How to run a half marathon
It made me 
"Wonderful!"
How I did it: I've run on and off for years, but hadn't run for many months when I started again in July. I started training and added miles each week slowly because I've had knee problems in the past, but by the beginning of October I was ready to run. With a few friends I signed up for the Pisa half-marathon (I'm living in Italy) and ran it in 1:35:00, which was far faster than I expected. Now if my knees hold up I'm on to the Rome marathon in March.
Lessons & tips: Take your time, both training and while racing. Add miles to your weekly training schedule slowly, or better yet, follow a set schedule like the ones on www.halhigdon.com
Don't jump into too many miles too quickly or you'll get injured. Don't start your race too fast, it's far better to start slow, let the fast runners get ahead, and pace yourself, besides, passing runners for most of the race is a great boost, and the first minute or two of people passing you reminds you to not take things too fast.
