There are three popular options when it comes to selecting an appropriate training plan: downloading the first Excel sheet you find on Google, using an app-based training plan or working with a certified trainer or coach. You can choose your goal race, and then work backwards to see when you should start your training program.Īnd, yes, you will want to follow a structured training plan if you want to run your best half-marathon. Another way to do this (if you leave yourself enough time) is to reverse-engineer the process. Once you’ve settled on the length of your training cycle, you can shop around for races that line up with your schedule. Intermediate (run consistently, 13.1 is a new distance)Įxperienced (strong fitness base, have run 13.1 multiple times before) The following chart breaks down how many weeks you will need for adequate training based on your current fitness and experience level.īeginner (first time training for a half-marathon) How many weeks should you take to prepare for your race?

Adjusting your big picture goals based on your day-to-day experiences is a good place to start. Taking into account your work and social life can help you train effectively without feeling overwhelmed. While you’re at it, take a long, hard look at your goals and expectations and how they match up with the rest of life’s demands. Have you run a half-marathon before? How recently? What was your experience like? Would you have done anything differently? Taking time for self-reflection will help the rest of your preparation go more smoothly, and it will help ensure a positive and successful race. Take into account your level of familiarity with the half-marathon distance.

Read more about building your training plan in our Beginners Running Guide A half-marathon is a 13.1 mile race-that’s a lot of training miles and a long race! Ask yourself if you are ready to start training immediately, or do you need a few weeks to build up a baseline? Now is an important time to be honest with yourself. The first step in your half-marathon preparation should be to analyze and assess what your current fitness level is to establish a realistic expectation for your training and racing.

Download plan to run a half marathon