there is going to have moments when it absolutely sucks, even the winners. That is part of running; embrace it and keep moving.
7.) Have fun and buy one of those 13.1 stickers. A half marathon is a heck of an achievement. Be proud of what you have accomplished. It’s ok to brag a little.