Want to Run Your First Half Marathon? These Are the Races for Y-O-U

Cassandra Pisone
Aug 10, 2015

The idea of running a half marathon can be scary, but with the proper training, you CAN cross the finish line after 13.1 miles. Still looking for a little extra motivation to sign up for your first half? We’ve rounded up some of the most fun half marathons from coast to coast that will make you want to start training now. From races that hand out chocolate truffles to band-lined courses, these runs have awesome crowd support, entertainment and, of course, some nice swag.

1. Tinker Bell Half Marathon: This Disney race takes you through Disneyland and into the city of Anaheim. You can stop for photos along the way with your favorite characters too. (Photo via Run Disney)

2. Southern Fried Half: Looking for a beach town run for your first half marathon? Look no further than the Outerbanks North Carolina Southern Fried Half Marathon. You’ll run from Nags Head past the largest sand dune on the East Coast and finish in the waterfront village of Manteo, where you’ll have Southern fried sweet taters to look forward to post-race. (Photo via OBX Marathon)

3. Baltimore Running Festival Half Marathon: This flat and fast course is a party disguised as a race. The five-and-a-half-hour course time limit is perfect for those who would like to walk a half marathon as well. And if you’re lucky, you’ll get to meet Blue. (Photo via Baltimore Running Festival)

4. Austin Half Marathon: More than 9,000 runners see what keeps Austin weird at this urban half marathon. You’ll pass Lady Bird Lake, Hyde Park, Congress Avenue, the Colorado River and the University of Texas with support from friendly Austinites, Longhorns and local entertainment. (Photo via Austin Marathon & Half Marathon)

5. Capital City Half Marathon: Run Ohio’s state capital and be entertained by 50+ bands and DJs over the course of 13.1 miles. You’ll pass through Ohio State University’s campus, historic Germantown and the Short North Arts District. If we didn’t already have you convinced, you’ll be happy to hear that there’s also champagne and chocolate at the finish line. (Photo via Capital City Half Marathon)

6. Hapalua Half Marathon: Hapalua means “half” in Hawaiian, and this race is known as THE half marathon to run in Hawaii. We want to run it for the finisher’s malasadas, a Portuguese-style donut that is widely found thoughout the islands. (Photo via The Hapalua)

7. Hershey Half Marathon: Log your first 13.1 in beautiful Hershey, PA. Not only will you experience the fall foliage of the Northeast as you run through this idyllic town, but you’ll also get a complimentary post-race massage from the Hershey Spa and lots of chocolate for your race recovery. (Photo via Active)

8. Brewers Mini-Marathon: Baseball fans will love this half marathon that is quickly becoming a tradition in Milwaukee, WI. Although the course is hilly, you’ll pass by the Harley Davidson Museum, run through Miller Valley and end around Miller Park, where you’ll earn a free voucher to a Milwaukee Brewers spring home game. (Photo via Race Brewers)

9. Chicago Half Marathon: Run the Windy City and earn a medal worthy of the feat. You’ll run down the famed Lake Shore Drive along Lake Michigan and through Hyde Park and Jackson Park as well. (Photo via Chicago Half Marathon)

10. Philadelphia Half Marathon: We can’t think of anything that would get us pumped for a race more than starting at the stairs made famous by Rocky. Get ready to have the best time of your life completing a race that winds from the history-steeped streets of Old City across the Schuylkill and up through the bucolic trails of Fairmount Park. (Photo via Philadelphia Marathon)

11. Nike Women’s Half Marathon: You can count on a Nike race to have the cutest gear. With varying distances in cities around the globe, the Nike Women’s race series is one not to miss. You can expect goodies like chocolate truffles during the race and Tiffany’s finisher necklaces handed out by firefighters in suits. Yes, please! (Photo via Run Nike Women’s Series)

12. Rock ‘n’ Roll San Francisco Half Marathon: With this race, you won’t just get to brag about running 13.1 miles, but you’ll also get to say you ran across the Golden Gate Bridge. Performers line each mile during the course, if the “Rock ‘n’ Roll” race name didn’t give it away. (Photo via Run Rock ‘n’ Roll)

Have you ever run a half marathon? Are you planning on running one in the future? Let us know which one in the comments!

(Feature image via @runrocknroll)

The Top 4 Hoka Shoes For Long Walks And Hard Workouts

Wether you like to trail run, hit the gym, or go for quick neighborhood walks, doing it all in a shoe that feels good, looks good, and does a good job at supporting your step is crucial. You want to ensure your shoes prioritize comfort and prevent injury, which is exactly what Hoka masters!

These 4 top-selling Hoka styles differ from each other in the slightest ways. I'm here to outline the intricacies and details so you can find your ultimate pair, no matter what kind of movement you're into! Scroll on for the best Hoka shoes for your lifestyle, based on your go-to activity.

The Chronic Marathoner: Clifton 9

If running is your life – not just a "for fun" hobby – the Clifton 9's are the shoe for you. There's a reason why they're heralded by runners everywhere!

This award-winning Hoka style (it's been granted the Seal of Approval from the American Podiatric Medical Association) is super lightweight at 7.3 oz, but it's still impressively stable and soft. It boasts a plush heel designed for running and walking, so it's destined to get you wherever you're going in the utmost comfort.

These shoes have a very breathable knit upper, while the outsole is crafted with rubber for durability. Stability was top of mind in making these, and you'll have smooth heel-to-toe transitions with every step.

The Hoka Clifton 9's come in 20 different colorways for $145.

The Hot Girl Walker: Bondi 8

If you can't go a day without getting your steps in, it's important that you go for your hot girl walks with the right shoe so you can avoid potential strain and injuries. Per Hoka, the Bondi 8's are one of the "hardest working" shoes in their lineup, and it's specifically designed for walking and running (hot girl style).

It's also earned the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association for its unmatched stability and all-around support. The Bondi 8's are fitted with a pillowed tongue and a memory foam ankle lining for comfort. They're certainly on the plusher side when it comes to Hoka shoes, but they're not so much so that you feel unsure about your steps. They weigh in at 8.9 oz, so they're noticeably heavier than the Clifton 9's.

The foam bottom extends beyond your natural heel for additional support, plus they're an easy on and off thanks to the pull tab at the back.

The Hoka Bondi 8's currently come in 16 different colors for $165.

The Gym Rat: Mach 6

Gym rats, rise up! The Hoka Mach 6's boast the perfect weight, height, and cushion for taking you from the weight rack to the track. They're more streamlined in their design – the most noticeable difference being less heel height than the Clifton or Bondi models. Your foot will definitely be closer to the ground, which is beneficial for movements that involve balance.

While the Cliftons and Bondis have super thick and cushy soles, the Mach 6 soles are crafted from a firmer material for support. Though tougher, they still clock in at 6.7 oz. They're complete with an exceptionally responsive foam midsole that allows for more bounce, plus the outsole has a rubber coating for durability – making your shoe purchase last longer and look new for longer. This gorgeous colorway is an added bonus!

The Mach 6's are currently shoppable in 7 colors for $140.

The Trail Runner: Challenger 7

These Hokas were made for the granola girls who love to venture to the mountains for a cheeky trail run or hike. They have tons of grip the textured sole, ideal for road and trail running. The sole is fashioned with more aggressive lugs around the perimeter to help manage uneven surfaces without risk of injury.

The Challenger 7's boast a decently thick height for plushness to catch your steps, plus they have protective cushioning around the ankle to stabilize your movement.

These weigh in at 7.7 oz, come in 10 different colors, and are shoppable for $145.

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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Images via Hoka.

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15 Classy Christmas Outfit Ideas That’ll Win You ‘Best Dressed’ At Family Dinner

If you're anything like me, you treat Christmas like a whole fashion show. Whether it’s a wholesome family dinner or a (not so wholesome) party with hometown friends, I always plan to pull a look or two.

As opposed to years past, I’m looking to shake up my Christmas outfits a bit, playing with multiple patterns, cozy (yet stylish) layers, and, of course, a good pair of boots. Looking for inspo along those lines? We’ve got all the Christmas outfit ideas you need to stun at this year’s festivities.

Check out these 12 Christmas outfit ideas you have our full permission to copy this season!

Kayla Walden

Sparkles are extremely festive this time of year – go all out with a sequined dress to really embrace the Christmas spirit! You can find so many similar options at Anthropologie and Nordstrom. When paired with some cute ballet flats, you'll be feelin' like a little Christmas fairy in no time.

Haley Sprankle

A blazer will never fail to make your Christmas outfits look sophisticated. Layer one on top of a basic cable knit sweater for a classic feel (that'll also keep you super warm)! From there, trousers or tailored jeans will do. Don't forget to accessorize with red Christmas nails and a bold red lip color!

Jasmine Williams

Layers, layers, layers: it's the name of the Christmas outfit game, especially if you live somewhere super cold. But a practical 'fit doesn't have to be boring! Start with a comfy turtleneck and pants (over some leggings for extra warmth), then go crazy by mixing colors and patterns. This plaid + leather combo will be on repeat. Step into your favorite winter boots to bolden up the look!

Ali Ives

Statement jackets are the way to go. This leather one is lined with a furry material that not only holds in your body heat during outdoor excursions, but looks so chic, too. Layer one with some leggings, a black mini dress, and a bright red sweater like this one so you feel cozy all day long! Don't forget the boots, either! 😍

Haley Sprankle

Hair bows are the perfect accessory to rock alongside your Christmas outfits. From sleek sweaters like this one to more formal dresses, they fit the occasion oh-so nicely.

Haley Sprankle

For a *spicier* holiday get-up, don't hesitate to reach for your fave tall boots and little black dress. It's a no-fail combo! With an all-black situation like this one, you won't have to spend extra time worrying about if your outfit is matching perfectly or not. Wear the two pieces with some sheer black tights, or get creative with colored ones, like a bold red or sparkly white.

Kayla Walden

If your personal style leans more preppy, this is the Christmas outfit idea to copy: loafers and a pleated skirt instantly make you look dressed up, but the nice part is you're not sacrificing comfort for style one bit. This outfit formula can span over endless color combos, but we particularly love the burgundy-leaning look with this one.

Meredith Holser

You can never go wrong with a good green or red plaid dress. Bonus points if it's vintage, like this one! You can easily dress it up with tights and a cardigan, with boots or ballet flats to match!

Kayla Walden

Velvet dresses have our hearts (and closets). The material evokes a very vintage-y Christmas vibe that you can style over and over again. We're currently eyeing similar styles to this one from Target and Anthropologie!

Rachael Sprankle

Sequins shine again! If it's Christmas party time, you truly cannot go wrong with an eye-catching ensemble like this one. You'll leave the whole crowd stunned. A sequined dress also makes for some ahh-mazing Instagram pics! 📸

Ali Ives

Bundling up this winter doesn't have to be drab. Throw on a plaid scarf on top of a layered look to embrace all the Christmas vibes!

Kayla Walden

Playing with different materials and non-traditional color combos might just surprise you when it comes to creating the coolest Christmas outfits. For instance, this 'fit combines leather and suede, which contrast each other beautifully. You also might not immediately think of black and brown working well together, but this outfit idea defies all fashion "rules" in that regard.

Haley Sprankle

For a Christmas-y night out (ahem, bar crawl, anyone?), don your cutest holiday sweater with some comfy jeans and boots. We've found some really great options for fun holiday sweaters that are still super stylish!

Haley Sprankle

Get you a good tall black boot, and your Christmas outfit ideas will go far. They work wonderfully with everything from maxi dresses to midi skirts!

Kayla Walden

No matter what you wear this Christmas, there's always room for a playful (and festive!) hair bow.

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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

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5 Must-Know Tips On How To Train For A 10K Race

A 10K is what many consider to be the first true long distance race. Measuring 6.2 miles, this isn't a marathon, but it's not your typical turkey trot either. No shade there, though — a classic turkey trot is one of my favorites to run! In all seriousness, truly mastering the 10K race takes a specific balance of speed and endurance. If you're looking to run your first or fastest 10K, here are some tips to help you excel! Let's lace up those running shoes and get ready to go!

Photo by KoolShooters/PEXELS

Just like with 5K training, the first and most important step is to pick a race and sign up for it. Having a race or goal on the schedule helps with motivation and a hard timeline helps with planning training. One place you can check for local races is findarace.com — just search by the type of race you want to run and where you want to run it!

How many days does it take to train for a 10K?

Photo by Nathan Cowley/PEXELS

Typical training for a 10K should take 8-10 weeks, however there may be other factors to consider as well.

  • If you've recently completed 5K training and are feeling confident and ready to hop into the next goal, you may not need the full 8-10 weeks.
  • If you're feeling fit and conditioned from a previous race, you probably only need 6-8 weeks to train for a 10K.

How do I pace myself for a 10K?

Photo by Ketut Subiyanto/PEXELS

If you've run a few 5Ks and are wondering what goal time to shoot for, there are few tips to figure out where to start. First, it's important to remember that a 10K is twice the distance of a 5K. Whatever your best or most recent 5K time is, you likely cannot hold it for another 3.1 miles. I would recommend doubling your total typical 5K time and adding 3-5 minutes to get your goal time. For example if you recently ran a 25 minute 5K, shoot for a 10K time of 53-55 minutes.

How do beginners train for a 10K run?

Photo by MART PRODUCTION/PEXELS

Your training plan should look similar to a 5K training plan with 4-5 days a week of running. This should include 1-2 speed workouts, a few easy jogs, and a weekly long run. Just like with 5K training, you never want to do 2 speed workouts back-to-back — it's best to have a rest day or 1-2 easy jog days between speed sessions to allow your muscles to recover and rebuild.

While long runs and easy jogs are relatively self-explanatory, speed workouts can seem ambiguous. Instead of leaving you in the dark, here are two examples of speed sessions you could implement into your training regiment.

Example 1:

  • 1 mile jog warm up
  • 6-8x 800m (2 laps of a traditional track or ½ of a mile) at a hard but sustainable 7-8/10 effort. Take 2 minutes between each
  • 1 mile jog or walk cooldown

Example 2:

  • 1 mile jog warm up
  • 3 miles steady-hard (also known as tempo pace) at a 6-7/10 effort
  • 1 mile walk or jog cooldown

Long runs are the most important part of any training block for races of 5K and up. Like the name suggests, long runs should be your longest run of the week. Depending on your skill and familiarity with distance running, your long runs will vary anywhere from 5 to 12 miles. I would recommend starting with 4-7 miles at the beginning of your training block, adding one half to a full mile every week. If you're running your first 10K, I would start with 4 miles with the end goal of your longest long run to be 8 miles. Yes, that means that your longest long run will be longer than your 10K race, but trust me — this will make the race distance seem doable and way less daunting. If you're a repeat racer (10Ks included), I would recommend starting with a 7-mile-long run and working your way up to 12 miles by the end of your training block.

How do I prep for race day?

Photo by RF._.studio/PEXELS

To wind down your training, make sure to taper your miles down for at least 10 days before your race. This is where you lower the distance of your longest run over time as you get closer to the actual race, allowing you to properly rest beforehand.

When it comes to race day, the number one thing to remember is: don't go out too fast. While it's easy to get caught up in the excitement of a race and rocket off at the starting line, it won't feel good at mile 4. To ensure that you finish within your goal time, try to go out 15-20 seconds slower than your goal pace.

For example, if you have a 55 min goal time, that translates to running an 8:52 mile. I would recommend starting off your first mile at around a 9:10 mile pace and progressing from there. This will help you to finish strong and feeling your best.

Most importantly? Enjoy race day and celebrate finishing your goal!

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Header image via Nataliya Vaitkevich/PEXELS

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How To Watch 'A Charlie Brown Christmas' For Free This Holiday Season

As I type this, I'm sipping on chai tea, wrapped in a blanket covered in hedgehogs holding candy canes, while twinkly lights hang on the wall behind my head. That's right baby, it's Christmastime!! (Well, almost). It might not be Thanksgiving yet, but we're getting in the holiday spirit early, because...well, why not? A few Christmas music, a taste test of Taylor Swift's chai tea cookies, and A Charlie Brown Christmas are all surefire ways to make any cloudy, dark-before-5 pm day merry and bright. After you've watched Snoopy prepare dinner for all his friends in A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving, press play on the oh so sweet A Charlie Brown Christmas!

Here's everything you need to know about how to stream A Charlie Brown Christmas for the 2024 holiday season.

How To Stream 'A Charlie Brown Christmas'

You can stream A Charlie Brown Christmas is streaming on Apple TV+ this year, which is also where you'll find It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown and A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving. So if you're wondering, 'Is A Charlie Brown Christmas on Netflix?' unfortunately, no, it's not.

But while the $9.99 cost for an Apple TV+ subscription gives you access to literally so many other titles, it's understandable if that's a deal breaker. Good thing there's a 7-day free trial! Apple TV+ is also airing the special for free on two days during the holiday season: December 14 and December 15. Mark your calendar!

Check out Everything Coming To Apple TV+ In 2024for a look into the streamer's newest projects!

What happened in A Charlie Brown Christmas?

CBS/Apple

A Charlie Brown Christmas Plot

In A Charlie Brown Christmas, our titular main character is not feeling merry and bright. Even though the world is cheery (and snowy) around him, he simply can't break out of his funk — especially when he tries to direct his friends in the local Christmas play and they all make fun of him. But thankfully, Linus, and one special little Christmas tree, help save Charlie Brown's Christmas spirit.

The special definitely struck a chord in audiences. According to TODAY, almost half of the entire country tuned into the premiere, and A Charlie Brown Christmas ended up winning an Emmy in 1966 for Outstanding Children's Program.

When did A Charlie Brown Christmas come out?

CBS/Apple

A Charlie Brown Christmas Release Date

A Charlie Brown Christmas first aired on CBS December 9, 1965. Even though Charles M. Schulz's comic strip introduced characters like Charlie Brown, Sally, Linus, and Snoopy in 1950, this was the first time the characters appeared in a TV special.

Can I stream the music from A Charlie Brown Christmas?

Concord Music Group

Yes you can listen to the A Charlie Brown Christmas album (which has sold more than 5 million copies) on streaming platforms!

Why is A Charlie Brown Christmas not airing?

CBS/Apple

After Apple bought the rights to the Charlie Brown specials in 2018, A Charlie Brown Christmas, A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving, and It's The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown haven't regularly premiered on TV. 2022 marked the last time Apple allowed PBS stations to air A Charlie Brown Christmas once during the holiday season.

Will ABC show A Charlie Brown Christmas?

Check out 60 Unique Christmas Card Ideas That Also Make Great Instagram Captions for more inspiration!

This post has been updated.

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I Almost Peed My Pants Laughing At The 'Your Cordially Invited' Trailer

Let's be honest...I'll watch just about anything Reese Witherspoon or Will Ferrell are in, but I'm especially ready for You're Cordially Invited! While I was already hooked on this dynamic duo just based on the two of them alone, the trailer just dropped — and it did NOT disappoint. From wrestling alligators to wearing big, fuzzy zebra costumes, there's a lot of really funny stuff to unpack with this upcoming movie. Let's get into it!

Check out the You're Cordially Invited trailer here!

www.youtube.com

- YouTube

Okay, let's address the elephant — or two-time Superbowl-winning quarter back — in the room first. Hello, Peyton Manning! I swear, this man is everywhere right now, and I'm so here for it! I'd be lying if I said I didn't laugh at his "Paintin' Manning" commercials lately.

Anyway, back to the plot at-hand! When Reese Witherspoon's sister and Will Ferrell's daughter get engaged, the both manage to book the weddings for the same day (June 1)...and at the same venue! Classic conundrum! Instead of rescheduling, the two groups are forced to work it out between the two of them, and things get a little hairy.

Throughout the hilarity — and chaos — that ensues, we see a lot of good stuff. This includes (but is not limited to):

  • Will Ferrell doing his daughter's hair in giant rollers
  • The two wedding parties battling over the sunset ceremony
  • A giant, fluffy zebra knocking a cake over during a conga line
  • Male strippers that are totally giving Magic Mike vibes
  • Will Ferrell wrestling an alligator?!

Needless to say, there's a LOT going on in this movie. If I'm already laughing that much at the trailer, I just know this is gonna good!

Catch You're Cordially Invited on Amazon Prime on January 30, 2025!

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