12 Week Beginner Half Marathon Training

This program is for runners currently with a base of 10-15 miles per week looking to complete their first half marathon. Mid-week runs are for conditioning and pace; the long weekend run is to gradually increase the time on your feet and to mentally prepare for the distance of running 13.1 miles.

I am a big proponent of rest days. Rest days are just as important as run days when first starting a run program and/or increasing your distance to achieve a goal such as your first half marathon. If you try to do too much too soon, like increase your distance too quickly, you’ll end up injured. The body needs rest days to heal and adjust to the stresses and demands’ running puts on it. It’s imperative to start slow, take rest days and not do too much, too soon, too fast.