Half-Marathon Training Schedule

Hi Abiola,
Thanks for your note. That is good news you are wanting to try a race. We have several customers who have hearing or sight issues which have never been a barrier to taking part in events.

You don't say where you live. There are supportive running groups with leaders and coaches all over the country who would be able to help and offer more individual advice. You should be able to find a local contact in one of the web links below:

Run England/Run Together
Jog Scotland
IRun Wales

Good luck with your running
Adrian

Hi Mary,

Thanks for you comment. Age generally is never a barrier to marathon running. We have regular customers running marathons and even ultras well into their 60's and 70's. Having said that, there are indeed several things one has to consider as you get older. The age old saying ,"There is more to running than running " is even more important with age.

I don't know your full running background, or any history of injuries or if anything in particular has triggered you question. etc. but I would suggest if you don't already do so, seeking out a local running group in your area. Most areas of the UK are well served with Athletic clubs, but also with a whole network of running groups that cater for all standards, ages and abilities. The ability to talk to and have the support and ideas of other experienced runners is always felt to be invaluable for anyone. Even going to your local Park Run will give you the opportunity for you to meet other runners asking similar questions.

Appreciate this isn't always possible for several reasons so here are 5 little tips.

1)With 7 marathons behind you, you will have a feeling of when things are going well and when training is difficult and you have that constant "tired" feeling! Don't feel bad about taking a day or 3 off to recharge batteries.

2) You mention weight training. Under supervision initially, to ensure the right muscle groups are being worked, this would be fine. So do check out a local sports centre or gym for this, or our article on calisthenics.

3) Just as useful to build strength and at the same time maintain flexibility – especially as we get older – is to seek out a local yoga or pilates group. There are often groups for beginners and I had seven seen over 50s groups too. Check out our article on Yoga for Runners.

4) Stretching always helps and one or two good sessions a week as outlined in our article Stretching for Runners will be useful.

5) Also remember there are many other challenges out there. If full marathon training is difficult, concentrate on a half marathon or improving your 10k. Your long term health and fitness is paramount and just enjoying your running, whatever distance, is the most important thing.

Hope this is useful but do ask back any other questions.
Adrian

Phil,

Thanks for your comment. We do value feedback. Online schedules – ours and others you will find – by their general nature, are always there to act as a guide, rather than anything concrete. They don't know your lifestyle and work / family / other races like Park Run commitments etc. Looking at a week or two week overview should give you an idea of the general training recommended. It is fine to juggle days / sessions around, to cater for other commitments, as long as you follow the golden rule of still allowing rest or easy days, which are also a key component of any schedule.

Doing your long run on a Sunday or any day that fits into your lifestyle is therefore fine (if you have a local coach, they can give more specific advice, of course).

We are well aware of the popularity of Park Runs, but any coach or trainer will tell you that your long-term goal – which seems to be a half marathon from what you are saying – should be the priority, and Park Runs, although incredibly useful and a wonderful focus for so many people, should be seen as stepping stones towards your main longer goal. Good luck with your training, and like many runners, you should find the increased mileage as you build towards your half… will actually help your Park Run time too.

• LewisJanuary 5, 2018 at 2:28pm

  I think these training plans are designed to help you build a habit in your body to perform on certain days too. By making the log run occur frequently on a Saturday, your body gets used to this being the day you need to be ready for a long effort which should help on race day if that is also on a Saturday. By doing all your long runs on a Sunday and then doing the half marathon on a Saturday you might not be quite so well tuned if that makes sense? For me, I try to do my training at a similar time of day as the race for the same reason.
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  • Adrian Tarit StottJanuary 6, 2018 at 7:33am

    Lewis,
    Thanks for your comment, that's a really good point you make. As I mention in the earlier thread, the schedules are "guides" which can be tweaked to fit in with one's other commitments and lifestyle. When it comes to specific race preparation, it is always good to look at your event, the course profile, start time etc, and then incorporate aspects into your training. Preparing for and doing training runs for a specific start time on a certain day is always useful, together with practising breakfast and drink strategy for the race. Also looking at the course and, for example, if a long hill is involved at Mile 7 or Mile 11, try and find a local route that replicates this.
    Good luck with your training,
    Adrian

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