Half marathon races are gaining popularity in the racing world nowadays due to the fact that they involve a challenging distance for runners and yet do not require a very strenuous training level compared to full marathons. Running a half marathon means running a distance of 13.1 miles – a challenging task for beginners, advance, and competitive runners.

For beginners who have conquered several 5K or 10K races, running a half is considered to be their next step in their running career. Advanced runners also do this activity since it helps them build more endurance and keeps them strong during races. For competitive runners, half marathons serve as their preparation for the marathon races.

The level of training of a half marathon stays in between the 5K or 10K races and marathon. Marathon training requires 5 months of training, while a half marathon involves only 3 months of training. So, basically, running a half marathon is a good choice before running a marathon to help the body get more used to the demands of a full marathon.

Running a half though is not something to be taken for granted. Running it can still be demanding both physically and mentally. A runner should be serious enough in training for half’s if he wants to improve his running abilities.

The training for a half marathon is composed of four phases: endurance, strength, speed, and tapering. Each phase includes a training program or schedule that needs to be met by athletes before proceeding to the next phase. These four phases have a pre-training week to assess the runner’s level of fitness and help he/she decide if he/she is fit to start the training program or do a little more of the pre-training until he/she comfortable and confident enough to engage the program properly. A runner must “incorporate” the training program into his/her daily routine. Flexibility and adaptability to the training program is needed. What is important in running a half is to train in a gradual manner. Hastiness is discouraged since it can lead to a serious problem or injury.

Half marathon trainings are also categorized into three levels: beginner, advanced, and competitive. Beginner program includes rest periods throughout the duration of the program. Advanced program may have days off, but it has many weeks without rest periods. The competitive program does not include any rest periods or off days.

May I recommend you also read the articles by RunCoach Jen. She wrote an article I think you would have some interest in called 10k training schedule intermediate [http://runtofinish.com/10k-training-schedule-intermediate/]. For a complete guide to running, running gear selection, running styles and mistakes, and training schedules, check out Running Guide [http://runtofinish.com/].

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