The Runner’s World Guide to Mastering the Half Marathon
The half marathon continues to be the most popular race distance—literally thousands of people run one each year! That’s because for newer runners who’ve finished 5Ks or 10Ks, the half offers a challenge without the the grind of marathon training. And for runners who have more experience, training for 13.1 miles betters your stamina for shorter, faster races while still building your overall endurance.
Tackling the half-marathon distance might be one of the smartest goals to work toward to start your 2024, and that’s why Runner’s World+ created How to Master the Half Marathon. Paired with the RW Training Plan of your choice, this holistic training program, available exclusively to Runner’s World+ members, provides all the tools you need to navigate the entire half-marathon training journey—from building your base to how to run your race strategically.
Your Coach
Knox Robinson is a runner, writer, and coach. He is the cofounder and captain of the Black Roses NYC run crew, and an ardent purveyor of running culture. In the RW+ video How to Master the Half Marathon, he’ll help you get through the long runs, feel healthy, and finish strong on race day.
Your Experts
Mallory Creveling
Deputy Health & Fitness Editor, ACE-Certified Personal Trainer, RRCA-Certified Run Coach
Jeff Dengate
Runner-in-Chief, Runner’s World
Beret Loncar
Licensed Massage Therapist, Certified Yoga Therapist, RRCA-Certified Run Coach
Roberto Mandje
Olympian, Run Coach
Amy Stephens
Registered Dietitian, Board Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics
What You’ll Learn
1: Why You Should Run a Half
The reasons 13.1 miles is the best race distance!
2: Base Training
How to set your foundation before you build mileage and speed.
3: Choose the Right Gear
Looking for the perfect pair or new apparel? Our experts can help.
4: Choose the Right Plan
Ask yourself these questions before you choose a plan.
5. Types of Runs
All the workouts that might appear on your training plan.
6: Nutrition
Keep your energy up with these dietitian-approved rules.
7: Rest & Recover
To maximize performance, you need to recover as hard as you train.
8: Sleep
You need quality sleep for better performance.
9: Strength Training
How to add strength to your run routine.
10: Missed Days & Injuries
How to deal with setbacks in your training.
11: How to Race Your Half
Hit your goal with this proven approach.
12: Recover
Feel better after a race—and the next time you head out.
Runner’s World+ Half Marathon Training Plans
How to Master the Half Marathon was created with our Runner’s World Half Marathon Training Plans in mind, which are designed to help you crush your first race or finally break that time-based goal. These are our most popular plans, with each lasting 10 to 14 weeks long. Runner’s World+ members get access to these ultimate half marathon training guides (along with marathon, 10K, and 5K plans... plus other great membership perks!) when you sign up!
🏃🏾♀️ Welcome to the Runner’s World+ Community!
Runners World+ is a tight-knit community as passionate about running as you are. Through RW+, we’ve expanded the ways we can reach you beyond simple stories in a magazine and on a website, offering more unique benefits to help you run faster, stronger, healthier, and happier. Along with How to Master the Half Marathon, here’s just a glimpse at what we offer
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