Back to Blog
Training Plans

Free Half-Marathon Training Plans for Every Goal: Get Fit and Crush Your Race

Endurance Athlete Roadmap
November 15, 2024
8 min read
Free Half-Marathon Training Plans for Every Goal: Get Fit and Crush Your Race

Free Half-Marathon Training Plans for Every Goal

The half marathon—13.1 miles of challenge, accomplishment, and transformation. Whether you're looking to finish your first half marathon or crush a new personal record, having the right training plan makes all the difference.

[Download your free training plan →](https://www.skool.com/endurance-athlete-roadmap-8227) Join our free community to access downloadable training plans and connect with other runners.

Choosing Your Plan

Plan 1: First-Timer (12 weeks)

Goal: Finish comfortably

Prerequisites: Can run 3 miles

Weekly commitment: 4 runs, 3-5 hours

Plan 2: Intermediate (12 weeks)

Goal: Run strong, maybe PR

Prerequisites: Can run 6+ miles

Weekly commitment: 5 runs, 5-7 hours

Plan 3: Advanced (14 weeks)

Goal: Personal record

Prerequisites: Sub-2:00 half or marathon experience

Weekly commitment: 6 runs, 7-9 hours

First-Timer 12-Week Plan

Weekly Structure

  • Monday: Rest
  • Tuesday: Easy run (3-4 miles)
  • Wednesday: Cross-train or rest
  • Thursday: Easy run (3-4 miles)
  • Friday: Rest
  • Saturday: Long run (building from 4 to 12 miles)
  • Sunday: Rest or walk
  • Long Run Progression

    Weeks 1-4: 4, 5, 6, 5 miles

    Weeks 5-8: 7, 8, 6, 9 miles

    Weeks 9-12: 10, 8, 12, Race!

    Intermediate 12-Week Plan

    Weekly Structure

  • Monday: Rest or easy 3 miles
  • Tuesday: Speed work
  • Wednesday: Easy run (5-6 miles)
  • Thursday: Tempo run
  • Friday: Rest
  • Saturday: Long run
  • Sunday: Easy recovery run
  • Key Workouts

    Speed work options:

  • 6x800m at 5K pace
  • 4x1 mile at 10K pace
  • 12x400m at 5K pace
  • Tempo runs:

  • 4-6 miles at half marathon goal pace
  • Progressive runs (start easy, finish at tempo)
  • Advanced 14-Week Plan

    Weekly Structure

  • Monday: Easy + strides
  • Tuesday: Quality workout #1
  • Wednesday: Easy run
  • Thursday: Quality workout #2
  • Friday: Rest or very easy
  • Saturday: Long run with race pace segments
  • Sunday: Easy recovery
  • Peak Week Example

  • Monday: 5 mi easy + 6 strides
  • Tuesday: 10x800m @ 5K pace
  • Wednesday: 7 mi easy
  • Thursday: 8 mi tempo @ HM pace
  • Friday: Rest
  • Saturday: 16 mi with 8 mi @ HM pace
  • Sunday: 4 mi easy
  • Universal Training Tips

    1. Respect Recovery

  • Easy days should be EASY
  • Sleep 7-9 hours
  • Foam roll and stretch regularly
  • 2. Practice Race Nutrition

  • Use your long runs to test gels/nutrition
  • Never try anything new on race day
  • Practice drinking while running
  • 3. Taper Smart

  • Reduce volume, maintain some intensity
  • Trust your training
  • Focus on rest, nutrition, and hydration
  • Race Day Execution

    Pacing Strategy

  • First 3 miles: Slightly slower than goal pace
  • Miles 4-10: Settle into goal pace
  • Miles 11-13.1: Give everything you have
  • [Get your free training plan →](https://www.skool.com/endurance-athlete-roadmap-8227) Join our free Endurance Athlete Roadmap community for downloadable plans, training tips, and support from fellow runners.

    Ready for personalized coaching? Our one-on-one coaching program provides customized training plans based on YOUR fitness level, schedule, and goals. Book a free consultation to get started.

    Ready to Take Your Training to the Next Level?

    Stop guessing and start progressing. Join our community of endurance athletes who are achieving their goals with expert coaching and support.