Let the race be Bee-Gin! -Cincinnati Magazine

Photo courtesy of the Queen Bee Half Marathon

TThe Queen Bee Half Marathon, a race designed to “promote the fun of fitness while raising support and donations for local women-focused charities,” is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 12, at 7:30 a.m. The women's half marathon will also be a four-mile race starting at 8 a.m., starting at Reading Rd./Pendleton St. and running through downtown Cincinnati along the banks of the Ohio River.

As race day approaches, running experts share their insights on the best way to get through this race.

“For a beginner without a solid background in aerobics, I recommend 14 to 16 weeks of training for a half marathon. The key is to gradually increase mileage. If you do it too quickly, you can get hurt,” advises Ryan Thornley, organizer of the Brew Runners of Cincinnati. His organization trains distance runners in a 15-week half marathon program and promotes a love of inclusion, Cincinnati and the local craft beer scene.

Other training programs, like Fleet Feet Cincinnati, owned by husband and wife team Frank and Stacey DeJulius, suggest that new runners start training one to two years in advance. Experienced runners are recommended to begin training approximately 17 weeks before the race. It's important to gradually increase the mileage each week and reduce it again about a week before race day.

The first step – and perhaps the most common piece of advice for training for long runs – is to define your goals while keeping them realistic. Understand why you're doing it, and once you know why, DeJulius says it will help you stay on track. Staying true to your plan can be challenging, but writing it down and placing it somewhere you can see it every day will strengthen commitment.

On tough training days, especially when tackling the hills of Cincinnati, find a running buddy or join a local running group to keep yourself motivated. Local running groups, including Brew Runners of Cincinnati, Fleet Feet, Roebling Runners, Queen City Running Club and Cincinnati Run Club, can help you stay accountable on long runs.

Training for a half marathon also requires a lifestyle change. Viewing yourself as an athlete and being aware of what you put into your body will have a direct impact on your performance, says DeJulius. This means limiting junk food and alcohol, stress, and prioritizing sleep. Maintaining adequate hydration is crucial as it is recommended to drink small amounts of fluid every 10-20 minutes. When eating, focus on carbohydrate and calorie intake as your body needs energy to travel long distances.

On race day, conserving energy is crucial. “Most runners start too fast and struggle towards the end of the race,” warns Thornley. “Hold back a little at the beginning so you have something left in the tank to give the final push to the finish.”