It’s great to cross-train ( cross training is super important for any runner!) while you’re training for a half marathon, but you just want to be careful about what kind of workouts (and their difficulty) they are when you’re thinking through your plan. It’s also important to think through what other physical exercise you’re already doing. We go into depth about how to choose the right training plan and how to tailor any training plan to YOUR level and life in my course. If you can do weeks one and two, you’re likely using the right plan. That’s my advice for experienced runners too! Make sure your plan feels like it’s doable but still challenging. And if they seem too hard, find a run-walk plan. If you think weeks one and two look too easy, evaluate why, and pick a different plan. If the answer is that you can do those without feeling overwhelmed, you’ve likely got a great plan. I recommend looking at the first two weeks of your potential training plan and asking yourself if you think you could complete weeks one and two realistically and not hate your life in the process. Start with something that looks doable to you. If you’re a beginner, don’t choose an advanced runner’s plan. While you’re setting realistic goals, start looking for a training plan that fits those goals. Setting goals that are achievable and realistic will help you stay confident during your training versus overwhelmed by the huge obstacle in front of you. If you’re a seasoned runner, your goal might be a specific mile time you’d like to average, or an overall time you want to finish under. Don’t get me wrong, there are people that do it, but they’re the exception, not the rule (and usually end up injured.) If this is your first time running 13.1 miles, maybe your goal is to finish the race, or to run the whole thing without walk breaks. If you’ve never been a runner before, going outside and running 13.1 miles will be almost impossible and you may want to start by training for a 5K or 10K. The first thing you should do when training for a half marathon is set realistic goals. And, it’s very doable to enjoy the miles leading up to race day! Here’s how. It is MORE than possible to finish a half marathon with the proper training program, dedication, and a positive mindset. I also have one in my online running course and it’s the exact training plan I wrote for my husband to train for his first half marathon. You could even consider hiring a running coach, which is what I did for my 2019 Boston Marathon training program. There are lots of training programs out there for half marathons. Let’s dive in! Or, I should say, let’s get running! Today, I’m sharing tried and tested tips about how to train for a half marathon, whether you’re a rookie, intermediate, or a seasoned runner aiming for a new PR at the finish line. I’ve been asked multiple times over the years, “How long was your marathon?” when referring to any race, but a marathon is a specific distance - 26.2 miles - and therefore, the half marathon is half that distance. A full marathon is 26.2 miles or 42 kilometers. If you’re new to running, here’s a quick overview: a half marathon is 13.1 miles or 21 kilometers. In fact, my first-ever race was a half marathon, over 17 years ago! And my husband’s first-ever race was a half marathon too, just a few years ago. I’ve been able to see big improvements in my half marathon time, cutting over 30 minutes off my PR over the years.Īnother thing I love about half marathons is that even beginners can do them. I also like that I can push harder in a half marathon since I don’t have to run as long. They’re challenging, but they don’t take over your life the way marathon training can. I’ve been running for 20+ years, have run over 50 races and the half marathon may be my favorite distance to race.
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