Half Marathon Training

Half Marathon Training

THE HALF MARATHON IS A FRIENDLY DISTANCE. Beginners, who have gotten their introduction to road running in a 5-K or 10-K, can look to the half as the next step upward. Experienced runners like half marathons, because training for and racing 13 miles requires somewhat less time commitment than does a full 26.

SEE ALL HALF-MARATHON PROGRAMS

The excitement around half marathons often is the same as at a marathon–except you get to go home early. Also, you can use half marathon races as part of your training for later marathons. Knowing your time at the half gives you a good idea of what to expect when you run the full marathon. This is why more than four times as many runners now run half marathons vs. full marathons.

To plan your training program for the half marathon, click on one of the appropriate links on the accompanying menu. For more detailed instructions plus extra training advice and tips, consider signing up for one of my Interactive programs, available through TrainingPeaks. For twelve weeks, I will send you daily emails telling you how to train. Consider also acquiring a copy of my latest book, Hal Higdon’s Half Marathon Training, available from Human Kinetics.

So lace up your running shoes. It’s time to start training for your half marathon race.

Half Marathon Training

Countless half-marathoners have used Hal’s programs, whether getting ready for their first race or their twentieth. Use our half marathon interactive plans to build endurance and taper properly for your...

  • Novice 1

    The Novice 1 program is designed for beginning runners who want to prepare for their first 13.1-mile race. If you have run several half...

  • Novice 2

    Half Marathon Novice 2 fills the gap between the former Novice (now Novice 1) half marathon program and the Intermediate programs. Novice 1 targets...

  • Intermediate 1

    Half Marathon Intermediate 1 features steady running, long and short. Intermediate 1 is an endurance-based program; Intermediate 2 is a speed-based program. These two...

  • Intermediate 2

    The main difference between Half Marathon Intermediate 1 and Intermediate 2 is that this program (Intermediate 2) features one day of speedwork. Intermediate 1...

  • Advanced

    This Advanced Half Marathon Training Program is for experienced runners: individuals who compete regularly in 5K, 10K, half-marathon and even marathon races and who...

  • Half Marathon 3 (HM3)

    Welcome to Half Marathon 3, or HM3. This is a new program created for Hal Higdon's Half Marathon Training. It was designed to match...

  • Walkers

    This is a program designed especially for walkers training for the half marathon (13.1 miles). If you plan to run the half marathon rather...