Photo courtesy of Nevie Brooks
Running Blogger "Writing, Reading, Running"
Nevie B., 26 of Writing, Reading Running
Current residence: Rockville, M.D.
Find her on Twitter: @nevieb
Find her on Instagram: nevierunsraces
Number of half or full marathons: 8 half marathons and in training for her first full
Are you running the Richmond Marathon this year? Not this year; it's the same weekend as Rock n Roll Las Vegas and I'm headed out to run that and see my grandparents, who live out there. I definitely want to tackle the Richmond full one year, now that I've done the half!
What's one of your favorite pieces of advice for first-time half/full marathon runners? Trust your training. Keep your head focused on the mile you're in and don't think about how far you have to go; just think about getting to that next mile marker. There is no pressure here and no time record to break. You're already awesome and you've put in the work. The race is the celebration!
Fuel-up snack: Bagel with peanut butter and a banana. Simple, easy, and I swear by it!
Post-race tip: Get the hot chocolate at the Richmond Marriott Starbucks! 2013's race was drizzly and gray and started out kinda rainy, so the post half-marathon hot cocoa was a dream come true! (It's like all the benefits of chocolate milk refueling, but for late fall races!)
What's your “Keep going! You can do it!" motivational tip for during the race? Show 'em what you're made of.
Any other half/full marathon-running thoughts, specific to the Richmond race? Richmond earns its "America's friendliest marathon" reputation for a reason. From the moment you step into the city for race weekend, the city is buzzing with excitement to welcome you. You are part of the runners it's welcoming. First time or not, you've earned this party. Try to book an extra night for after the race if you can; give your feet and legs a break post-race and check out the Virgina Fine Arts Museum on Sunday! Richmond is a surprisingly cool tourist spot :)
Photo courtesy of Erika H.
Running Blogger "MCM Mama Runs"
Erika H., 44, of MCM Mama Runs
Current residence: DC metro area, Virginia
Find her on Twitter: @mcmmama
Find her on Instagram: mcmmama
Number of half or full marathons: 37 half marathons, 2 full marathons
Are you running the Richmond Marathon this year? No
What's one of your favorite pieces of advice for first-time half/full marathon runners? Don't focus on the clock the first time you run a half or a full. Focus on enjoying yourself and experiencing the event to the fullest.
Fuel-up snack: Almond butter and jelly sandwich
Post-race tip: Take an epsom salt bath. Your legs will thank you for it!
What's your “Keep going! You can do it!" motivational tip for during the race? You are stronger than you think you are. Believe in yourself and you've got this!
Any other half/full marathon-running thoughts, specific to the Richmond race?Richmond has some of the best supporters. Enjoy them and high five every kid you can. Finish strong with the awesome downhill to the finish!
[Editor's note: The downhill ending can also be tricky, as we saw numerous runners trip over their own feet last year. Be careful!]
Photo courtesy of Madelyn Higgins
Running Blogger "Reading Runner Girl"
Madelyn H., 23, of Reading Runner Girl
Current residence: Virginia Beach, Va.
Find her on Twitter: @readingrungirl
Find her on Instagram: mhiggins_
Number of half or full marathons: 1 full marathon (Shamrock Marathon, VA Beach); a variety of half marathons (including Runner's World Half, PA and the Flying Pirate Half, NC)
Are you running the Richmond Marathon this year? Yes, I will be running the Richmond Half marathon.
What's one of your favorite pieces of advice for first-time half/full marathon runners? Enjoy yourself, pace yourself, don't try anything new on race day, aim to finish, and smile for the cameras! And don't fret if you didn't get much sleep due to excitement or being anxious; I ran one of my best races on four hours of sleep!
Fuel-up snack: Before: Peanut butter toast and a cup of coffee-black. During: Pretzels, Swedish fish, almonds. (I don't use gels). After: Fruit smoothie and a turkey, bacon, and cheese sub.
Post-race tip: Hydration and good recovery carbs! I also use a CryoCup to ice my legs.
What's your “Keep going! You can do it!" motivational tip for during the race? I always remind myself that I run because I can.
Any other half/full marathon-running thoughts, specific to the Richmond race? Hills...what goes up, must come down!
