13.1 REASONS TO RUN THE LINCOLN HALF MARATHON!
Posted by on 19th May 2016As if you need any reasons at all, here are our 13.1 reasons you should get involved in the new Lincoln Half Marathon 2016!
1) You want to take your running fitness to the next level.
5k’s and 10k’s are wonderful entry-level distances for new runners. But, stepping up to the half marathon distance from the 5k or 10k distance will result in big jump in running fitness due to increases in mileage and the likely addition of one (or more) days of running.
2) It’ll get you back in touch with your world
Committing to a half marathon means committing to more hours a week outside. Unplug. Go without headphones. Run down a mystery trail. Take a left where you’ve always gone right. Use your hours in your running shoes to reconnect with your community.
3) You want to explore a beautiful historic city
The home of the beautiful Lincoln Cathedral, Lincoln has so much to offer as a half marathon location, for both the runners and the spectators.
As you run through the beautiful streets of uphill Lincoln, you’ll get a real sense of the history of the place. With the Cathedral looming large, you’ll run through the grounds of Lincoln Castle constructed during the late 11th century by William the Conqueror.
4) It's a challenging, but manageable distance.
Despite what you may think right now, most new runners with three months of consistent training can conquer a half marathon. Long runs likely won't exceed two hours. There is some commitment involved with half marathon training, but it doesn't have to consume your life.
5) You want new kit!
If you are stepping up from the 5k or 10k distance, logging a few extra miles each week will undoubtedly mean you’ll need an additional pair or shoes (or two). So, if you've been eyeing the hot new pair of trainers at your local running store, sign up for the half and pull the trigger, as you'll likely need them soon.
Not only trainers though… if you're going to be logging more miles and days of running, this may well necessitate an upgrade of your running wardrobe.
6) It simplifies your life
Life is filled with ups and downs. Some days it feels like you’re so busy, stressed and tired… Well that’s where running comes in.
Just go. Put your trainers on and put one foot in front of the other. Every step is a step in the right direction. On days that you’re feeling overwhelmed, it feels great to put a few miles in knowing that you’ve made a positive impact on your life, and you’re 4 miles closer to your goal of a half marathon. You did it — and that’s that.
7) You like to party!
The Lincoln Half Marathon start and finish will be within the Lincolnshire Showground, making it the perfect spot for those coming from Lincoln or further afield. The Showground will act as our race hub and it will have a fantastic festival feel! There will be DJs and bands, along with local food and drink vendors to keep you all on your feet and moving before and after the race!
8) It gives your self-esteem a boost
Overcoming the odds and achieving goals feels good, that’s a fact. We all know it’s important to be healthy, but so often we’re too fixated on what the scales say compared to what we have achieved.
By running and setting a goal, you shift your focus from what your body weighs to what it accomplishes, and when you can shift that mind set, and you can stand up and say “I can run 13.1 miles” you’ll start to wonder whether there is anything you can’t do!
9) You love a hill… (Or a challenge!)
We really couldn’t organise a half marathon in Lincoln without treating you to a hill! Although a hill is guaranteed, we promise to set up a lively music hotspot on Yarborough Road which will help keep you motivated all the way to the top!
As runners, we love a challenge and although you may SAY you don’t like hills… we guarantee you’ll feel amazing after you reach the top!
10) It introduces you to a world of new people
Sometimes a friendly new face can turn your day around. I’ve met so many people through running. Some are now my best friends, some I’ve only waved to on the path. No matter what, it’s always nice to meet new people, and in running, this is hard to avoid!
Once you get into running, some of your non-runner friends won’t be totally fascinated by every last detail of your long run or the status of your black toenail. Running friends — well, they get it.
11) You're contemplating ramping up for a full marathon.
Before signing up for a full marathon, you should probably have at least one half marathon under your belt. You can run most of the 13.1 miles at your target marathon pace and see how far you are from carrying this pace for 26.2 miles.
12) You want to fundraise for a charity
Along with our charity partners Cancer Research UK, The Lincoln Half Marathon will be supporting a fantastic local charity, The Ethan Maull ‘Up Yours to Cancer’ Foundation, which is ultimately aiming to fund a home in Lincoln where families can stay whilst their children receive Cancer treatment.
Having a charity to fundraise for is an amazing incentive to get training, and an incredible motivation when you’re feeling tired on those long runs. Why not consider setting a fundraising target and get your friends and family to back you!
13) Because you can!
Those legs are made for walking… jogging… running! So get active and show everyone what you’re made of.
We have people from all walks of life taking part in our events, the youngest often being in their teens and awesome people 70+ putting us all to shame.
We love to see people challenging themselves and see them light up in the process, imagine crossing that finish line and how great you would feel.
13.1) Well… why not?
As if you need any reasons at all! Sign up, grab your trainers and go for a run!
