Running a half-marathon distance13.1 milesis a great achievement for every type of runnerwe like to think if you can do a 10K, youre well on your way to completing a half marathon.
But of course, it comes with a little bit of work to (more than) double the mileage of the 6.2 miles in a 10K. It will require a higher weekly mileage (and doing it safely), longer runs and a greater variety of sessionsthings like fartleks, tempos, and interval runsto develop the endurance and speed youll need to complete the half distance.
Whether youre building up to 13.1 miles for the first time, or planning to smash your personal record, weve got some plans that will help you finish strong and healthy so youll be ready to tackle your next race soon after. (Find all our training plans here, and check out some of our most popular plans below.)
Half Marathon Plan for Beginners
Break 2:00 Half Marathon Plan
Break 1:45 Half Marathon Plan
Break 1:30 Half Marathon Plan
Need more convincing that when racing starts back up that the half marathon distance is absolutely the best? The 13 reasons below (as shown by Gifs), will make you want to sign up for a half ASAP.
There are more than 2,000 half marathons to choose from across the U.S. Thats compared to just over 1,000 marathons.
This content is imported from Giphy. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
Its a challenge without being overwhelming. Running 13 miles is still a long way to go, so you need to train, and train seriously. But at least your entire Sunday wont be spent recovering on the couch watching Netflix because of a super-long outing.
This content is imported from Giphy. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
Training plans are usually only 10 weeks, not 16. So guess what? You can race with less long-term planning. (Crazy, right?!)
This content is imported from Giphy. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
Less waiting around for your friends and family who want to watch you, but they still have time to see you at different spots or grab a coffee while they await your triumphant finish.
This content is imported from Giphy. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
Most people still need to consume some sort of fuel for a half. And lets be honest: Who doesnt think of energy chews as the adult version of Gushers? (Shoot, you could even use Gushers.)
This content is imported from Giphy. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
You wont hit the wall, or if you do, it wont derail you like the one marathoners hit around mile 20. (And TBH: This might be the worst feeling ever.)
This content is imported from Giphy. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
When spectators yell Youre almost there! at mile 12, theyre not lying.
This content is imported from Giphy. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
It doesnt take that long. You can run a half and still get brunch, go to the movies, get a mani/pedi, or visit a goat farm.
This content is imported from Giphy. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
You wont feel like death after the race. The recovery time for most people is a day or two, and you wont be waking up feeling awful for a week.
This content is imported from Giphy. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
Compared to a marathon, you have only half the chance of getting bloody nipples.
This content is imported from Giphy. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
Charged with alerting Athenians about their victory on the battlefield, youd make it to the outskirts of Pikermi, Greecea charming little town of just more than 7,000.
This content is imported from Giphy. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
Youll have much more energy at the finish line of a half marathon than a full marathonmaking for a great photo.
This content is imported from Giphy. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
Its a brag-worthy distance! People hear you ran 13.1 miles and they are majorly impressed!
This content is imported from Giphy. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io
This commenting section is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page. You may be able to find more information on their web site.
See the original post:
13 Reasons the Half Marathon Is the Best Distance - runnersworld.com
