half marathon
Get faster without sacrificing durability.
For athletes who want one plan with variations — plus pacing guidance that stays controlled under stress.
Time horizon
Train in ~12–26 weeks (choose the plan that fits your base).
Start with a default plan, then customize only what you need.
Start with a plan
Pick one plan. Variations live inside the page so you can choose without overwhelm.
- 14-week half marathon training plan (variations included)One plan with variations in one place.
- 16-week half marathon training plan (variations included)One plan with variations in one place.
- 12-week half marathon training plan (variations included)One plan with variations in one place.
- 18-week half marathon training plan (variations included)One plan with variations in one place.
- 20-week half marathon training plan (variations included)One plan with variations in one place.
- 10-week half marathon training plan (variations included)One plan with variations in one place.
Then use a tool
No signup required. Get numbers you can act on today.
Finish with a guide
Checklists + decision rules for the parts people mess up.
This week
What changed
Updated: Feb 03, 2026, 02:17 PM
- Added new training plans with smart variations (so you can pick without overwhelm).
- Improved tools (pace, fueling, cutoffs) so you get numbers you can use immediately.
- Expanded adaptation rules so missed sessions don’t turn into panic make-up workouts.
- Expanded race directories and athlete guides with sources and verification timestamps.
Coaching beta
Get a plan that adapts to your life.
Join the 26weeks.ai TestFlight beta for adaptive coaching, recovery-aware adjustments, and race-week reminders.
FAQs
Do I need long runs for a half marathon?
Yes. Long runs build durability; the exact length depends on your base, but consistency matters more than one giant run.
How much speedwork should I do?
One tempo/threshold session plus one long-run focus per week is plenty. Keep the rest truly easy.
What’s the biggest mistake?
Turning easy days into medium-hard days. That steals recovery from the workouts that matter.
Keep going
14-Week Half Marathon Training Plan
A 14-week half marathon training plan with week-by-week structure, workouts, adaptation rules, and a pace calculator. Variations are included on one page.
16-Week Half Marathon Training Plan
A 16-week half marathon training plan with week-by-week structure, workouts, adaptation rules, and a pace calculator. Variations are included on one page.
12-Week Half Marathon Training Plan
A 12-week half marathon training plan with week-by-week structure, workouts, adaptation rules, and a pace calculator. Variations are included on one page.
18-Week Half Marathon Training Plan
A 18-week half marathon training plan with week-by-week structure, workouts, adaptation rules, and a pace calculator. Variations are included on one page.
20-Week Half Marathon Training Plan
A 20-week half marathon training plan with week-by-week structure, workouts, adaptation rules, and a pace calculator. Variations are included on one page.
10-Week Half Marathon Training Plan
A 10-week half marathon training plan with week-by-week structure, workouts, adaptation rules, and a pace calculator. Variations are included on one page.
Running Pace Calculator (with Splits)
Convert distance + time into pace per km/mile and generate a splits table. Useful for planning workouts and race pacing.
Race Time Predictor (Riegel Model)
Estimate equivalent 5K/10K/half marathon/marathon times from one known result using a simple model. Useful for goal-setting and pacing.
How to Pace a Marathon (Rules That Prevent Blow-Ups)
Effort-first marathon pacing rules: how to start, when to settle, how to handle hills/heat, and how to avoid the classic late-race crash.
Taper Week Checklist (Arrive Fresh, Not Flat)
A practical taper checklist: what to reduce, what to keep, and what to rehearse so race week is calm and repeatable.
Sources
- Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans
- Physical Activity
- ACSM guidance and position stands (see journals for specifics)
- Effects of Strength Training on the Physiological Determinants of Middle- and Long-Distance Running Performance: A Systematic Review
- Effects of 16 weeks of pyramidal and polarized training intensity distributions in well-trained endurance runners
- Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd edition (PDF)
- Nutrition and Athletic Performance
- Exercise and Fluid Replacement
- Why is hydration important? The effect of dehydration on performance
- Dehydration
- Hyponatremia