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MSquared Coaching- 12 Week 1/2 Marathon Run Plan (Intermediate)

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MSquared Coaching- 12 Week 1/2 Marathon Run Plan (Intermediate)

Author

Michael Masters

All plans by this Coach

Length

12 Weeks

Plan Description

Half Marathon Training Guide - Experienced is aimed at runners, who may have run half marathons and even full marathons, but who appreciate its gentle approach to training.

Here is how to use the plan to run your best half marathon.

The terms used in the training chart are somewhat obvious, but let me explain what I mean anyway.

Pace: Don't worry about how fast you run your regular workouts. Run at a comfortable pace, a conversational pace. 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. In deciding where to train, talk to other runners. GPS watches make measuring courses easy.

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 if you rest before, and rest after.

Long Runs: The key to half marathon training 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. Then, after a brief taper, you jump to 13.1. The schedule below suggests doing your long runs on Sundays, but you can do them Saturdays, or any other convenient day,

Cross-Train: On the schedule below, this is identified simply as "cross." What form of cross-training? Aerobic exercises work best. It could be swimming, cycling, walking (see below), cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, or even some combination that could include strength training. Cross train on Wednesdays and/or Saturdays. 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. Be aware that I also offer a separate half marathon training program for those who plan to walk all the way.

Strength Training: If you never have lifted weights before, now might not be the best time to start. Wait until after completing this program. If you are an experienced lifter, continue, although you may want to cut back somewhat as the mileage builds near the end. Tuesdays and Thursdays after your run would be good days on which to lift.

Racing: Consider doing a couple of races to familiarize yourself with the sport. I have suggested a 5-K race at the end of Week 6 and a 10-K race at the end of Week 9. If you can't find races at those distances on the weeks suggested, feel free to modify the schedule.

Juggling: Don't be afraid to juggle the workouts from day to day and week to week. Be consistent with your training, and the overall details won't matter.

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. Good luck with your training.

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Training Plan Sample Week

Stats

Average Weekly Breakdown

Workouts Weekly Average Longest Workout
Run x5
02:09:00 01:05:00
Strength x1
00:34:00 01:00:00
Day Off x1
—— ——
Workouts Per Week Weekly Average Longest Workout
Run
02:09:00 01:05:00
Strength
00:34:00 01:00:00
Day Off
—— ——

Training Load By Week


This plan works best with the following fitness devices:

  • Heart Rate Monitor
  • GPS

All supported devices

Michael Masters

MSquared Triathlon Coaching

Michael's coaching profile speaks for itself. With a lifetime of experience in sports coaching at the very highest levels he is without doubt one of the most exciting coaches on the scene.

Michael can provide individuals with an underwater swim analysis seperate to the full range of Training Peaks coaching packages available.


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This plan is protected by our Refund Policy and may, with the author's approval, be exchanged for a plan of equal value from the same author.

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