Half Marathon Novice Program

Copyright © 1999, 2002 by Hal Higdon. All rights reserved.

Introduction: Before starting to train for a Half Marathon, you need to possess a basic fitness level. And if you are over age 35, you probably should see your doctor for a physical examination. But assuming no major problems, most healthy people can train themselves to complete a 13.1-mile race.

The following schedule assumes you have the ability to run 3 miles, three to four times a week. If that seems difficult, consider a shorter distance for your first race--or take more time to develop an endurance base. For information on how to train for shorter distances, see my Beginning Runner's Guide or The 5-K Training Schedule on this Web site.

Let me explain some of the terms used. Further information and explanations are included in the weekly schedules that continue from this screen. (Click on the first-column numbers in the schedule to go to each week.)

Pace: Don't worry about how fast you run your regular workouts. Run at a comfortable pace. If you're training with a friend, the two of you should be able to hold a conversation. If you can't do that, you're running too fast. (For those wearing heart rate monitors, your target zone should be between 65 and 75 percent of your maximum pulse rate.)

Distance: The training schedule dictates workouts at distances, from 3 to 10 miles. Don't worry about running precisely those distances, but you should come close. Pick a course through the neighborhood, or in some scenic area where you think you might enjoy running. Then measure the course either by car or bicycle. In deciding where to train, talk to other runners. They probably can point you to some accurately measured courses for your workouts.

Rest: Rest is as important a part of your training as the runs. You will be able to run the long runs on the weekend better--and limit your risk of injury--if you rest before, and rest after.

Long Runs: The key to getting ready to finish a Half Marathon is the long run, progressively increasing in distance each weekend. Over a period of 12 weeks, your longest run will increase from 3 to 10 miles. Don't worry about making the final jump from 10 miles in practice to 13.1 miles in the race. Inspiration will carry you to the finish line, particularly if you taper the final week. The schedule below suggests doing your long runs on Saturdays, but you can do them Sundays, or any other convenient day, as long as you are consistent. (See "Juggling," below.)

Cross-Train: On the schedule, this is identified simply as "cross." What form of cross-training works best? It could be swimming, cycling, walking (see below), cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, or even some combination that could include strength training if you choose to do it on Wednesdays and Saturdays instead of as indicated on the schedule. And feel free to throw in some jogging as well if you're feeling good. In fact, on Wednesdays I offer you the option to run or cross-train. What cross-training you select depends on your personal preference. But don't make the mistake of cross-training too vigorously. Cross-training days should be considered easy days that allow you to recover from the running you do the rest of the week.

Walking: Walking is an excellent exercise that a lot of runners overlook in their training. I don't specify walking breaks, but feel free to walk during your running workouts any time you feel tired or need to shift gears. When you go to the starting line in your twelfth week, nobody will care whether you run the full Half Marathon; they're more concerned that you finish! If this means walking every step in practice and in the race, do it!

Stretch & Strength: Mondays are the days on which I advise you to spend extra time stretching--and do some strength training too. This is actually a day of "rest" following your long run on the weekends, so don't overdo it. It's wise to stretch every day, particularly after you finish your run, but spend more time stretching on Mondays. Strength training could consist of push-ups, pull-ups, use of free weights or working out with various machines at a health club. Runners generally benefit if they combine light weights with a high number of repetitions, rather than pumping very heavy iron. I also suggest that you strength train following your Thursday workouts, however you can schedule strength training on any two convenient days. For more information, see: Stretch & Strengthen .

Take Time: Does the 12-week progression from 3 to 13.1 miles seem too tough? Do you have more than a dozen weeks before your selected Half Marathon? Lengthen the schedule; take 18 or even 24 weeks to prepare. Repeat the week just completed before moving up to the next level. Don't be afraid to insert "stepback" weeks, where you actually cut your distance every second or third week to gather forces for the next push upward. To see how this "stepback" approach works, check out the training schedules on my Marathon Training Guide.

Racing: It's not obligatory, but you might want to run a 5-K or 10-K to see how you're doing--and also to experience a road race, if you have not run one before. You will be able to use your times to predict your finishing time in the half marathon, and what pace to run that race. I have suggested a 5-K race at the end of Week 7 (your sixth week of training) and a 10-K race at the end of Week 4.

Juggling: Don't be afraid to juggle the workouts from day to day and week to week. If you have an important business meeting on Thursday, do that workout on Wednesday instead. If your family is going to be on vacation one week when you will have more or less time to train, adjust the schedule accordingly. Be consistent with your training, and the overall details won't matter.

Running 13.1 miles is not easy. If it were easy, there would be little challenge to an event such as the Half Marathon. Whether you plan your Half as a singular accomplishment or as a stepping stone to the even more challenging full marathon, crossing the finish line will give you a feeling of great accomplishment. See the week-by-week screens for more detailed information on what to run each day and tips for your training. You can click on the numbers in the first column for access to any week, or use the links on the main screen. Good luck with your training.

Novice Program

Week	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat	Sun	Miles
12	Stretch & strength	3 m run	2 m run or cross	3 m run + strength	Rest	30 min cross	4 m run	12
11	Stretch & strength	3 m run	2 m run or cross	3 m run + strength	Rest	30 min cross	4 m run	12
10	Stretch & strength	3.5 m run	2 m run or cross	3.5 m run + strength	Rest	40 min cross	5 m run	14
9	Stretch & strength	3.5 m run	2 m run or cross	3.5 m run + strength	Rest	40 min cross	5 m run	14
8	Stretch & strength	4 m run	2 m run or cross	4 m run + strength	Rest	40 min cross	6 m run	16
7	Stretch & strength	4 m run	2 m run or cross	4 m run + strength	Rest or easy run	Rest	5-K Race	13
6	Stretch & strength	4.5 m run	3 m run or cross	4.5 m run + strength	Rest	50 min cross	7 m run	19
5	Stretch & strength	4.5 m run	3 m run or cross	4.5 m run + strength	Rest	50 min cross	8 m run	20
4	Stretch & strength	5 m run	3 m run or cross	5 m run + strength	Rest or easy run	Rest	10-K Race	19
3	Stretch & strength	5 m run	3 m run or cross	5 m run + strength	Rest	60 min cross	9 m run	22
2	Stretch & strength	5 m run	3 m run or cross	5 m run	Rest	60 min cross	10 m run	23
1	Stretch & strength	4 m run	3 m run or cross	2 m run	Rest	Rest	Half Marathon	22

Posted by Editor at May 10, 2005 05:34 PM

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