Training for a half marathon is HARD. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. But honestly? It's probably not as hard as you imagine it to be. It wasn't for me, and before I started training I had never run more than 3 miles at a time. I learned a ton about myself, and about what works for me while training for my first race.

So below are my 100% amateur, non-professional, total novice (how many ways can I say beginner?) tips for training.

Lesson 1: Run when the running is good.
I made the mistake a few times (ok, several) of running when I was too tired, too hot, too full, etc. I learned not to force a run if I knew I'd struggle through it. I also learned to embrace good conditions when I came across them: run harder when it's cool, when there's a breeze, when you're going slightly downhill, when a great song comes on. When there is a shady side, run there. Don't force a long run if you aren't feeling it, you'll just have a bad run.

Lesson 2: Be lucky.
Live in a dry climate. Have a supportive partner. Don't have joint problems.

Obviously I'm not super serious with this one, but it really did factor into my training.

Lesson 3: Track your progress, and publicize it.
Before I started training, the farthest I'd ever run was 3.4 miles, and I did that the week I decided to sign up for the half. I used a Hal Higdon training plan, mixed in strength and intervals, and started moving forward. Each week on my long run was the longest I'd ever run, and it was SO REWARDING. I posted about it on Facebook and Instagram, and even though a couple people told me it was inspiring, my motives were selfish. I needed the encouragement! It really helped to know people were watching my progress, that they were proud of what I was trying to accomplish.

Lesson 4: Create a great playlist, and then change it up.
Nothing energizes me like a great song, but after a while I got really tired of my playlist on long runs because I knew how far I still had to run by each song. So my advice? Switch it up, but make sure it's something that motivates you. You can't go wrong with Britney, Kelly, and Taylor (Spears, Clarkson, and Swift, obviously).

Lesson 5: Don't wear shorts to run.
This is pretty basic. My thighs rub together when I run. And while a couple miles is fine, after 6 or 7 or 8 I'm miserable. My solution is running capris, my favorite have a zip pocket in the back for my keys. Bodyglide and other anti-chafe products also work, but I prefer the capris. While we're at it...on race day just put that stuff allll over your the places where your skin rubs together. Trust me.

Lesson 6: Eat enough, and make what you eat a habit.
I discovered early on that I could not run a distance first thing on an empty stomach. Before each long run on Saturday mornings I made the same exact breakfast: Shakeology with oats and half a banana. My stomach was accustomed to Shakeology because I drink it every day, the oats were for a little extra carb jump, and the banana was to help with muscle cramping. It was the perfect meal: not so many calories that I had to wait more than 1 hour before running, but enough that I didn't feel dizzy when I get to mile 5.

That's it! Tips for training from an amateur runner.

When I started my first Beachbody challenge group last year, I was sort of unwilling to get up in the mornings to workout. I convinced myself I'd be good and workout as soon as I got home from work.

Guess what?! It didn't work. I'd end up working late, things came up at night, or I just felt lazy and didn't want to work out. I realized that if I had really committed to the challenge group (doing P90X3) then I had to commit to changing my life and my schedule. Thus, the morning workouts began.

Nine months later, I LOVE my morning workouts. It sets the tone for my entire day. I start my day feeling productive, positive, and I am better able to deal with the little stresses that come up throughout the day.

Benefits of working out in the morning:
1. It's already DONE! You don't have to worry about fitting your workout in after work, you can focus on relaxing.
2. Increased energy through the day. When I workout in the morning, I find I don't NEED coffee or tea to get me going. Seriously.
3. You get to feel proud about having already worked out. I always feel pretty great about myself and I find I'm more motivated through the day to make better choices.
4. Increased calorie burn ALL DAY. Working out in the AM jump starts your metabolism, so you burn more throughout the day.

So...HOW did I do it? How did I transform myself from a snoozer to someone who gets up and pushes play??

Here are my tips:
1. Pick a date and commit to it! Put it in your calendar every morning.
2. Determine what workout you'll be doing. If I don't have something planned I fumble. I love Beachbody workouts because they determine the schedule for you, and they always make sure to mix it up so you aren't bored.
3. Set your alarm for 10 minutes earlier than you normally get up. Start out small and increase this amount by 10 minutes every other day until you have enough time for your workout.
4. Be realistic. I started out with P90X3 because the workouts were only 30 minutes. I'd recommend starting out with 20-30 minute morning workouts until you're used to getting up early. I now wake up about an hour earlier than I used to, without feeling tired. Deciding you're suddenly going to start running for an hour every morning is going to lead to disappointment.
5. Set small goals and reward yourself. For every 5 days in a row you get up and workout, promise yourself a treat like a new workout shirt, massage, or 1 hour of time for yourself.

The reason I know these tips work is because they worked for me. You CAN change your habits to reach your goals.

Are you a morning person? Are you interested in joining a challenge group to motivate and support you in your fitness journey?

I know I need to take some time and really write my story of how I committed to getting healthy and what motivates me. But right now, I'm inspired to tell you why I became a coach.