Just agreed to 1/2 marathon - in 3 days!

My running buddy has been registered for a half marathon happening this weekend for months. She and another friend were going to do it together. I've been running the training with her up until two weeks ago. So, my longest run has been 9 miles and that was two weekends ago.

Needless to say, her friend backed out and she wants me to run with her under her friend's name. I went ahead and agreed to do it.

It is a run/walk, but I don't want to walk. Does it seem possible that I could run 13.1 with my longest run only being 9?

They will have water/gel/electrolyte fluids every two miles, so I will be well hydrated. I had no friction issues on the 9 mile run and it isn't supposed to rain...the temps will be in the upper 50's.

Anything else I need to worry about?

The 9 mile run is good "hay in the barn" and seeing that its Thursday now you might want to take rest days until the race. Keeping a postive attitude,metal focus on the finish line, and proper pacing, you'll be able to run the whole thing. Do you have a nutrition plan? I did my first half on the second and I took in a salt tab at mile 6, half a pack of sport beans at mile 7, and the other half of the pack at mile 8. Thats just an example, but I tried it in training before the race.

The only real concern I have is racing under someone else's name, sometimes they ask to see ID at packet pickup.

Although your longest run is 9 miles, you've been putting in the miles for the last 5 months, so you have a decent base built up.  I think the key for you is going to be pacing.  It's easy to get caught up in the excitement of the crowd, but it makes those last 3 miles tough if you've spent all your energy early.

If you're planning on using the gels/fluids on the course, make sure they're ones that you've already tested in training.  Otherwise, it would be a good idea to bring your own.

Consider walking through the water stations.  I think that slight walk break helps  to ensure that your hydration is on track, gives you a chance to reset your pace and gives the legs a brief reprieve to help them go the distance.

And finally, have fun!  Whether you run the whole thing or need to walk, this will be your first half marathon, so savor every moment of the journey with your friend!

Cassie