First Half Marathon – How to Prepare Before the Race? 12 Practical Tips for a Newcomer

First Half Marathon – How to Prepare Before the Race? 12 Practical Tips for a Newcomer

Your first half marathon is a moment you work towards for many weeks. If you're at the start of the PKO Sopot Half Marathon on October 25th, the most important part of your preparation is likely already behind you. You won't suddenly gain new fitness in the last two or three weeks. However, you can do a lot to make the most of the fitness you already have—or, conversely, lose it unnecessarily.
Oct 06, 2026

First Half Marathon – How to Prepare Before the Race? 12 Practical Tips for a Newcomer

Your first half marathon is a moment you work for for weeks. If you're at the starting line on October 25th PKO Sopot Half Marathon, the most important part of your preparation is probably already behind you. You won't suddenly build new fitness in the last 2-3 weeks. However, you can do a lot to make the most of the one you already have—or, conversely, lose it unnecessarily.

That's why the final weeks of preparation should look different than the previous weeks. Less adding, more organizing and planning. Less experimentation, more proven solutions. And above all: no catching up on training you haven't done before. That never works well!

  1. Don't try to "tighten the screw" anymore„

One of the most common mistakes beginners make is believing that since there are still two or three weeks left until the start, they need to make the most of it. They end up training harder, taking longer kilometers, or running a race that wasn't planned. It's the wrong time to make such moves! In the final weeks, training should gradually give way to regeneration. 

The body needs time to adapt to the workload and start the race refreshed. If you've been following a specific training plan, stick to it and don't try to tweak it on your own. You can't make up for several weeks of preparation with a single workout, but it can exhaust you and ruin your half-marathon performance. Right before the race, you might feel a bit "off," want to run faster, or wonder if you're really ready. But don't try to overdo it. Trust us! You should be rested at the start, not overtrained.

  1. The last long run and the last stronger running accent

If you still have plans longer runs, treat them as part of your preparation, not a dress rehearsal for a full half marathon. There's no need to run 21 kilometers in training just to prove to yourself that "I can do it." A beginner, especially, should remember that training results don't predict race results! There will be emotions, adrenaline, the atmosphere, cheering, and a group of other runners. If you've done the right work beforehand, you don't need additional proof two weeks before the race. You can do it!

Towards the end of your preparations you can still run faster, but the goal is no longer to improve your form at all costs. A stronger training accent It should be controlled and end with a sense of dissatisfaction. Seriously! Don't overdo your training in the final days before a half marathon. If you need a few days to recover after a strong run, it was probably too intense for this stage of your preparation.

  1. Don't try on new shoes, socks or clothes

If you have been running in specific shoes and proven socks throughout your training cycle, start in them. Don't buy new shoes just before the race just to run in them. Even if it's the same model! The same goes for shorts, a t-shirt, a sports bra, a watch, a phone strap, a wristband, or an energy gel. The last week and the race itself aren't the time to test equipment. A new item might be great, but it could also cause chafing, pressure, or discomfort you didn't anticipate. Your first half marathon will provide you with enough new experiences anyway.

  1. Test your nutritional strategy beforehand and don't make any changes.

You don't need a nutritional revolution 2-3 weeks before the race. If you've been eating normally and tolerating your diet well, don't suddenly change it based on online advice. It's especially important to do this in the final days before a half marathon. It is important to eat regularly and provide the right amount of carbohydrates, which provide fuel while running. 

If you plan to use gels, an isotonic drink, or other products during the race, don't do it for the first time. The half marathon is long enough that many first-time runners will find it beneficial to consume carbohydrates during the race, but the exact amount and form should be adjusted individually during preparation. The key is checking your nutritional strategy before training – what your stomach tolerates and how you react to a specific product. 

  1. Carbohydrate loading and eating the day before the race

Carbohydrate-load a few days before your race. This doesn't mean you have to eat a huge plate of pasta, a pizza, and two desserts every day, or eat only high-carb foods all day. Carbs are important, but don't overdo it. The most important rule is: eat what you know and tolerate well.

The day before the race, don't try to overeat. A very large dinner, lots of sweets, heavy sauces, and a huge amount of fiber—all of this, instead of helping, can worsen sleep and digestive comfort. 24 Hours Before the Race choose familiar, easily digestible, light meals and adequate hydration. You don't have to drink constantly either. Drinking excessively won't improve your score and could make your night a series of bathroom trips.

  1. Don't get dehydrated on the route

On the day of the start Don't wait to drink on the road until you feel very thirsty. There's also no need to drink large amounts of fluids right before a run. Start the day well-hydrated, and drink small amounts before the race, based on your experience. During the run, use the hydration stations in a way you've tested beforehand.

It's worth remembering that temperature, wind, and humidity can significantly alter fluid requirements. Autumn in Sopot during the October 25th half marathon can be pleasantly cool. But don't assume conditions will be ideal. Check the forecast the day before the start and only then make the final decision regarding clothing and hydration strategy..

  1. Establish a pacing strategy before you get to the starting line

The first kilometer of a half marathon can be the most treacherous kilometer of the entire race. You'll be surrounded by other runners, emotions, cheering, and adrenaline. Everything will be telling you to run faster. Don't listen to that impulse. If you have a specific time goal, set a pace that you will monitor especially at the beginning. It's much easier for a beginner to start a run a little more relaxed and gradually get into the right rhythm than to try to recover from a fast first few kilometers.

The simplest rule for your first half marathon? The first kilometers should seem too easy, and you should have a small reserve by the 15th km. Yes, you read that right!

  1. Check the route in advance

It is worth seeing the route before starting. On the PKO Sopot Half Marathon website You'll find both the race route and the elevation profile along it. It's good to know roughly where you'll be. Not to analyze every turn, but to limit the number of surprises. Pay attention to places where you can expect larger crowds, turns, aid stations, and changes in the course's character, such as climbs or descents. knowledge helps primarily mentally – you know where you are and approximately how many kilometers remain until the finish line, including the more difficult ones. But don't memorize it, don't add to the stress.

  1. Find a pacemaker for your score

Check in advance what times the groups are led by pacemakers, i.e. people who they will lead you to the finish line in the set time. For a beginner, this can be very helpful because it reduces the need to constantly check your watch. However, this doesn't mean you have to stick with the group for the entire distance. If the pace is too fast for you, back off. If you feel really good in the final kilometers, you can run faster.

  1. Take care of your sleep and do not overdo regeneration

Get plenty of sleep throughout your preparations, right up until the start – it's also part of your training. Don't try to crave extra sleep the night before the race. Your body doesn't work that way. A lot. What is more important is how your sleep looks like during the entire week leading up to the start. If the night before a half marathon is rough due to emotional issues, don't immediately assume the half marathon is a lost cause. One bad night's sleep doesn't ruin weeks of preparation.

Massage, rolling, mobilization, physiotherapy – use what you know and what works for you, especially 2-3 weeks before the race. Do this wisely and don't overdo it with stimuli (yes, massage and foam rolling are also stimuli for your body). The last few days before the race are not the best time for aggressive manual work, experimental treatments, or intense muscle breakdown. The same goes for cosmetic and skincare treatments. Limit them!

  1. Plan your accommodation and travel in advance

If you are coming to the PKO Sopot Half Marathon from outside the Tricity, It is worth planning accommodation and how to get to the competition in advance. The closer to the start, the fewer accommodation options there are, and finding a comfortable and well-located place in a seaside resort, even after the season, can be more difficult. It's not just about price – for a first-timer, it's equally important not to add unnecessary stress and extra steps on start day!

Choose accommodation from which you can easily reach ERGO Arena on Sunday morning, where the start and finish line of the PKO Sopot Half Marathon are located. Check the access route in advance by public transport, car, or on foot, and how long it will realistically take. If you're planning to arrive by car, also check parking options in the area, and don't assume you'll quickly find a spot on race day.

  1. Getting to the start on race day

It's worth planning not just the trip to Sopot, but the entire morning, step by step: what time you wake up, when you eat breakfast and leave your accommodation, how you get there, where you pick up your packet and leave your deposit, and how much time you need to get to your starting zone. This will help reduce stress on race day. If you can pick up your packet the day before, it will simplify the logistics even further.

And one more thing: don't plan your trip on the spot. Transportation delays, traffic jams, parking issues, and queues at the race office all happen. Don't let them leave you nervous and without time to prepare. For your first half marathon, it's better to arrive a little early, have some extra time, and take it easy.

Now you know how to prepare for a half marathon in the final weeks. See you at the start! Psst, if your half marathon debut is only halfway there and your main goal is a marathon, be sure to check out Gdansk Marathon. Next spring, on April 25, 2027 to be exact, run with us in the city of freedom!

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Oct 06, 2026

First Half Marathon – How to Prepare Before the Race? 12 Practical Tips for a Newcomer

Your first half marathon is a moment you work for for weeks. If you're at the starting line on October 25th PKO Sopot Half Marathon, the most important part of your preparation is probably already behind you. You won't suddenly build new fitness in the last 2-3 weeks. However, you can do a lot to make the most of the one you already have—or, conversely, lose it unnecessarily.

That's why the final weeks of preparation should look different than the previous weeks. Less adding, more organizing and planning. Less experimentation, more proven solutions. And above all: no catching up on training you haven't done before. That never works well!

  1. Don't try to "tighten the screw" anymore„

One of the most common mistakes beginners make is believing that since there are still two or three weeks left until the start, they need to make the most of it. They end up training harder, taking longer kilometers, or running a race that wasn't planned. It's the wrong time to make such moves! In the final weeks, training should gradually give way to regeneration. 

The body needs time to adapt to the workload and start the race refreshed. If you've been following a specific training plan, stick to it and don't try to tweak it on your own. You can't make up for several weeks of preparation with a single workout, but it can exhaust you and ruin your half-marathon performance. Right before the race, you might feel a bit "off," want to run faster, or wonder if you're really ready. But don't try to overdo it. Trust us! You should be rested at the start, not overtrained.

  1. The last long run and the last stronger running accent

If you still have plans longer runs, treat them as part of your preparation, not a dress rehearsal for a full half marathon. There's no need to run 21 kilometers in training just to prove to yourself that "I can do it." A beginner, especially, should remember that training results don't predict race results! There will be emotions, adrenaline, the atmosphere, cheering, and a group of other runners. If you've done the right work beforehand, you don't need additional proof two weeks before the race. You can do it!

Towards the end of your preparations you can still run faster, but the goal is no longer to improve your form at all costs. A stronger training accent It should be controlled and end with a sense of dissatisfaction. Seriously! Don't overdo your training in the final days before a half marathon. If you need a few days to recover after a strong run, it was probably too intense for this stage of your preparation.

  1. Don't try on new shoes, socks or clothes

If you have been running in specific shoes and proven socks throughout your training cycle, start in them. Don't buy new shoes just before the race just to run in them. Even if it's the same model! The same goes for shorts, a t-shirt, a sports bra, a watch, a phone strap, a wristband, or an energy gel. The last week and the race itself aren't the time to test equipment. A new item might be great, but it could also cause chafing, pressure, or discomfort you didn't anticipate. Your first half marathon will provide you with enough new experiences anyway.

  1. Test your nutritional strategy beforehand and don't make any changes.

You don't need a nutritional revolution 2-3 weeks before the race. If you've been eating normally and tolerating your diet well, don't suddenly change it based on online advice. It's especially important to do this in the final days before a half marathon. It is important to eat regularly and provide the right amount of carbohydrates, which provide fuel while running. 

If you plan to use gels, an isotonic drink, or other products during the race, don't do it for the first time. The half marathon is long enough that many first-time runners will find it beneficial to consume carbohydrates during the race, but the exact amount and form should be adjusted individually during preparation. The key is checking your nutritional strategy before training – what your stomach tolerates and how you react to a specific product. 

  1. Carbohydrate loading and eating the day before the race

Carbohydrate-load a few days before your race. This doesn't mean you have to eat a huge plate of pasta, a pizza, and two desserts every day, or eat only high-carb foods all day. Carbs are important, but don't overdo it. The most important rule is: eat what you know and tolerate well.

The day before the race, don't try to overeat. A very large dinner, lots of sweets, heavy sauces, and a huge amount of fiber—all of this, instead of helping, can worsen sleep and digestive comfort. 24 Hours Before the Race choose familiar, easily digestible, light meals and adequate hydration. You don't have to drink constantly either. Drinking excessively won't improve your score and could make your night a series of bathroom trips.

  1. Don't get dehydrated on the route

On the day of the start Don't wait to drink on the road until you feel very thirsty. There's also no need to drink large amounts of fluids right before a run. Start the day well-hydrated, and drink small amounts before the race, based on your experience. During the run, use the hydration stations in a way you've tested beforehand.

It's worth remembering that temperature, wind, and humidity can significantly alter fluid requirements. Autumn in Sopot during the October 25th half marathon can be pleasantly cool. But don't assume conditions will be ideal. Check the forecast the day before the start and only then make the final decision regarding clothing and hydration strategy..

  1. Establish a pacing strategy before you get to the starting line

The first kilometer of a half marathon can be the most treacherous kilometer of the entire race. You'll be surrounded by other runners, emotions, cheering, and adrenaline. Everything will be telling you to run faster. Don't listen to that impulse. If you have a specific time goal, set a pace that you will monitor especially at the beginning. It's much easier for a beginner to start a run a little more relaxed and gradually get into the right rhythm than to try to recover from a fast first few kilometers.

The simplest rule for your first half marathon? The first kilometers should seem too easy, and you should have a small reserve by the 15th km. Yes, you read that right!

  1. Check the route in advance

It is worth seeing the route before starting. On the PKO Sopot Half Marathon website You'll find both the race route and the elevation profile along it. It's good to know roughly where you'll be. Not to analyze every turn, but to limit the number of surprises. Pay attention to places where you can expect larger crowds, turns, aid stations, and changes in the course's character, such as climbs or descents. knowledge helps primarily mentally – you know where you are and approximately how many kilometers remain until the finish line, including the more difficult ones. But don't memorize it, don't add to the stress.

  1. Find a pacemaker for your score

Check in advance what times the groups are led by pacemakers, i.e. people who they will lead you to the finish line in the set time. For a beginner, this can be very helpful because it reduces the need to constantly check your watch. However, this doesn't mean you have to stick with the group for the entire distance. If the pace is too fast for you, back off. If you feel really good in the final kilometers, you can run faster.

  1. Take care of your sleep and do not overdo regeneration

Get plenty of sleep throughout your preparations, right up until the start – it's also part of your training. Don't try to crave extra sleep the night before the race. Your body doesn't work that way. A lot. What is more important is how your sleep looks like during the entire week leading up to the start. If the night before a half marathon is rough due to emotional issues, don't immediately assume the half marathon is a lost cause. One bad night's sleep doesn't ruin weeks of preparation.

Massage, rolling, mobilization, physiotherapy – use what you know and what works for you, especially 2-3 weeks before the race. Do this wisely and don't overdo it with stimuli (yes, massage and foam rolling are also stimuli for your body). The last few days before the race are not the best time for aggressive manual work, experimental treatments, or intense muscle breakdown. The same goes for cosmetic and skincare treatments. Limit them!

  1. Plan your accommodation and travel in advance

If you are coming to the PKO Sopot Half Marathon from outside the Tricity, It is worth planning accommodation and how to get to the competition in advance. The closer to the start, the fewer accommodation options there are, and finding a comfortable and well-located place in a seaside resort, even after the season, can be more difficult. It's not just about price – for a first-timer, it's equally important not to add unnecessary stress and extra steps on start day!

Choose accommodation from which you can easily reach ERGO Arena on Sunday morning, where the start and finish line of the PKO Sopot Half Marathon are located. Check the access route in advance by public transport, car, or on foot, and how long it will realistically take. If you're planning to arrive by car, also check parking options in the area, and don't assume you'll quickly find a spot on race day.

  1. Getting to the start on race day

It's worth planning not just the trip to Sopot, but the entire morning, step by step: what time you wake up, when you eat breakfast and leave your accommodation, how you get there, where you pick up your packet and leave your deposit, and how much time you need to get to your starting zone. This will help reduce stress on race day. If you can pick up your packet the day before, it will simplify the logistics even further.

And one more thing: don't plan your trip on the spot. Transportation delays, traffic jams, parking issues, and queues at the race office all happen. Don't let them leave you nervous and without time to prepare. For your first half marathon, it's better to arrive a little early, have some extra time, and take it easy.

Now you know how to prepare for a half marathon in the final weeks. See you at the start! Psst, if your half marathon debut is only halfway there and your main goal is a marathon, be sure to check out Gdansk Marathon. Next spring, on April 25, 2027 to be exact, run with us in the city of freedom!