Half Marathon Training Plan

Hey kids. So... little bit of background. I was up to running 3 miles, 3x per week for a while there. Then I started slacking. I am currently getting back into it and to help motivate me, I signed up for my first ever half marathon. It's not till May 2013 so I plan on being back in at least 5K shape before starting to train for the Half. I was just wondering if anyone used a good Training Program that you feel strongly about. Thanks! :flowerforyou:

Replies

  • HMVOL7409
    HMVOL7409 Posts: 1,588 Member
    Hal Higdon Novice. I am near the end of this (2 weeks out on Sunday!) and I love it. I cut down from 4 to 3 runs per week only bc my legs were suffering but it has not effected my stamina or running. If anything after cutting that day my pace has improved drastically. Many referred me to this program and it's a great transition.
  • BrianSharpe
    BrianSharpe Posts: 9,248 Member
    In the past I've just used the free ones Runners World had but they seem to have disappeared but Hal Higdon seems to have a lot of fans here too (and he has a variety of plans based on your experience and fitness level on his web site).

    The most important thing, no matter which plan you use, is that you get out and run consistently a minimum of 3 preferably 4 times per week with one of the runs being your "long slow distance". Most of your other training runs should also be at a conversational pace - this time 'round your only goal is endurance, speed can come later. Build your long runs gradually, most running injuries are a result of too much, too soon, too fast. With almost 32 weeks you should be fine (if possible try to get a couple of shorter races under your belt between now and then)

    Listen to your body & have fun!
  • mhankosk
    mhankosk Posts: 532 Member
    Thanks for the advice, guys. I will definitely check out that plan. And I plan to run some 5ks and 10ks in there before the big one. :)
  • loveachallenge
    loveachallenge Posts: 62 Member
    Hey kids. So... little bit of background. I was up to running 3 miles, 3x per week for a while there. Then I started slacking. I am currently getting back into it and to help motivate me, I signed up for my first ever half marathon. It's not till May 2013 so I plan on being back in at least 5K shape before starting to train for the Half. I was just wondering if anyone used a good Training Program that you feel strongly about. Thanks! :flowerforyou:

    I'm training for a 1/2 in December. Currently running 9 miles. I run 4 times a week Tues/Thurs 4-6 miles and on weekends are my long runs. Right now I am up to 9 miles and increasing every week by 1/2 to 1 mile.
  • erin_zuk
    erin_zuk Posts: 226 Member
    I used almost exactly this plan through the Running Room.

    http://tgrunning.tripod.com/training.htm#half_training

    I'm doing my very first ever half in 11 days!
  • californiagirl2012
    californiagirl2012 Posts: 2,625 Member
    Hey kids. So... little bit of background. I was up to running 3 miles, 3x per week for a while there. Then I started slacking. I am currently getting back into it and to help motivate me, I signed up for my first ever half marathon. It's not till May 2013 so I plan on being back in at least 5K shape before starting to train for the Half. I was just wondering if anyone used a good Training Program that you feel strongly about. Thanks! :flowerforyou:

    I'm going to train for a half marathon in Marin County CA next spring. But I've run lots and lots of marathons and a some 50 milers. I can't wait to run one as the new lighter me. Even though I'm almost 52 I have a feeling I can beat my younger times because I'm 20 lbs lighter! We shall see. I will be running as well as giving a fitness talk at the event. I'm super excited. I have not yet developed my training plan but I plan to keep lifting weights because it has improved my speed. I will do a variety of HIIT and taper up longer runs. I can't wait!!!! -Bobbie
  • LisaKC
    LisaKC Posts: 328 Member
    I am using a plan from Jeff Galloway. He has plans for just about any distance, including half marathon. This is the Galloway run/walk method. My middle-aged joints love it. You should be able to Google it. I have one of his books (there are many), and the book includes a bunch of plans.
  • lovinlife22
    lovinlife22 Posts: 13 Member
    My goal is to complete my first half marathon in 2013. I haven't researched training programs yet. Good luck!
  • mhankosk
    mhankosk Posts: 532 Member
    You guys are all so AWESOME! Thanks for the advice and good luck to us all!!!
  • RunMyOregonBunsOff
    RunMyOregonBunsOff Posts: 862 Member
    I just run. I do one long run day a week and a couple shorter days (I'm starting to focus on speed with those days) and I am doing strength training a couple days a week as well as giving yoga a go one day a week. I do as much walking is I can get away with too and yesterday for the very first time, I ran 13.17 mile without stopping. Yup that's just over the distance of a half marathon and I might run a 1/2 marathon next month. We'll see.
  • reggie2run
    reggie2run Posts: 477 Member
    I used Hal Higdon for my Half a couple of weeks ago.
    Best prep I found. And like others have said, you got to run 3-4 times a week building each time.
    Good Luck!
  • AmyW125
    AmyW125 Posts: 303 Member
    I used Hal Higdon for my Half a couple of weeks ago.
    Best prep I found. And like others have said, you got to run 3-4 times a week building each time.
    Good Luck!



    Hal is awesome!!!! I just did the same plan!! Good luck!!!
  • arc918
    arc918 Posts: 2,037 Member
    Another vote for Hal Higdon.
  • MissFit0101
    MissFit0101 Posts: 2,382
    Yet another vote for Hal Higdon!
  • mhankosk
    mhankosk Posts: 532 Member
    Looks like its Hal by a long slide. Printed it! Woot!