Half-Marathon Training Plan for Beginners

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Build strength, speed, and confidence with our training plan -- and be ready to run a half-marathon in just 8 weeks.

By Alyssa Shaffer

Ready to take on a half-marathon? If you can run at least two miles without stopping, even at a slow pace, try this easy-does-it program designed exclusively for FITNESS by running coach Andrew Kastor, who creates online training programs for the New York Road Runners club. It tacks on miles gradually to get you from start to end feeling strong.

BONUS: Sign up for our 8-week half-marathon training course to get workouts, nutrition ideas, and motivation tips sent straight to your inbox.

Download the training schedule >>
Sign up to get weekly moves, meals, and motivation tips >>
Strengthen your stride with these cross-training moves >>
Check out smart eating strategies for runners >>
Want a more challenging plan? Try our Intermediate/Advanced level >>

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valverdemajo wrote:

I'll be starting this training tomorrow, just enough time to complete it before a city's half-marathon at the end of August. Hope it works out, finishing a 21k run would be a dream come true.

6/24/2012 07:45:20 PM Report Abuse

mesateal wrote:

Can you make the schedule in a different file? I can read it because it's a PDF file type

3/27/2012 02:35:19 PM Report Abuse

rebeccawith wrote:

If you can't run two miles right now, I suggest following the Couch to 5k (aka: C25K). Google it. It's a great program for beginners.

9/12/2011 01:03:45 PM Report Abuse

annfoster94 wrote:

what a brilliant idea! going to get stuck into it this week! Thank you!

4/4/2011 02:00:01 PM Report Abuse

ninjaroobeachy wrote:

I did this training schedule 2 years ago and did not deviate away from it at all. I did indeed complete a 1/2 marathon at the end of the 8 weeks, and shed 21 pounds!! I also had incorporated weight training into my schedule. Good luck!

2/15/2011 07:59:32 AM Report Abuse