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Half Marathon Training

How Long Does it Take to Train for a Half Marathon? (To Run it Well!)

Tackling the half marathon race for the first time is exciting! But every beginning runner eyeing the distance likely wonders, "How long will it take me to train for a half marathon and when should I start?" You will need to 12-14 weeks to train for a half marathon which is equal to 3-3.5 months of training. This amount of time will allow you to train for your race the right way so that you can reach the starting line...

How to Pace Your Best Half Marathon

When you're training for an upcoming half marathon race, how do you know how fast to run on race day? Is there a way to predict how quickly you'll be able to complete the race? Is there a pacing strategy you should utilize or should you just wing it on race morning and hope for the best? The best way to pace your half marathon is to estimate your finish time and race pace, using a recent timed running effort. At the race,...

Half Marathon Training for Beginners: A Comprehensive Guide

The half marathon distance brings on a new set of a challenges you likely didn't have to consider when training for your shorter races. Though there is plenty to learn, with the right knowledge you can have a great race even as a beginner! If you're embarking on training for your first half marathon, you'll need to be sure you're training with the right mileage, at the right pace, for the right number of weeks, with the...

Top 6 Mental Tricks to Get You Through Your Long Run

As much as running is a physical activity, to truly start becoming better at running, continue to make progress and reach your potential you have to become mentally strong, too. One of the toughest types of runs to conquer is the long run...and this starts as soon as you see it on your training schedule and your brain automatically goes to a place of, "I'll never be able to run that far." See, mental. And you haven't even...

What to Wear for a Half Marathon (No Matter the Weather)

You've been training for months, and the time has finally come to set out your clothing and gear for your upcoming half marathon race. There are lots of things to think about when it comes to dressing for race day. What do you need? What should stay home? Should you race in the shiny new pair of shoes sitting in your closet? For your half marathon, make sure that you wear something comfortable, that you have worn before...

Half Marathon Long Run: The Longest Run & More

If you have a half marathon race coming up, you're probably wondering just how long your long runs are going to be while training for the race. How far is far enough for a half? Can you get by with topping out at a 7 mile run? Or should you train up to - or maybe even above - the 13.1 mile distance? Your longest long run leading up to your half marathon should be at least 10 miles long if you are simply interested in...

How to Run a Half Marathon in 2 Hours or Less

The half marathon is one of the most popular race distances in the U.S. Completing a half marathon (13.1 miles/21.1km) is a major accomplishment that requires a lot of dedication and training preparation. Running a half marathon in two hours (or less) is a popular goal to work toward. Not only is it a nice round number to strive for, it's also close to the average finishing time for both males and females. so it's absolutely...

What is 80/20 running? Using Polarized Training to Your Benefit

80/20 running is a popular concept in the running world nowadays. But what exactly is it? 80/20 running is a principle of polarized training, where a runner spends 80% of their training runs at an easy effort pace, and 20% at a hard effort pace. Training in this manner typically allows runners to reach their best potential on race day while avoiding injury, burnout and/or plateauing. You might be wondering how to implement...

How to Hydrate for Your Next Half Marathon

As runners, we know that staying hydrated is a crucial component to running well and feeling good. But trying to figure out just how much water you'll need and how often to drink during your half marathon can be intimidating, which is why we're giving you all the info right here.Most half marathon runners should take several small sips of water about every 15 minutes. Taking in 4 ounces of water at that time is ideal -...

Half Marathon Nutrition – What and When to Eat During Your Race

You’ve signed up for an upcoming half marathon and your training is moving along nicely. But do you have a plan for your nutrition during the race? That is, do you know what to eat during your race, when to eat it and how much?Sports nutrition experts recommend that runners eat during a half marathon. During your race, you should eat something carb-rich that you've practiced with during your training runs. Plan to take in...