Determining a strategy for a half-marathon is vital before engaging in the race. You want to know how you are going to start, how you are going to run in the first half of the race, when you are going to start pushing the pace in the second half and when you are going to start your stretch run. You have to understand how your body will react to the stress of the race and must take that into account when planning your race.
The Start
Set the tone for your race in the first mile or two. According to distance running expert Bob Glover, if you go out to fast you will most likely fail in the latter stages of the race. During the early stages of the race you will want to preserve your glycogen so you have the energy reserves in the later part of the race. You don't want to fall behind, so get as close to the front at the start as possible, so you don't have to contend with slow runners and then ease back.
Two-Plus Miles
After you have weaved through the slower runners and found your spot in the pack, run a little bit faster than your goal pace. At this point, the race will separate into groups or packs and you need to find the pack that is closest to your pace. Draft off the pack if you can because this will help you preserve your energy.
Second Half
Over the first half of the race, you have to resist any urges to add more speed because you don't want to exceed your lactate threshold at an early point. Once lactic acid starts building, pain can keep you from running to the best of your ability. At the halfway point, you can start to increase your pace. Use the runners that are ahead of you as targets and start picking them off one by one. As long as you don't feel too much pain, continue to increase the pace of your run.
Finish
Call on all your physical and mental resources as you get to the last mile of the race. This is when you want to go at your top speed so you can pass most runners. Concentrate on the effort you put in during training and how much work you did to get ready for the race. Make that effort pay off by passing as many runners as you can and put the pain out of your mind. Relax when you are running and avoid clenching your muscles. You will hold your best form when you are relaxed -- and that mental state will help you keep your speed.
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