Your favorite newby 1/2 marathon training plan?

Flyers1010

Hello everyone!

I have been a low-level "runner" for about 9 years (off and on). My normal local routes are either 2.0 miles or 3.7 miles, and I do that about two times a week. My best-ever training of running only (no walking) was for a very hilly 10k, about 3 years ago. At that point, I was running 5 miles regularly. (As you can see, I am not much for distance.)

Last spring I did a crash course for my first half-marathon, starting from about zero weekly miles and only training for about 7 weeks, so I followed a walk/run plan. Although I got my mileage up considerably, I walk/ran the whole training program and the race, as well.

This year, I have 7 months before that same 1/2 and I'm exercising with a lot more regularity (including strength/weight training). I'd like to see if I can run the whole 1/2. Can you suggest a 13.1 training program that will get me to be able to run the whole thing with strength and confidence?

Thanks, friends!

smarionette

Hal Higdon! I love his plans.

http://www.halhigdon.com/training/51131/Half-Marathon-Novice-1-Training-Program or http://www.halhigdon.com/training/51312/Half-Marathon-Novice-2-Training-Program

Both of these will get you there! Also, don't worry if you end up having to walk some of it. I still walk portions of my races and build that into my training, prep and estimated finish time.

If you really want to get past all the walking though (since you have plenty of time) go backwards and do the novice 5K training to start. http://www.halhigdon.com/training/50933/5K-Novice-Training-Program

The 5k program should get you to the endurance needed to start either of the half marathon trainings with a good mileage base already built up.

hermann341

This is where I started 3 years, 3 marathons and 11 half marathons ago.

http://running.about.com/od/racetraining/a/basichalf.htm

ZenInTexas

I vote for Hal Higdon as well. He has great plans for all levels, I used him for my first half marathon and first marathon.