12 Week Half Marathon Training Plan for Beginner Runners

Although 13.1 may seem like an insurmountable distance to cover—especially for a first time beginner runner—it’s possible to get in shape to complete a half marathon in as little as 12 weeks no matter where you’re starting from. After nearly two decades of studying half marathons and training programs, we’ve compiled what we believe to be the perfect 12 week half marathon training plan for any level of runner.

This training plan is designed to be accessible to beginners but, before you begin your formal training, we recommend investing into half marathon gear, and more specifically a good pair of running shoes, to properly take on the training plan ahead.

In this training plan, you’ll reach 30 miles in your peak week which is 10 weeks into training. It’s important to prime your body to handle the increasing load. You need with the highest quality gear fit to support your running form.

It’s time to get training! First we’ll share the plan that proved successful for the publisher of this site to run a sub 2 hour half marathon.

Then we’ll tackle all of the most commonly asked questions related to the half marathon distance and the preparation it requires.

If you’re a more seasoned runner or looking for the support of a running coach for your upcoming half marathon race and looking for a training plan that’s more dynamic to your routine and fitness level, we recommend downloading Runna. “Like a coach in your pocket,” all Half Marathon Guide readers get 2-weeks free with code HALFMARATHON.

A finisher with his hands up at a marathon finish.

Our 12 Week Half Marathon Training Plan

12-Week Half Marathon Training Plan for a Saturday race:

Week Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
1 off 3 miles 3 miles 3 miles off 4 miles 3 miles
2 off 3 miles 4 miles 3 miles off 4 miles 3 miles
3 off 3 miles 4 miles 3 miles off 5 miles 3 miles
4 off 3 miles 5 miles 3 miles off 6 miles 4 miles
5 off 4 miles 5 miles 4 miles off 7 miles 3 miles
6 off 4 miles 4 miles 4 miles off 8 miles 4 miles
7 off 4 miles 6 miles 4 miles off 9 miles 4 miles
8 off 4 miles 6 miles 4 miles off 10 miles 4 miles
9 off 4 miles 6 miles 4 miles off 11 miles 3 miles
10 off 4 miles 5 miles 4 miles off 12 miles 4 miles
11 off 4 miles 5 miles 4 miles off 6 miles 3 miles
12 off 3 miles 5 miles 3 miles off 13.1 miles! off

12-Week Half Marathon Training Plan for a Sunday race:

Week Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
1 off 3 miles 3 miles 3 miles off 3 miles 4 miles
2 off 3 miles 4 miles 3 miles off 3 miles 4 miles
3 off 3 miles 4 miles 3 miles off 3 miles 5 miles
4 off 3 miles 5 miles 3 miles off 4 miles 6 miles
5 off 4 miles 5 miles 4 miles off 3 miles 7 miles
6 off 4 miles 4 miles 4 miles off 4 miles 8 miles
7 off 4 miles 6 miles 4 miles off 4 miles 9 miles
8 off 4 miles 6 miles 4 miles off 4 miles 10 miles
9 off 4 miles 6 miles 4 miles off 3 miles 11 miles
10 off 4 miles 5 miles 4 miles off 4 miles 12 miles
11 off 4 miles 5 miles 4 miles off 3 miles 6 miles
12 off 3 miles 5 miles 3 miles off 2 miles 13.1 miles!

Related: The Half Marathon to Full Marathon Training Plan

The 12 Week Half Marathon Training Schedule

With this half marathon training schedule – you’ll be required to run five days per week with a two day off schedule.

Each week is designed to build endurance and confidence for new runners. It also accounts for the weekly half marathon long run to be on Saturday or Sunday.

You can adjust any of the training plan schedule – but try to keep five days per week as running days.

How many weeks do I need to prepare for a half marathon?

Experienced runners may be able to get away with shorter half marathon training schedules. The most important part of any 12 week half marathon training plan is building the endurance to cover the daily and weekly mileage. Experienced runners may have enough base fitness they wouldn’t need a few weeks to ramp up.

But beginner runners need more time to responsibly approach the training load and goal distance. 12 weeks tends to be about right. It’s not so long that you’re likely to get hurt or burned out along the way.  long enough that you can gradually increase your training and build the confidence necessary to cover 13.1 miles.

Who is this plan designed for?

This plan is for beginner runners, or those coming off an extended break, who are comfortable running running between 10 to 15 miles per week and at least 3 miles in one go.

If you’re currently not running at all but still want to run a half marathon in 12 weeks, this couch to half marathon plan is for you.

Advanced runners who are logging 30 to 40 miles per week will be better off heading straight to this 12-week plan. For shorter or longer training plans (ranging from two to five months), check out the offerings here.

As with any new physical endeavor, it’s a good idea to seek approval from a doctor before starting this training plan. This is especially important if you’re older than 50.

What level of commitment does it require?

By committing to this plan, you’re signing up for 12 weeks of focused training before your half marathon, with 5 training days of running and 2 rest days (for recovery or cross training) days per week.

Depending on your half marathon pace, you’ll likely spend around an hour or less on each 4 of your weekly runs, and up to double that on your longest weekly long run, an essential part of every half marathon training plan.

In addition, you’ll set yourself up for a healthy training block and race day success if you can incorporate 10 to 20 minutes of bodywork (dynamic warmups, cool downs, core exercises, strength training, foam rolling, and such) most days.

Exactly what your regimen looks like will be unique to you, but small, consistent efforts to keep your body fine-tuned and feeling good will pay dividends during these 12 weeks and in the race itself.

What types of running will I need to do?

In half marathon training programs or advanced runners, you’ll see different types of running workouts like “tempo runs at race pace,” “interval training as a track workout” or “speed work.”

If this is your first half marathon and your goal is to make it over the finish line without ending up injured or in too much pain, you should primarily be focused on running easy runs held at a comfortable pace.

Not sure what a “comfortable pace” is?

The most simple measurement is the “Talk Test.” This essentially is the ability to maintain a running speed and a conversation simultaneously – a conversational pace, if you will.

A conversational pace is otherwise referred to as running in your Zone 2 heart rate. To find your Zone 2 heart rate, it’s roughly 60-70% of your maximum heart rate.

How hard should I be running?

Pace matters, but effort is the much more useful metric—especially for inexperienced runners.

It’s okay to feel tired and a little winded towards the end each run, but you should never feel like you’ve just run way too hard of an effort on any of these runs.

As you gain fitness, your running pace will naturally improve. In a few weeks, what would have felt like a very hard run will feel manageable,

That said, keeping a loose eye on your watch (whether GPS-equipped or not) is good practice.

For one, you’ll start to learn what different paces feel like and how to exert the right effort for a given distance.

Wearing a watch will also help you track your progress from day to day and from week-to-week.

How else will you know that you just covered your standard neighborhood loop a minute faster than ever before if you didn’t put a clock on it?

Should I avoid walking at all costs?

Even if you aspire to run 13.1 miles without stopping, short walking breaks during training runs are totally fine and may help with injury prevention over the 12 weeks of training.

In fact, breaking up a run with a little bit of walking can act as a reset for your body and help you extend the distance you can cover without taxing your body too much.

To make sure that you don’t lose track of time, if you decide to walk, keep it to a minute or two, and try to reduce the number of walking breaks you take as you progress through the training plan.

Alternatively, instead of defaulting to a walking break, you can try slowing down to see if you can avoid reaching the point of needing to walk.

How does cross training come into play?

Cross training for runners is an excellent way to supplement mileage, strengthen different body parts, and add to your fitness bank without increasing your risk for injury.

According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, “Cross training has several benefits, including full body conditioning; improving skill, agility and balance; flexibility in training plans; and the opportunity to continue training while injured.”

Good options for runners include swimming, water jogging, biking, and using an elliptical machine or arc trainer. While less aerobically taxing, yoga and Pilates also fall under the cross training category and offer many benefits for the notoriously tight bodies of distance runners.

Within the framework of this training plan, you’re free to incorporate cross training sessions on either of the two built-in off days (Monday or Friday).

If you’re injury prone and feel that just four days of running per week is better for you, you can also replace a run with a cross training session of a similar length. Just make sure not to go so hard that you make yourself sore or compromise your next run.

Is strength training necessary?

While you can scrape by without it, strength training can be hugely advantageous to runners who include it in their overall training program.

Not only does it make you a more powerful and durable athlete, but the Mayo Clinic states that strength training can also help you preserve your muscle mass at any age, increase your bone density and reduce your risk of osteoporosis, manage your weight, enhance your quality of life, and manage chronic conditions.

There are several ways to approach strength training, most of which can be done with minimal equipment in a gym or at home.

Whether you use your own bodyweight or equipment such as resistance bands, free weights, or weight machines, two to three 20- to 30-minute strength sessions a week will go far.

Just make sure to warm up well before starting and try to hit all major muscle groups within the course of a week. If you have never strength trained before, you’ll benefit from hiring a strength coach or personal trainer, even if just to learn proper form and how to structure your workouts.

Do I really need those rest days?

In short, yes.

While you may be capable of handling six or even seven days of running per week, you’ll be better off running a little less while getting more out of your run days and minimizing your risk of injury.

The rest days in this training plan fall on Mondays and Fridays, allowing you to hit your weekend training hard and bounce back for your midweek runs.

If you’re eager to get some movement in on your off days, you can flush out your legs with a walk, log a cross training session, or spend some time stretching.

How should I fuel my half marathon training?

Everything you need to know about fueling your half marathon training, as well as the race itself, can be found in this article.

In a nutshell, is to prioritize a sufficient and well-balanced diet that emphasizes carbohydrates (your primary fuel source) firstly and protein (your muscle rebuilder) secondly.

Proper hydration is essential too, and can be accomplished by sipping water throughout the day and incorporating sports drinks or electrolyte supplements during longer runs.

Because it will last longer than one hour, in the half marathon itself, aim to consume 30 to 60 grams of carbohydrates and one 750ml bottle of fluids with electrolytes per hour. Make sure to practice your in-race fueling strategy on training runs (especially long runs) so you know it works and are confident going into the race.

What if I miss a run or fall off track?

Despite your best intentions, it’s unlikely that a 12-week training block will go off without a hitch. Possible culprits include sickness, injury, family emergencies, and inflexible work or family schedules. If it’s a one-off interruption, try to get back on track as soon as possible.

Although you may be tempted to make up a missed run, you’re usually better off just accepting a zero for that day and moving forward with the plan.

If you’re forced to take unplanned days off due to sickness or injury, there’s no way around giving your body the rest it’s demanding.

If the issue clears up quickly, it’s still a good idea to get cleared by a healthcare professional before jumping back into training. But, if it lingers—especially in the case of a sore, painful, or otherwise not-right body part—you’ll want to make an appointment with a sports medicine doctor or physical therapist, who can help with a diagnosis, rehabilitation program, and return-to-running plan.

The important thing is to be patient, find pain-free ways to maintain fitness, and let your body dictate the timeline.

More Best Practices For Half Marathon Training

For more racing and training tips on acing your first here’s our list of 16 tips to ace your best half marathon.

Additionally, if you’re interested in practice before your half marathon, we recommend picking a 10K race as a great race to start with.

The Downloadable 12-Week Half Marathon Training Plan

12 Week Half Marathon Training Plan

Beginner Half Marathon Training Plans

If you’re looking for a half marathon training plan of a longer period of time, we’ve got you covered.

More training plans: 8 Weeks9 Weeks10 Weeks14 Weeks16 Weeks18 Weeks20 Weeks

We independently produce all the content associated with training plans we feature on HalfMarathons.net. If you buy or sign up for services through the links on our site, we may receive an affiliate commission – which in turn supports our work.

168 comments… add one
  • Dale K January 25, 2021, 11:34 pm

    I’m an experienced runner with many half’s in the books. Question what would you think is the min. running days per week? Schedule wise running 5x a week won’t work for me.

    Reply
    • Steve Roller March 18, 2022, 10:09 am

      Dale, I’ve done a number of half and full marathons, and a few years back I actually did a half marathon running only once a week for 4 weeks, with runs of 6, 7, 8, and 9 miles. I wouldn’t recommend that, but I finished in under 2 hours (my PR is 1:30).

      I’m running the Hamden Hills Half on May 28 and my plan is to only run 3-4 times a week, pretty much every other day. One long run per week on Friday or Saturday, one hill workout per week, and one HIIT workout per week (sprints on the flats, maybe 3 miles total for the run). I don’t expect to get above 25 miles in a week at all. I think that’s enough to do a decent half marathon.

      Best wishes.

      Reply
  • Michael Green January 4, 2021, 11:05 am

    Good Morning. My question is I am training for a mini marathon that I will be running on May 8, 2021. I am excited about taking part in a training program to help me get ready for the mini. My question is I am also working out with lifting weights, riding a bike, walking etc. My question is I am interested in a program where I can still get some workouts in along with still being able to get some lifting and cycling workouts in. Hoping that to continue to get stronger as a I train but to also not burn myself out while training.

    Reply
    • Dax January 27, 2021, 3:53 pm

      There are some good app-based programs you can get. My favorite is Nike Training Club. It has runner specific workouts as well as all around strength/cardio/yoga. Plus, Nike has made even the premium version free to all.

      Reply
  • Madhusree Basu December 26, 2020, 9:51 am

    I’m a 38-year-old female. I’ve run half marathons in the past but within the past year. Do I need to do any kind of adjustment to this plan?

    Reply
  • Ellie August 23, 2020, 8:17 am

    I think this plan is missing the long runs on Sunday? I am looking at it on my phone, and there is no Sunday column and the longest runs are 4 miles.

    Reply
    • Tracy T December 31, 2020, 5:55 am

      Put your finger on the screen and drag left. It’s there.

      Reply
  • NaTasha Oliveira December 27, 2019, 1:18 pm

    Hello – thank you so much for providing this training plan. I run about 3 times a week, averaging about 10 miles. Next week will be my first 10K then I plan to run a half marathon at the end of March 2020. Words cannot describe how happy I am that I came across this website. You guys are the best!

    Reply
    • Benjamin Kim January 14, 2020, 12:58 pm

      if you’re averaging 10 miles per run already you’re golden

      Reply
  • Randy Abbe September 17, 2019, 8:36 pm

    I started running at the age of 65 and have run a 5k and a 10k race. I regularly run about 3 times a weeks on a 3 mile cross country course. I am now 70 and decided to try a 1/2 marathon and chose the 12 week training program. After a little tweaking here and there I completed my first 1/2 marathon distance on flat pavement in 2 hours 13 minutes. Thanks for your program! I am now signed up for an official 1/2 marathon in 3 weeks and am pushing to get close to the 2 hour mark.

    Reply
  • William Stankiewicz January 19, 2019, 11:54 am

    I currently run 3 miles, 3-4 times a week. I want to enter the Horsetoorth half on April 14th in Fort Collins Co. My question is I live and train at 9500 feet above sea level. I am also 62 years old. What adjustments should I make to the 12 week schedule for altitude. Horsetooth will be at 5500 feet. Training in Cripple Creek Co.

    Reply
  • Benny January 11, 2019, 10:49 am

    I have a half marathon April 12 in Hawaii. I had my first run yesterday. I am a beginning and at this time i can’t finish a full 2 miles without stopping. I have consulted my doctor and im all good. I want to be confident i can do the half marathon. Thanks.

    Reply
    • Kelly January 15, 2019, 7:23 pm

      Hey Benny, I am doing the Kings 10k in March and the Hapalua in April in Hawaii and I used this training plan last year to do the half marathon in Seattle and it worked well! I would recommend not pushing yourself to run as fast as possible, yet go at a pace that you are comfortable and not out of breath for just being a beginning runner. I hope you follow through because this course is beautiful and not one you’ll want to miss!

      Reply
  • Sheryn November 10, 2018, 10:11 pm

    Hi! First of all, thank you so much for sharing a free half marathon plan for beginners.
    I’ve been doing Crossfit for about 3 years now and I am more of a power lifter than a runner. I’m trying to lose more weight by running more. I recently completed a 5K race. I’m aiming for the half marathon. I am not sure if I could still incorporate Crossfit into the half-marathon training schedule?

    Reply
    • Terrell Johnson November 12, 2018, 11:17 am

      Hi Sheryn!

      That’s actually a great question. I’m not that familiar with Crossfit myself — friends of mine have done it and continue to do it, and they swear by it — and they still run, so I’m hard pressed to come up with a reason why you can’t do both. (Except for time commitments, perhaps.) Training for your first half marathon, especially if you’re not an experienced runner, requires a fairly significant time commitment — not as much as for a full marathon, but still there’s time you need to set aside for training and especially for long runs. Is that the major obstacle for you?

      -Terrell

      Reply
  • Ice June 4, 2018, 4:18 am

    I can finish 10km with 50 minutes, and just done it onetimes in last week. I expect who can tell me how to adjsut this train plan to meet my currently level. I am 38 years old and male. Thank you.

    Reply
    • Marce June 24, 2018, 3:26 pm

      If 10k is your longest run, then i will do it sunday witch is the day for the long run. So the week before doing the long run i would run between 6k and 8k during the week. Every new week you keep on scaling your runs, keep adding 1k every week long run up to 18k one week before the 21k Also is really important that rest days are not really to rest, do stretches or weights (yoga/gym/bike).

      Reply
  • Zee May 3, 2018, 3:25 pm

    I am looking to train for my first half marathon – just looking to finish one 🙂
    I have done a couple of 5Ks and one 10K before.
    What if I do orange theory workouts on Tuesdays and a HIIT workout on Wednesdays and follow the rest of the plan as is? Will I be prepared enough for race day by following a plan with these substitutions?

    Reply
    • Jennifer July 13, 2018, 7:54 am

      It seems like you would be better off spreading those workouts out during the week–you are pretty heavy on strength early and running later in the week. I follow a different training plan than this one (was just looking up more information on tapering) and have run a few half marathons before and one full one. I run T, Th and Sa, do yoga for flexibility on M, strength on W and cross train on Su (usually biking). I am 51 and know that for my body running more than one day in a row is harder than it used to be, so I spread the running out. That gives my muscles and joints time to recover before the next run. Even if you are younger you might consider the same idea. You can certainly be ready to finish a half with three days of running a week as long as they are well planned out. Good luck–the half is a wonderful distance!

      Reply
    • Cindy January 13, 2019, 5:00 pm

      Hi Zee,
      How did mixing the Orange Theory workouts with the training plan work for you? I am training for a half marathon in April and competing in the Orange Theory Challenge for the next 8 weeks. I was thinking about counting the treadmill part of the work out toward my daily running goals and just complete the rest outside after the workout. Did you find the OT workouts helped or hindered your run times?

      Reply
  • Gill January 2, 2018, 1:32 pm

    Hi, I am running a half in London on the 25th March 2018. On a good week I run 1 x 10K, and 2 x 5K. I am looking at the 12 week training plan and thinking I should start on week 3 or 4? Or start at week 1, but run 10K on Sundays…. I don’t like the idea of dropping down…Any thoughts appreciated

    Reply
    • Olly Kingston January 7, 2018, 1:33 pm

      Hi Gill, is the half you refer to the London Landmark Half Marathon? if so, we are in the same boat! Looking to the web for motivation 🙂

      Olly

      Reply
  • Anna December 11, 2017, 6:42 pm

    Hi!
    I have ran a half before and I am hoping to run another this coming March. The race is still about 15 weeks away but I have been repeating the beginning of weeks this plan and will continue to do so until the time lines up and I will follow it until the race. Unfortunately, I have to have oral surgery on the week that is 12 weeks out from the race (so week 1 of the plan) and I will not be able to exercise for 1-2 weeks. Does anyone have any tips on things that I can do to the weeks leading up to my surgery so that I do not completely lose my fitness for those 1-2 weeks? Any advice is appreciated!

    Reply
  • Melissa October 23, 2017, 1:59 pm

    I completed my first 1/2 yesterday using this plan. This was an amazing plan, I felt very ready for the race and am looking forward to more 1/2’s. Thank you!

    Reply
    • Terrell Johnson October 23, 2017, 8:58 pm

      So glad to hear that, Melissa! Which half did you run?

      Reply
  • Brittani August 28, 2017, 2:46 pm

    My friend and I are doing a half at the end of Feb, we are beginners, is there more we can do to prepare. We are both unable to run 3 miles without stopping.

    Thanks

    Reply
    • LINDA September 27, 2017, 8:48 am

      Just try and extend your running by 1/2 mile every week, don’t over train, running 3 to 4 days a week is all you need. One day you can make it a short 1-2 mile run but try to push a little harder, one day go for longer but easier, and it’s ok to walk, just get endurance up. If you make it fun and have friends to run with it is so much easier. Don’t worry about speed, you can work on that once you get your endurance up. Some days you will feel miserable and it’s gonna feel hard, but then the next day you feel great. So don’t give up. The first mile or two is always the hardest with even the best of runners. Once you get warmed up it gets easier.

      Reply
  • Sonja August 16, 2017, 2:40 pm

    I am a complete beginner…I wanting to become a runner and become more fit. Does anyone think I can do this by November? I want to sign up for a half marathon then.

    Reply
    • Cher August 22, 2017, 4:16 pm

      Can you run 3 miles without stopping? Is that a comfortable distance for you? If those are both YESes, you can totally do it! I use this every year for my training and I’ve been totally able to finish. (I’m slow, my PR was 2:31:45), but I can and do finish without stopping/walking.

      Reply
    • LINDA September 27, 2017, 8:51 am

      Of course you can do what you set your mind too! Walking and running and long as you are out there and off the couch you will make yourself proud. Time at this point doesn’t matter, but the accomplishment of saying you did a half marathon is worth it.

      Reply
  • Mark78 June 7, 2017, 11:28 am

    Hello, do you allow guest posting on halfmarathons.net ? 🙂 Let me know on my e-mail

    Reply
  • megan May 11, 2017, 11:46 pm

    Would it be possible to switch Tuesdays to Mondays and Wednesdays to Tuesdays and make Wednesdays off days or would that throw the whole training off?

    Reply
  • Tory April 12, 2017, 12:17 pm

    Hey all, my wife and I want to run a half-marathon in the second week of October. A brief history, I am 27 and I have run a half before, but that was 2 years ago. My training has been off since then, and I have really packed on the newlywed weight. My wife is 25, and doesn’t have any prior running experience at all. Do you think it is an unobtainable goal? I think it is realistic, but I worry about her more then myself, and I don’t want her to get injured. Any advice would be appreciated!

    Reply
    • Rita April 17, 2017, 2:34 pm

      Tory,
      I think it’s doable. I trained for my first half when I was 26, and gave myself roughly 7 months to train. I’ve seen some half marathon training schedules floating around that are 16, 20-week schedules that can help her get acclimated slowly.
      Be sure to have your wife get fitted for the right running shoes. There’s nothing worse than having the wrong shoes. Go to a running shoe store and the employees there can help her out.

      Reply
  • Maureen April 9, 2017, 10:35 am

    Hi, I am considering training for the Roanoke half marathon. I would have 10 weeks to train. I usually run 4 miles without an issue, I typically am more of a gym hang-out type lol. Do you think I would be ready in 10 weeks?

    Reply
  • Mario January 27, 2017, 12:51 pm

    I am currently considering doing a half marathon. I do quite a bit of running and have for quite some time. I have mostly done 5&10k races. My current running consists of an average of above 110 miles per month usually spread between 20-22 runs. My long runs have capped out at around 10 miles I do train more on the treadmill than I do on the road as my runs are all very early morning and I do not like running in the dark. How would you modify this plan based on what I a current,y running

    Reply
    • Ken February 7, 2017, 4:46 pm

      If you can already run 10 miles, you don’t need a specific training schedule. Anyone that his 10 miles on a normal weekend can hit 13.1 during a race.

      Reply
  • Neel Aluru November 16, 2016, 7:17 am

    I followed this training schedule and did a half marathon recently. It worked great! I started on week 5 and followed it exactly as it says. My time was far better than I anticipated. Felt great at the end. Thank you!

    Reply
  • Robin Stone November 4, 2016, 7:18 pm

    can you incorporate some samples of Hill workout and strength training I can do with this schedule for example weight lifting for the arms, legs , also afartleks, and push-ups.

    Reply
  • david August 16, 2016, 12:36 am

    Hello,

    I’m planning to do my first 1/2 marathon in November and was looking into the 12 week training program. I see that the plan is for a Sunday race and the half I’m doing is on a Saturday. If I do the same plan, but do the long runs on Saturday instead of Sunday, will that work?

    Best,
    David

    Reply
    • Frank September 8, 2016, 4:53 pm

      Long runs on Sunday will be perfectly fine. It’s building up those miles during the long runs that count.

      Reply
  • Melvin July 7, 2016, 12:51 pm

    Is it possible to run a half marathon with 3 days a week training.

    Reply
    • Kay October 1, 2016, 8:03 pm

      I have run half marathons will only 3 days training a week. It has worked for me! Go for it!

      Reply
  • Jeromy Heidemann June 29, 2016, 3:49 pm

    I’m just now starting a half marathon training program. Should I count warm-up and cool-down in my distance for the day? I typically walk for 5 minutes at the beginning and end of the run and cover about 1/3 of a mile for each. So, if I don’t include warm-up and cool-down in the distance goal I would actually reach a distance of around 3.67 miles on day 1. Is this right, or should I cap the whole thing at 3 miles and my “run” would only be about 2.33 miles? Thanks!

    Reply
    • mike July 4, 2016, 12:00 am

      I would not count the warm up and cool down because they wouldn’t be counted during the race.

      Reply
  • stephen B June 17, 2016, 6:09 pm

    Hello,
    About 50 days out from my first half M. Doing about 6 miles Monday-Wen-Friday, resting on Weekend. I am doing to much treadmill work due to my work schedule. But I am stepping it up. Should I complete a full 1/2 before the race?
    thank you

    Reply
  • Edith L June 14, 2016, 10:49 am

    This is my first half marathon. I am excited/nervous/proud that I am going to be attempting this. I think I am going to try the 12 wk training schedule. On the off days (Mon,Fri) is it okay to do weight training? Also is it better to do all runs outside or could some be done inside on a treadmill. Thank you!

    Reply
    • mike June 16, 2016, 10:57 pm

      I would think that treadmills would be the very last resort. The mechanics of running is so much different on a treadmill. There is also the old saying that you should train like you plan to do.

      As for the off days, currently I do weight training on two days a week that include the legs. When I am about 12 weeks out from the half I am doing, I plan to only do upper body weight training.

      Reply
      • George July 12, 2016, 1:58 pm

        I did several half’s while working two weeks offshore, two weeks home. If you do it right, I see no problem doing it on treadmills. One advise I would give is to cover your speed and distance. I just always found i ran faster that way. Also if you have a problem knee like I do, a treadmill can be easier on the joints.

        Reply
    • L. T. Carter September 4, 2016, 4:38 pm

      I have ran 3 1/2 marathons, 90 % of my training was on a treadmill, and I PRd on each one. I do not have a problem with running outside, but the only time I can get my training in is at 4AM…I am not running outside in the dark. My last 1/2 was 1:55. my first was 2:11.

      Reply
  • Mike Gunn June 12, 2016, 4:03 pm

    Will be doing my first half marathon in November. At present, I run 4-5 miles on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. My normal pace is around 9:30 to 10:00 per mile.

    If I follow this 12 week plan, it seems rather odd that in August of this year I will drop down my daily mileage to prepare/train for the half marathon. Would it be incorrect to just add another longer run on Saturdays?

    Any insights?

    Reply
    • George July 12, 2016, 2:02 pm

      I have done a few now and started at very different places for each. I would say no, don’t drop down. You are basically on week 5, I would do 2-3 weeks of week 5, 6, 7. Or I was in a similar spot before one race and did drop down to more of the early weeks, but focused on pace. You could try and get your 3 miles down to 8:30 and 4’s around 9 or something.

      I’m not a pro or anything, just one of those two ways are how I would go about it.

      Reply
  • Megan M May 26, 2016, 1:48 am

    Just wondering, why is this plan more intense than the plan for moderate runners? wouldn’t you want to ease beginners into things more slowly? if a beginner attempts the 4x/week intermediate plan, will they still be in half marathon shape by the time of the race? thanks in advance!!

    Reply
    • JP March 26, 2018, 5:33 pm

      My best guess is for the distance to prepare us mentally for the run. I was on my high school XC team and never a half marathon distance, but I feel a lot more mentally prepared for it than my fiance, who never ran more than 3 miles before we started training.

      Reply
  • Cheryl Christiansen May 25, 2016, 10:53 pm

    I have signed up for my 1st half marathon in 12 weeks. I currently a few times a week-and have been running short distances-3 or 4 miles during the week and longer distances-up to 6 miles right now- on the weekend. My question is that I am also doing strength training alternating days with my running and I don’t want to stop that training but I know my schedule will not allow for me to run 3-4 times during the week and a long run on the weekends PLUS my other workouts. Any suggestions how I can incorporate all of it while still getting in my rest days? 🙂
    Thanks!
    Cheryl

    Reply
    • Jennifer June 1, 2016, 8:14 pm

      Hi Cheryl,
      I have trained for and run a number of races, including halfs. In my experience, you can run as little as three times a week plus strength training and still run a good race. The key is quality over quantity. One run should be an “interval run” where your pace increases for a short amount of time and then returns to a comfortable recovery pace – repeat 6-8 times within that run. Interval runs are short – time and distance. One run should be a “hill run” where you are essentially doing intervals, but up a hill instead. Again, these runs are short and sweet. Hill runs can/should be done every other week, so alternate the hill run with a “tempo run”. This is a short distance done a touch faster than race pace. You can do a 5 mile run, for example, and attempt to run 3 miles of that at a hard pace. And lastly, one run should be a long run – you can’t learn to run 13 miles without running 13 miles. Long runs are done at a comfortable pace, don’t try and do your long runs at the same pace you hope to race at. The rest of the week, you can do your strength training, some cross training, and of course resting. If you do additional runs in the week they should be regular runs at a comfortable pace, otherwise known as easy runs. Try not to do a hill day and interval day back to back – allow for any type of day or two in between to allow your body to recover properly. I like to do Tuesdays as intervals, Fridays as hills/tempo, and Sundays as long runs when I’m training.

      Kind of a long reply, sorry. Just wanted to share based on my own experience. Happy training!!

      Reply
      • Cheryl Christiansen June 5, 2016, 7:43 pm

        Thank you for your reply! I have done interval training…and actually like that..but haven’t done much hill interval training but that makes a lot of sense. I’m talking to my trainer tomorrow about how to make this all work so I will definitely include your suggestions! Thank you so much!

        Reply
      • Melissa October 3, 2016, 11:20 am

        Jennifer, I’m a beginner runner as well about a year in and a bunch of 5k in and my longest run has been 10 miles at 11:00 pace , I get a lot of advice from my father who is a 6x ironman but you seem to have the right idea above, I’ve been training about how you’ve explained . Wondering if you could give me anymore advice, here’s my email – mndudek1106@yahoo.com
        TYIA

        Reply
  • Joe Allard April 25, 2016, 11:54 am

    My 7yr old son loves to run. We just started to run together and our first run we did 3miles. Ive been into running and love it but I’ve never done a race or training plans. This weekend I ran 7miles, my longest run yet and it felt great. What would be a good plan that can help us both but mostly my son will enjoy.

    Reply
  • Alisha Schwinn April 18, 2016, 1:42 pm

    I have followed this training schedule to a Tee! I have my race coming up this weekend and feel really confident about it. Thank you for laying out such a great training plan. I am currently running a 9:26 mile pace and feel really good. Best shape I have been in my life. Thanks again for your guidance!

    Reply
  • Morgan fogle April 11, 2016, 1:08 pm

    What pace should people be running?

    Reply
    • Brian October 10, 2016, 9:33 pm

      I recently did my first 10mile run: Bronx New Balance 10mile in NYC. When I was training I was averaging 10min miles (for distances of approx 8 miles). On race day (probably because of the crowd and people running all around me) I ran an average of 9.30min per mile. I was very happy with that for my first time. Hope that helps.

      Reply
  • Carla February 28, 2016, 12:13 pm

    I’m not a runner but would like to be….average walker. What would be a good schedule to train from walker to jogger in 12-16 weeks. Want to do it right and safely

    Reply
    • Mike the Gardener March 24, 2016, 1:52 pm

      Carla, I used the couch to 5k app to get me started and believe me I was no runner. It gradually moved you along to get to the 5k point and really did only take 30 days.

      Reply
    • Kat April 16, 2016, 6:48 am

      Carla- I went from being a walker to a runner in only a few months. I didn’t use any set plans, instead, I just set out to jog as much as I could and walked when I couldn’t. Pretty soon, I could jog half a mile before having to take a walking break. Then that went up to running a full mile without walking. Once I hit that one mile mark for maybe 3 runs, it seemed like I got into the zone and I could jog for an hour at a 13 minute mile pace. So just get out there and jog, enjoy an easy, steady pace, and you’ll be motivated to get out there more often.

      Reply
  • Jane February 14, 2016, 8:25 am

    i have done a 10k and run comfortable 13 and 15k now. I have just signed up to do a half marathon and keen to know how I do my 12 week training plan, should I drop down to shorter runs as most plans say? Many thanks

    Reply
  • Angela January 28, 2016, 10:10 pm

    I have signed up for my first 1/2 marathon. Not much of a runner, but it’s something I really want to do. I am 49 yo. It’s about 90 days out. Have I chewed off more than I can possibly do at this point?

    Reply
    • Kassi January 29, 2016, 8:36 pm

      Nope! Stick with your plan and just take it one day at a time. Youre going to do great!!!

      Reply
    • Mira May 2, 2016, 7:26 pm

      Same here and trust when I say…you’re doubt will lessen each training day you ✔️off. ?Keep us posted!!

      Reply
  • Lisagay Samuels November 28, 2015, 6:55 pm

    How do I get more information about how to sign up for beginers.

    Reply
  • K Hogan October 12, 2015, 12:58 pm

    Thank you!!! I used your 12 week training schedule and just finished my first half marathon. I did Great! I will continue to use for all the rest of my races.

    Thank you for being such a valuable resource!!!

    Reply
  • Sanjeev Kumar September 18, 2015, 2:01 am

    Hi, I would like to begin half marathon. Pease can you guide me the process? Thanks

    Reply
    • Keumok October 5, 2015, 1:54 pm

      The best way might be joining a local running club. It is hard to run by yourself, especially as a beginner. The runners from the clubs will support and motivate you. If you can’t, follow the running schedule above. If you would follow it, most likely you would complete any half marathon. Good luck.

      Reply
  • Marlene Lutz September 14, 2015, 1:22 am

    I walked a full marathon in 2005 in CA, a 1/2 marathon in 2013 in AZ. I just turned 69 & would like to attempt walking an other 1/2 marathon in AZ next February. What’s your view on that? Should I stick to the 5ks? I do about once every year. Thanks for your advice. Please respond directly to me via email. Thanks again.
    Marlene

    Reply
  • Jeff June 29, 2015, 11:30 am

    I’ve been doing 5 and 10k races for a while now and i have been training for my first half marathon and I am having second thoughts about doing it. I want to know if I should keep training for it or if I should go down to either a 5 or 10k. The race isn’t until September 19th of this yr

    Reply
  • Simon June 5, 2015, 12:39 am

    What should a training schedule look like that also is ramping up a road cycling range from 20 miles up to 75 miles over a ~12-16 week period at the same time as getting from a ~4 mile running base up to 1/2 marathon distance? I can do training 4-5 days a week.

    Reply
  • Brandon May 9, 2015, 10:19 pm

    Can someone explain why we don’t run 13.1 before race day? This seems like a great plan and I would like to use it for my first half in September, but I’ve been wondering why we don’t run the full distance before race day. Thanks in advance.

    Reply
    • Emily December 3, 2015, 5:13 pm

      On race day you have adrenaline going through your body and are able to run farther than you have before. I have friends who have run half marathons with only training to 8 miles, but I suggest training to at least 10 miles before running a half.

      Reply
  • Frederick May 1, 2015, 2:21 pm

    My first half-marathon is more than 20 weeks away, but my weekly long run is 5 – 6 miles. Should I just keep up my current schedule and then shift into the 12-week plan at week 4, 8 weeks befor the race, where the first six-mile run takes place?

    Reply
  • Jessica April 14, 2015, 3:09 am

    Hello, I am looking to run my first 5k in about 5 weeks and from there I’m going to eventually start training for my first half marathon. Do you have any training schedules for a 5k? Thank you!

    Reply
  • Susan Deal April 12, 2015, 8:47 pm

    I followed your 12 week half-marathon training program to prepare for my first half, the Dismal Swamp Stomp in Chesapeake. It was a huge success! I won my age group (1:41:55), felt great and had a super time. I am 45 and had been running about 3 miles 4 or 5 days a week before starting your program. THANK YOU!!! It worked!
    Susan

    Reply
    • Susan Deal April 12, 2015, 8:49 pm

      I love how easy your plan is to follow – run x miles. Many of the plans I read were going to require more reading and planning to understand what I was to do. thank you again, Susan

      Reply
  • Lori Farabaugh April 2, 2015, 4:47 pm

    I was wondering if I can realistically train for a 1/2 marathon by running only on a track. I run by myself and live in a rural location. My kids don’t want me out on the road due to safety concerns. I’m 58, have logged 300+ miles the past 9 months and have done quite well in my first 2 5k races.

    Reply
  • John April 1, 2015, 10:42 am

    I may be starting training for a half marathon soon. It isn’t until November though, so I am looking at 33 weeks before the race. After I have hit the 12 week mark, should I just continue doing this week until the race?

    Reply
  • Gary March 20, 2015, 10:20 pm

    I am planning on my first half marathon being a mountaineer at altitude in Aspen. I’m 55 YO and am a regular sure footer mountain hike on the uphill and run the downhill. Any suggested retiming for a race that’s 25 weeks away? Can I take the 12 week plan and double it or is that too many miles? Or too much risk of injury? I live near Boulder, COLORADO some I’m not a flat training person. Suggestions?

    Reply
  • Harold March 7, 2015, 8:31 pm

    I am overweight, and have signed up for a full marathon. I really want to get in shape. The marathon is in 4 weeks, how can i train without having to start 12 weeks ahead of time.

    Reply
  • Matilde Ferro February 24, 2015, 4:05 pm

    I am 72. I ran a marathon in 2004 but sustained in jury to my left knee. I want to run 1/2 marathon in Feb 2016. I am presently running approx 10 miles a week with 2 days off at a 13:20 pace approx. Any suggestions?

    Reply
  • Valerie Hediger February 17, 2015, 2:58 pm

    I just want to thank you for posting this training plan. I just ran my first half marathon in 2:10 and felt terrific. I jumped in at week 6 and felt very strong and well prepared. I was a 3-5 miler before jumping in and have to say that I did not struggle at all during the race. I will follow this plan for future half marathons for sure. I even feel great after the race! Thank you!

    Reply
  • Rina Nicole February 6, 2015, 3:28 pm

    I just had a baby 4mos ago Sun looking a 5k-Half this June since I’m a “beginner” I would avg 2-4mi daily pre pregnancy just for exercise but at the gym on the treadmill, to get back to it would you recommend the treadmill/road to start…I cannot run as long on the road as I can on the treadmill and I dont know why.

    Reply
  • Josh January 29, 2015, 1:49 pm

    I came across this training guideline and I really like it, but I typically don’t like to take full rest days. Instead of resting I’ll go to my local rec center and ride their stationary bikes or use an elliptical for no more than an hour, but I saw the comments about joints and I got a little worried. Is this fine or should I take full rest days?

    Reply
  • Jeff January 26, 2015, 2:45 pm

    I just signed up for half marathon for May 3rd in Prov. I fractured my ankle back in august (no surgery). I have been slowly getting my strength back in my leg and ankle. Im running atleast 3 miles with a ankle supporter on. Since I have over 3 months. Should i just continue with my pace and graduatally increas, i.e. like the plan says above? and also I do strength training on other days that iI’m not running. Should i stop that entirely or continue.

    Reply
  • Joe January 23, 2015, 1:26 pm

    What about strength training? Should I pretty much halt strength training work during my preparation for the half marathon? If not, are there certain days I should work that in?…same day as runs or on off days? Thoughts?

    Reply
  • Emily January 13, 2015, 9:14 pm

    I run cross country and track, I run about a 6:30 minute and a 23:00 minute 5k. I’m planning on running my first half marathon this spring, this will be during my track season. Do you think I can realistically run under a 2 hour half marathon?

    Reply
    • Jeff January 22, 2015, 3:28 pm

      my 2 cents i run 8 to 8:30 per mile in a 5k, I have run a half marathon at 10 minute mile pace.

      Reply
  • Christine January 5, 2015, 2:17 pm

    I have done some 5k races before and one 10k race… I just signed up for my first half marathon which is May 3rd, 2015. I currently just started working my endurance up to running 5k without stopping (as a starting ground) since it’s been awhile since I have raced. Would you recommend the 12 or 16 week training plan after getting a solid time for 3 miles?

    Reply
  • Nicole January 4, 2015, 7:18 am

    I have been running/jogging for over a year. I can’t break my 11 min mile. Even that is difficult for me at times. I only run on the treadmill because running outside is so hard for me for some reason? I want to do a 1/2 marathon, but my obstacles of not being able to run outdoors and my inconsistent timing is preventing me. Please help?! I am. 38 year old woman, 5’3 weigh 137.

    Reply
    • Matt January 12, 2015, 4:40 pm

      Nicole. I just started running a year ago and had a similar issue. I played college sports and always considered running a punishment haha and would run occasionally just for weight loss. When I ran my first 5k last year after being guilted into it by a friend, I decided I definitely wanted to improve my times! Getting beat by old men and 6 year olds got to me. I ran at a 10 minute pace for the better part of a year before I got somewhat serious about it. Over the last year I am now at a 7:30 pace, which isn’t bad for a 6’5, 230 ex college o-lineman in my opinion. One thing I would definitely look into is interval training. There’s a million different approaches to interval training, but here is what worked best for me on a treadmill: Start a a good walking pace for .05 miles, then jump up to your regular jogging pace for .2 miles (so each interval is a quarter mile) Each quarter mile, bump up the jogging/running pace.. Set a goal of x number of intervals and increase the speed incrementally. So for example start at 5.2mph (11.5 pace) for the first interval, then increase .2mph each interval. So say you want to do a mile and a half workout. You would do the following: .05 miles at 3.0mph – .20 at 5.2, .05 at 3 – .20 at 5.4, .05 at 3 – .20 at 5.6, .05 at 3 – .20 at 5.8, .05 at 3 – .20 at 6mph, .05 at 3 – .20 at 6.2 mph.

      The key is, your pace will never get faster if you keep running at the same pace. You may build endurance at that pace and be able to keep it for longer distances, but your pace wont get any faster. You have to learn how to push yourself faster, but this way your are teaching your body (legs, lungs, heart) to deal with the additional stress in smaller increments. I would mix this in once a week and after a few weeks, you should find yourself at a faster pace naturally.

      I would definitely recommend you start slowly running outside. Some people love the comfort of the treadmill, but the reality is running outside provides a few obstacles you wont see on a treadmill. Hills, cold weather, hot weather etc. Also, when you run in races you need to be able to set your pace. Treadmills don’t let your body intuitively learn how fast you are running. Additionally, for myself anyway an 8 minute pace (my normal jogging speed) feels a lot faster on a treadmill than on the road. But this could be psychological. I;d be interested why you cant run outdoors???

      You might try knocking out a 5k and a 10k before a 1/2 also. Here we have a 4k, 5k and 4 miler series before the 5k, 10k, 10 miler that build up to the 1/2 or full. I find its good to go through the races incrementally to determine what pace you can really handle when you get to longer distances.. You might find there is no need, or it may be too difficult to go faster than 11min/mile over the course of 13 miles…..
      Best of luck to you!

      Reply
  • Nick Neipert January 3, 2015, 7:30 pm

    What would be good to eat while training for this event?

    Reply
  • Nicole January 3, 2015, 3:21 pm

    I recently decided I’d like to get into shape and live a healthier lifestyle. I’m 5’5 and currently 158 lbs
    (my BMI is 26.3 = overweight). My goal for this year is train for the GA half-marathon which is 10 weeks from this Sunday (January 4th). I recently started enjoying running on the treadmill, but find it kind of hard to focus while running outside. I was wondering if anyone had any workouts/training schedules. Also, any suggestions/ideas or any sort of help would be appreciated!!!

    Reply
  • Kathy December 21, 2014, 9:45 am

    I am a six to seven days per week walker. 7.5 miles in approximately 100 minutes. I would like to try a half marathon in March but have never been a runner. Will this sort of pace suffice? Suggestions for propelling me into the running?

    Reply
    • Kay February 3, 2016, 3:49 pm

      I am 59 yrs old and love walking also…I am over weight and need to get in shape..I to would love to do the 1/2 marathon but mostly walking, some running..I would be interested in finding someone to train with before the race..What city do you live in? Maybe e could train together

      Reply
  • Eleanor December 14, 2014, 11:11 am

    Dave, the long runs could be split if you don’t have the endurance to run the whole thing but that isn’t going to be as effective as running a little then walking a little. The whole purpose of a long run is to build up endurance. If you hit a block then don’t push forward too hard. For beginners, running four minutes then walking one is OK. Also, listening to music can help a lot by making the runs seem shorter. Same with listening to books.

    Reply
  • Dave December 4, 2014, 9:21 pm

    Can the long mid week runs be split 1/2 in morning 1/2 in evening?

    Reply
  • Michael Devol December 2, 2014, 6:00 pm

    Is the 13 mile run on the last day of this training plan supposed to be the race itself, or should i have that distance under my belt once or twice.

    It seems pretty clear, but as a first timer, the idea of doing the 13.1 for the first time ON race day, is a little daunting. AND it makes sense.

    Someone who knows what they’re talking about please clear this up for me.

    Reply
    • Keith February 23, 2016, 1:45 pm

      Yes the 13 is the race. It is not necessary to have run the exact distance prior to the race. Your body’s adrenaline will kick in and carry you through the last mile.

      Reply
  • Mike December 2, 2014, 5:38 pm

    hey, for this training plan, is the 13.1 at the end supposed to be race day itself?

    Reply
  • Lara November 23, 2014, 1:57 pm

    I was also wondering if you could do this and weights/strength training at the same time. Thanks!

    Reply
  • Joey November 16, 2014, 10:43 pm

    I just did it using this, from couch to 13.1 run. Worked like a charm. The run was much easier than I thought, not sure about a full yet, lol. Would recommend it to anyone. Joey

    Reply
  • Ada Naramor November 12, 2014, 8:58 am

    What’s the best way to keep water on hand. I think that’s what limits my progress right now .

    Reply
  • Patty November 4, 2014, 12:27 am

    Just walking the half marathon would be a huge goal for me. Is it okay to plan to just walk it?

    Reply
    • Jen November 9, 2014, 2:15 pm

      Hi Patti, I have walked 6 full marathons and over 20 half marathons. I am 66 years old and have many more events coming up. You can do this, just walk and enjoy every minute

      Reply
  • Brittany November 2, 2014, 1:47 pm

    How does this schedule councide with weight training/ using machines in the gym?

    Reply
  • David Lewis October 28, 2014, 12:33 pm

    I am wanting to do a half marathon on December 27th. My base now is just under 7miles. Should I start thid plan on week 5 or so? I do the Galloway method of intervals. Do you think I could have my mileage in for that distance and have time to taper?

    Reply
  • Emily October 26, 2014, 11:03 am

    How fast paced are these runs supposed to be? I’m a D1 athlete, so I’d consider myself in pretty good shape. I’ve done a few 5k’s but the most I’ve ever run at once is around 6 miles. I’m looking to complete my first half in January. Thank you!!

    Reply
  • Chris M October 23, 2014, 10:21 am

    THANKS SO MUCH!
    I followed this plan for my first half marathon, and was very prepared. Physically and mentally. Way to go!

    Reply
  • LUKE RICHARDSON October 16, 2014, 12:26 pm

    think this is a little unspecific. I need to know more things to like what to eat afterwards and stuff like that

    Reply
    • Michael Devol December 2, 2014, 5:41 pm

      read runner’s world. i have just started running a lot more than i used to, and i’ve found the articles super helpful, instantly. everyone seems to have a different approach, but as for basic fueling and recovery, there is a ton of information.

      Reply
  • A Brown October 14, 2014, 10:24 pm

    What should I be eating. I am 58 and training for half marathon.

    Reply
  • Kelly October 14, 2014, 9:23 am

    Hello,

    I plan on following this plan for my first half marathon in January. My question is, at what pace should you run these miles? I read that you should run them at race-pace, but another website said slower than race-pace. Any help would be appreciated! Thank you.

    Reply
    • Joey November 18, 2014, 7:33 pm

      Funny, I started walking on the treadmill by the time my half came around in 11 weeks I was running 12/13 minute miles, this is at 260lbs. It worked very very well. I hope to do another one in December and get to 11minute miles. And yes still 260 lol.

      Reply
  • Dale October 12, 2014, 3:06 pm

    Hey Tate,

    Other than two or three proper sets of shoes, and clothing appropriate for the weather conditions in your area, you really don’t need any special gear. In reality, all you need is to start a training plan, g-r-a-d-u-a-l-l-y ramp up your mileage, log several good months of long slow miles, and then enter a race. If you have some specific time related goals in mind, run a few 5K or 10K races, and then use some of the race pace calculators to determine how close you are to hitting your goal time.

    Reply
    • Di Lun October 23, 2014, 2:03 pm

      To add to Dale’s comment… You will need SOCKS! and I am not referring to the hanes, fruit of the loom, regular-everyday cotton brand. I am a newbie to distance running and I have learned the importance of wearing the correct socks as my mileage increases. You can always find clothing deeply discounted online and sometimes in the store but I would strongly suggest investing in a good pair of running shoes and socks. Your feet will thank you later. Plus you can get roughly 300 miles out of pair of shoes.

      Reply
  • Tate October 10, 2014, 12:11 pm

    i want to do a half marathon next spring but i don’t really have money to spend on the right gear, is that a big problem?

    Reply
  • Art Williams October 10, 2014, 11:11 am

    I’m 61 years young and just had my annual physical and my Doctor has given me the green light to train for a Marathon. I want to participate in a 10 mile event called ‘Broad Street Run’ scheduled for May 2015 in Philadelphia, PA.

    What training schedule should I incorporate as a beginner? Thanks

    Reply
    • Sean December 9, 2014, 11:38 pm

      Art, 10 miles was my very first race as well, and my running friends recommended looking at training plans for a 15k. (It’s 9.3 miles or so) the distances were practically interchangeable, and it worked very well. I set a goal of 10 minutes per mile and wound up finishing in 9:19 per. Hal Higdon provided my training plan. Now I’m looking at running the full marathon in Philadelphia in the fall next year. Good luck with your training!

      Reply
  • Flora Jones October 8, 2014, 10:51 pm

    I just turned 69, I want to train to walk a half marathon before my next birthday. I want to start training within the next couple of months. Where do I start?

    Reply
  • Heather October 7, 2014, 2:15 pm

    hello,
    I do yoga religiously about 3-4 times a week…Sometimes deep stretching yoga sometimes power/flow yoga.. I really want to accomplish a half marathon but My question is would it be outrageous to do a schedule like this along with my yoga. Should I cut back on the yoga in order to make it through a whole half marathon?

    Reply
    • Dale October 12, 2014, 3:01 pm

      Hello Heather,

      My wife, a recreational runner for most of her life is also a certified yoga instructor. At times she’s deeper into her running than her yoga, and vice-versa; over the years she’s found that the two, while on the surface are seemingly compatible, in reality “not so much” is a better way of describing it. Long story short, she needs to back off on one to excel in the other.

      As an aside, earlier this year she ramped down on her yoga and started upping her mileage to the 25-35 mile per week range (with no specific goal in mind), and two weeks ago (she was 56 at the time) the two of us ran our first half marathon; she crossed the finish line in a very impressive 1:49. While I have no doubt her strength and flexibility from her yoga was a great asset during the race, it was the miles she’s logged over the last six months which allowed her to maintain such a fast pace.

      Reply
  • Shay September 11, 2014, 2:17 pm

    Hello, I was wondering when you reach 12 miles how should I run weekly to maintain it. I feel like running 12 miles is a skill and I don’t want to lose it!

    Reply
  • Tam September 11, 2014, 1:57 pm

    Angie-Good luck on your first 1/2. I am 60 and ran marathons when I was young. Just started doing 1/2s about 5 years ago. It is a great distance! I am also doing my next 1/2 on December 7th. I will think about you during the race. You will do great!

    Reply
  • shad September 11, 2014, 10:35 am

    Would it be better to prepare on official track or stick to hard surface roads? Thoughts?

    Reply
    • Mark October 13, 2014, 2:32 pm

      Mix it up. But you should do most of your training on the surface you will be running.

      Reply
  • Bradley Berkebile September 5, 2014, 12:03 pm

    I used this training program in 2012 for my first 1/2 marathon. I was pretty sedentary before starting but set an aggressive goal to finish the race in under 2 hrs. I finished the race in 1:59:30!!! It was close but I hit my goal. I have run a few 10 and 15Ks since then but haven’t stayed as active so I am starting from scratch using this plan again. 2 weeks in and I am down 6lbs and getting my pace back.

    I would love to build in some CT to keep my core strong but just following this plan will get you to the finish line. Best of luck runners – B-rad

    Reply
  • Angie August 29, 2014, 11:06 am

    I am running my first half marathon on December 7th and I’m super excited! Thank you for this training schedule. I’m sure it will help a lot!

    Reply
  • Lily August 26, 2014, 10:21 pm

    I’m 14, run four miles daily (+2 on days I have cross country, would this work for me? I’m just curious as to the age group for this specific entry.

    Reply
  • Pedro August 25, 2014, 4:31 pm

    First of all this training plan is great. I am running a half marathon on Oct. 5th and all is going well so far. However, I will be going on a business trip for week 9 and I am afraid I won’t be able to log in as many miles throughout the week.

    Do you have any recommendations on how I can have a “light week” but without it affecting the training regimen too much? Is there anything you would recommend?

    Thank you.

    Reply
  • Marc-E-Marc August 19, 2014, 9:54 pm

    Do you have this schedule ready in Km? Yes I’m Canadian, we like to run here too. lol

    Reply
  • Colleen Brennan August 10, 2014, 5:24 pm

    Hi,

    I just signed up for my first half marathon in November. It will be an evening race. Should I prepare differently the day before/morning of?

    Reply
  • Jenieve Holder August 10, 2014, 11:08 am

    Hello MR Johnson, I am a 46 year old mom of five who would like to start training for the half marathon. I live in the District Heights area in Prince George’s County and would like to know if there any marathon training held in my area. Thanks in advance for your respond.

    Jenieve

    Reply
    • Severina September 4, 2014, 3:53 pm

      Hi! I’ve been using Garmin’s 16 week Half Marathon Training (free) for beginners..uploaded the calendar to my watch so that I stay and keep my schedule.
      Try your local running store….they usually have (free) group runs and will give you an opportunity to ask questions, get advise, and info on local running clubs.
      Also check out Road Runners Club of America (http://www.rrca.org/find-a-running-club/) …they have a pretty comprehensive directory of local running clubs too. Hope this helps!

      Reply
  • Paulo August 9, 2014, 9:15 am

    I am planning on running a half marathon in 12 weeks , and I’m a 56 old , is there any HELP?
    Thanks.

    Reply
    • Rick August 10, 2014, 9:14 am

      Paulo, you can do it. I walked my first half marathon Dec 2012, Las Vegas Rock and Roll at age 59. My primary goal was to finish, secondary was to finish under 3:30. I completed it in 3:25. Then I did another 1/2 Marathon May 5, 2013 and 4 weeks later walked my third 1/2 Marathon. Decided to start running and in October 2013 completed the Cleveland Rock and Roll 1/2 Marathon in 3:15. Five weeks later I was back in Vegas and ran it in 2:59. Just do it!

      Reply
    • Louann August 24, 2014, 9:56 pm

      You can do it! I prefer the walk 10 minutes walk 1 minute method to keep from getting hurt. Make sure you get the right shoe, it makes all the difference! I didn’t realize that I needed to buy 1/2 to 1 whole size larger until after losing a toenail.

      Reply
      • christy muccillo September 5, 2014, 11:40 pm

        I dont understand your walk 10 minutes walk 1 minute method? Please explain.

        Reply
        • Barbara September 6, 2014, 9:24 pm

          Hi there. I am confident she meant run 10 minutes walk 1 minute. And repeat.

          Barbara

          Reply
  • Monica August 6, 2014, 2:01 pm

    Hello!
    I am planning on running a half marathon in 9 weeks instead of 12 weeks. I have done triathlons before and am in fairly good shape but also a little rusty. Are there any suggestions to tweak the training for the 9 weeks?
    Thanks,
    Monica

    Reply
    • Terrell Johnson August 6, 2014, 4:36 pm

      Hi Monica! We don’t have a 9-week plan here on the site, but that’s one we should add, especially for runners and athletes who keep themselves in good shape. Stay tuned.

      Reply
    • denny November 9, 2014, 8:17 pm

      if you are in shape, you can jump in program in middle! I was doing triathlon sprints so I had to increase my Miles. I was already up to five plus miles so hopped in week 4 on half marathon training schedule.now I’m up to 11 miles!

      Reply
  • Betsie August 5, 2014, 3:51 pm

    In response to Mike and Julie: I completed my first half marathon last year using a training schedule very similar to this one (which I am using this year) I had completed several 5K’s in a similar time frame that you mention (46mins) but was scared to attempt a half. I finished in 3:02 with the cutoff time of 4:00. I would check the cut off time and train according to that. I didn’t train for speed but endurance. You’ll find that the adrenaline of the race will push you faster than you thought. Just be careful to be aware of your time and not exhuast yourself early on in the miles. The one recommendation I would give is to include hills in your training daily, this will prepare you for hills on the course and increase your endurance abilities. Good luck!

    Reply
  • Melanie July 31, 2014, 5:09 pm

    In response to Julie….from a personal level, I trained for my first half two years ago and I too only wanted a “running” schedule with no cross training, tempo, ect. It was very effective for me and I finished the race with no issues. And I was NOT a runner AT ALL beforehand. Hope that helps. Good luck!

    Reply
  • Julie July 28, 2014, 1:47 pm

    I have searched all over the Internet for half marathon training schedules and came across this one as it is the only one I’ve found with no cross training, fartlek, tempo run, interval runs etc…. Will it still be as effective?

    Reply
    • Kelly August 1, 2014, 3:15 am

      Hi Julie,
      I’m certainly no expert, just an experienced runner, so don’t quote me. But training schedules that incorporate tempos, fartleks, etc. are meant to help people with speed work. It is so they can focus on passing people and speeding up at crucial points in the race, and then settle back into their regular pace. This particular training plan seems to be for people who want to complete, not compete. Hope this helps!

      Reply
      • Darrell Gammon October 19, 2014, 6:03 pm

        One thing I would suggest is running hills to strengthen up the legs. I do at least once per week.

        Reply
    • Jeff January 22, 2015, 3:22 pm

      I followed this plan in 2013 and ran the Atlantic City Half Marathon in 2:13. It was a great plan for me. I live in a very hilly area and the HM was flat so my time improved dramatically. I was striving for completing. It was my first and only one. I am following it again to run another Half in April with a goal of a full marathon this fall.

      Reply
    • judi January 22, 2020, 8:01 pm

      I used the training schedule for two of my first Half Marathons.
      It was perfect.
      Im 65

      Reply
  • Michael L Bradley July 14, 2014, 9:58 am

    I have signed up to do the St.Jude half on December 6 2014.I walk a 5k every morning.I finish them in 46 minutes or less.I want to improve my miles but scared to death.I have done 5 5k this year.I can’t afford a coaching coach.Any suggestion that you can give me will help me out a lot.I recon that I put this on my Bucket list to do.Am I crazy?Thanks for all of the information.
    Mike

    Reply
    • Donald Beuke October 2, 2014, 9:21 pm

      Michael,
      I would suggest training by your heart rate to avoid injuries and to build a good base. The method I am referring to is called Maffetone. The Maffetone method uses the 180 rule which is 180 minus your age is you optimal training heart rate. Do not exceed this heart rate when you first start training and slowly build in the miles. I am 39 so I keep my heart rate around 140 when I jog. It may seem slow at first but you eventually build a strong base. I got down to 8:00 pace while keeping my heart rate at 140. Takes time start slow and it is ok to walk when you start a run and end a run.

      Reply
      • susan ryde December 2, 2014, 12:30 pm

        Michael, you have nothing to loose and everything to gain. Just add your miles slowly but weekly. Follow a plan, but if you feel any injuries coming on, investigate them. Your shoes are very important! I bought Hokas and it changed my running from I cant do this, to Im running a 1/2 marathon. My first will be February, 2015.
        Hope this encourages you. (I’m 52 years old).

        Reply
        • Kathy Fredericks May 31, 2015, 10:38 am

          I’m 56 (will be 57 when I compete next spring). I am a walker/jogger, but have never considered myself a runner so this is going to be difficult for me. I’ve never done anything like this but have wanted to every year I see the racers run by our B&B. How was your first? Did you walk any or is is strictly a run? You say Hokas are the best? have simple Nike running shoes – advice there? I’m going to follow the plan of starting slowly and adding distance each week to my runs – I do have 10 months to work up to this! Any other advice, especially at my age? Thanks!

          Reply
  • Terrell Johnson July 10, 2014, 4:45 pm

    Hi Sam, no it isn’t. But that’s a factor we should consider, and perhaps incorporate into training programs for runners at different ages. Great idea.

    Reply
  • sam July 10, 2014, 1:21 am

    Is this age specific?

    Reply

Leave a Comment

MENU