Are you getting ready to run a half marathon? Which one? Or maybe you have a question about training for a half marathon that we didn’t cover? Let us know in the comments below!

I ran my first half marathon distance this morning!

8 weeks ago, I couldn't even run for 4k unless I sat down for 10 minutes halfway through. On Tuesday, I completed an unbroken half marathon in just over 2 hours. This channel has been a massive help, thanks!

I started running (at the gym) a month ago with 42 minutes for 5k. Today I ran 8k in 59 minutes. My goal is to do a 10k race and maybeeee a half marathon sometime next year, but I feel like it's still a long way to go... literally. lol

To those who wants to attempt 21.1k/HM, good luck guys. I just did my 3rd solo HM run in the rain today, and set a PB. My previous PB was 2:21, and today i got 2:14 😁 instead of carrying energy supplies, i picked a drizzle/rainy day as the cool rain can help reduce my sweating, thus hold water longer

Running my first Half in October in Kansas ! This channel continues to keep me focused and improving!! Thank you!

Perfect timing. I am literally at this stage at the moment.

I'm far from running 10k let alone a half marathon but hopefully next year I'll improve from my 5k. I appreciate you for your videos.

Love this channel! They have been with me on my journey from couch to 5km to just completing my first 10km since I started back in May. Love this teams' positive attitude and personability, they make me feel like each step is in reach and they make it fun. Looking to start the training for a half in the coming weeks. Shout out to Anna, your videos where you show the struggle completing your marathons and 24hr relays are super inspiring because you never give up.

The Running Channel has been coaching me since January of this year. You have all kept me on track through the pandemic and doubt. I've accomplished one 1/2 marathon and all the training involved. I'm scheduled for another virtual 1/2 next weekend and I've got another 1/2 on the calendar for the end of October. Thanks guys! Your advice is amazing!

You folks do a good job making this stuff clear and approachable. Your presenters are very relatable as well. I benefitted from this as a recovery day education. That’s the only thing i would add. The way I build value into my training is to think of the recovery day each week as the classroom day. This is the day to put your feet up and catch up on all the educational content thats been recommended to me. It’s a day for journaling about my progression, research up coming strategy, make phone calls, etc. thank you again for this strategy piece. Im watching it on my recovery day after 6 days of a hard training block.

Thank you so much for your videos , I JUST singed up for my first half marathon, and I been watching your videos for tips! 🏃‍♂️

I just completed my first 10k virtual race in 67.44 mins, and am now increasing my distance. I ran for 100 minutes this morning, but slower pace as i am exploring maf training. Only started running during furlough so i am pleased with my progress. I am 55 yrs old!!

Great bit of advice. I started running in January, had worked by way to 10K by May. Was supposed to be running the Great North Run next weekend but doing it virtually now instead, hopefully I'll be there next year!

Thanks for the advice from Austin Texas. Clear and concise.

No turning back now. Just signed up for early October. I've been working hard but I'm not yet 100% confident. It's been rough at times training in the summer heat. At 55, this has been a challenge but your channel has been very helpful and entertaining!

Some great tips, I’ve been running 18 months and planning to do a half marathon this year. Furthest I have ran us 12 km so plenty of handy info in this video to help me.

As someone who's not a fast runner, my goal was just to be able to do a half marathon in under 3 hours. I ran without a training plan months before a race, and made sure I could run the 13.1 miles within that time before I even bothered looking at a training plan or race. Each week I increased my distance by about a kilometre with the exception of the last 2km. I didn't bother with gels as they made no difference to my running or energy levels. A lot of speed and hill sessions I did in the gym, as well as a few other strength exercises. Long story short, did my first half marathon in 2:34. I didn't drink anything during the race (which is normal.for me on runs anyway) until the last two kiloemtres and that was more wetting my lips than drinking anything. My watch has a race predictor option, so rather than faff around trying to predict the pace I wanted to run, I just set that as my main screen so that when I was running I could glance at my watch and get an idea of the time I'd finish in as the kilometres counted down. My second half marathon was a virtual one on a hot day in my hilly locale. I was 5 minutes off my first, but just goes to show that on a flat, with the right shoes, I will fly again 🙂

This video was great timing as I am currently training to do my first half marathon (virtual) at the end of October or early November. I have not tried energy gels but might give these a try on my training. Taking out a sports drink is helping me on longer runs and for me a good playlist always helps to keep me motivated. Thanks for all the tips and videos, this is a great channel 😁

Excellent timing and great advice as always. I’m on Week 6 of 12 week prep for Amsterdam half marathon. Gutted it’s now been cancelled but I plan to continue and run that distance on the day.

I loved this! Thank you bunches for breaking things down and explaining more :D I'm trying to build up to half marathon!!

Great content and videos out there on your channel! I love what you said about doubting yourself and letting go off some trainings or even weeks... Chasing a new HM PB is my running motivation since many years and each time I attempt the new one I am into that thoughts although there have been many new PBs yet 😉 Thanks for encouraging and everyone out there: just keep on keeping on 💃🏻

Love your videos! Keep up the great work 👏🏽😁

Just watched this video and have my first half in three weeks. I was thinking I’m not sure I’ll be able to do it as haven’t done as much training as I’d like due to life getting in the way and a few niggles. Thanks for making me feel better.

Nice work Rick and Anna! Thanks for all the great advice. I have decided this week to go ahead and run my half in November (8th) in spite of returning from my injury well into the training block. I'm a little nervous about this and really don't want to hurt myself again but my main 2020 main running goal was to complete an official half. I don't want to think about how I will live with myself if I don't make it so I'm pressing on. Thanks for the encouragement and education.

I really needed this thanks. I’m a freshman in high school running a sub 45 10k and have always wanted to tuna half marathon. This really encouraged me to sign up for one. Love the vids.

Thanks for the tips👍. Have a half marathon in four weeks in Rotorua, NZ. Whether ‘actual’ race, or virtual is still to be determined. Doing most of what you guys recommend. Mental side needs a bit of work, especially after a dreadful 5k run yesterday afternoon!

Just what I need! Signed up to 3 HM this year and all cancelled so signed up to a fourth last weekend, a trail half, in 6 weeks! Back on the training again!

Started running back in Nov 2021 by using the C25K app. This helped me achieve my first park run 5K. A couple weeks back I managed to cross the Great North 10k finishing line in 63 minutes. It was such a great feeling having the support around you and achieving my first ever medal 😃. I’m now working hard towards a half marathon - hoping to be ready for Septembers Great North Run. Yesterday i went out on my long run with an 8 mile target mindset. The heat was punishing me and ended up running out of water and energy! I’ll definitely need to look into those running gels and also mindset. As a runner it’s a constant battle with mindset - one minute you’re like ‘you got this’. And then suddenly ‘just give up and walk.’ I find these videos extremely inspiring and informative. I know I can do this! Thank you 😊

Such a helpful video thank you!

First marathon in October! I'm excited

Love this video, its like you read my mind!....just signed up for the virtual gnr next Sunday

Doing the Tupelo Marathon tomorrow. My first marathon. I wanted to be around four hours pre pandemic now the goal is to finish.

Awesome info and I’m training for my second half marathon in December🤞🏾 I’ve been using my Nike plus App for years and there coaching is awesome for me. Definitely looking forward into adding more hill reps in my training it’s super flat out here so I don’t get to hit them hills 💪🏾🦵🏾😎🌿#Loverunning #halfmarathon

Perfect timing! Just signed up for my first half for April 🥰

I ran my longest distance ever this morning, 10k, and decided that my next running goal is to train for a half marathon. I found this video very helpful in preparing for this next step of my running journey.

I am running my first 10K next week. I hope to continue running and improving my 5k and 10K times and maybe by next year running a half marathon. Love these super helpful videos!

I've done quite a few 1/2's & ran my PB last Apr (1:39:07) @ 57yrs of age. I've been running for over 30 years & it's that next step to a full I'm not at all confident about. It's such a damn long way! I rode the 42.2k's to get an idea. Maybe I shouldn't have. 🤦🏻 R E S P E C T to those that have covered these distances.

The Running Channel really helps in motivating me to run further. I have stopped running for well over 10 years but I have started running again in Nov 2019 and have not stopped since. Before 2010, I only ran 2 half marathon distance, onec in '94 and the other in '06 I think. This year has been great with running. It has brought about much health benefits. I've done 3 half marathon on my own this year and am pleasantly surprised that I could run faster then the first 2 attempts! I'm turning 50 in a couple of months. Hope that motivates the not so young to come out and run!

would love to do a HM- have been doing 10km- yes, planning and training are key- thank you @the running channel - you’re the best ❤

Decided to start training for this at the end of July. Training has been going well and on my last training run (10 miles) I ended up doing my first half marathon distance in 1:55:24. 🏃‍♂️

You guys are awesome! My goal is to get back up to half by the end of the year... and Anna is so funny! Especially at the end!!! Love it!

I can't believe I'm finally here! So excited

I ran my furthest distance this week (10miles) felt like a 5k run 😂 got one virtual half this month, next month and a proper half marathon race in November. Great video guys. Keep up the awesome work.

Good Video, maybe a bit late for me as I just signed up for my first race ever... a half. Had planned on getting to the distance late this month so timing just kinda worked. 3 weeks out and my latest long run was shakey today. Hope I can get a little more strength and mobility work to make it over that finishline. thanks for the good content.

Perfect timing. Coming back from an injury and struggling to get back up to half marathon distance.

I’ve come a long way in last year or so, from not being able to run 3k without stopping, to running my first 10 mile run a couple of weeks back. Mainly thanks to the running channel (Anna 😅) so I’m very thankful to you all and this video has came at the perfect time. Still carrying and extra couple of stone that I need to shift so looking forward to running further and faster in the coming months. Keep up the good work guys. Much love 👍🏻

Dutch running problem #1: Error 404: hills weren't found, only flat ground

Ran my first half today, my previous further distance was 15k. It was hilly and tough but pleased I did it. My time was 1.59.30

Most important thing I found is to run 90% aerobic during training - a Heart Rate of about (180 - age) or conversational pace. You hardly need any anaerobic endurance for a long race. Plus if you monitor HR you’ll be able to measure your aerobic fitness improvment. E.g. You may start at 12min/mile at 135 bpm - in 12 weeks you can Very possibly do 10 min mile at 135 or better. The long run is key - run it with a friend at that a slow pace and chat.

As one of those people who jumped straight in at the deep end, doing a Marathon in my first running event as an adult, my first official Half was a weird experience. Overfuelled, started way too far back and way too slowly before blitzing the last 5k.

Thank youuu!! I'm so focus on achieving my first 21K. I'm so happy

I'm currently training for my first half marathon and have found that I need to do a lot more pre- and post- workout than when I focused on 5K and 10K. For example, I need a solid 15 minutes of activation and dynamic stretching before my warm-up jog. It's not just my legs that need this; it's my back too. Then, post workout, it's 10-15 minutes of stretching my whole body out and near daily foam rolling between runs. Finding the energy for foam rolling after a long or hard run is the worst!

Hi guys, I always love to run but I was hitting always in the 8k or 10 k distance but always struggling a lot, during the pandemic I went vegan and immediately i saw an improvement in my workouts and on first try I did 12 k super relaxed. Watching your videos I got inspired to go for the 21k in two months October 9 in Oviedo, Spain. I know that I'm already running and training but what you think is the lowest time to start in this training schedule for the half marathon. Great video and a lot of great info and tips to look out. thanks so much!

I was planning to run my first half marathon in Gothenberg in May. Lost all motivation when the race got cancelled and barely ran for a few months, but I'm back on the bandwagon now and running 3 times a week. My goal is to do a time trial half by the end of the year and just finish - which will hopefully give me a good baseline to work from training for the same event in 2121. I have told my boyfriend he has to make me a medal though 😅🏅Thanks for this solid advice - just watching your video while waiting for my breakfast to settle before heading out on my long run!

Running my first half marathon this morning. Haven't trained. Will properly prepare for the next marathon.

Did another HM last weekend out on the trails 571m of elevation. Looking and doing an ultra next year 👊

Accidentally managed to complete my first 10km in the second week of my training for it 2 mins under my target time. Decided to think long term and am hoping to complete the great north run next year

Hi guys thanks for the upload Great tips I’ll be sure to include in my next half marathon. I’ve always ran 3km or 5 km and my Sunday 10 km I was confident enough to ran my first half marathon two weeks ago and I did 1:46 happy with that . Cheers guys

The Running Channel, Another awesome video, love it, and Anna your cool and awesome. Love to see a team one, a team one, (from Running Channel) love to see a team challenge. (In all 4 of you) Would love to see this, in how fast you/4 can do a 10km run etc. Like this, 2 minutes on as fast as you can go for 2 minutes, then next person etc. For example, Andy 2 minutes, (fast as he can go) then Kate 2 minutes, Anna 2 minutes, and Rick 2 minutes then back to Andy (hope you get that) So if it took you/4, 40 minutes to do 10km, then that would be 5 (2 minutes effects for all of you, Andy, Kate, Anna, Rick)

I completed my first half marathon on the daily course I run last week. It wasn't planned for the day as the goal was 8 miles and if my pace was decent and I felt good I would shoot for 10 miles. After that I was in good shape and finished up the last 3 miles without issue. After training more and more since Oct 2019, slow and steady I was able to complete this distance. My pace was right on the mark.

I really needed this video today! I'm a teacher preparing for the first week of virtual training so life definitely got in the way a bit this week. Training for my first half in December. It's easy to get down on yourself for missing a training session or two.I need to learn to go easy on myself if I have to miss a run here and there. I will get back out there tomorrow. Thank you all! 💜

It would great advice to participate in a 10-miler or 15km event first (before doing a half-marathon) . . . if there is one available, of course. This is a great step-up from a 10km, and yet not massively dis-similar: still keeps you in a (reasonably) comfortable 'comfort zone' even though you're pushing your boundaries out a wee bit. Your training need not differ too much from your 10km training, yet it allows you to start moving into longer distances / races in a very manageable way.

Idk why I’m watching this video, my long run is already a half marathon at least. I just like the channel I guess 😂

Just doing the Virtual Marathon du Medoc, it's over two weeks. But still seems long, very helpful video, and have hills tomorrow in Crystal Palace!

Having fun, enjoy your run. And don't think about the distance. When I started with running, I thought 10k is so far away of my personal possibilities. Now, I train for my personal first full marathon. 4 Times a week. And what should I say. Every Training has something special. I have fun and 10 of 16 weeks training already done. Even a raining Session is cool, just run and sing: it's raining man.. Inform yourself, get a trainingsplan, Stay healthy and have fun during your Training and you will Do it! And thank you for your cool Videos, they help also to Stay motivated.

I’m running/ jogging since October last year. I must say i passed all the phases running from 2 miles and being out of energy and breath, to the first 5k , 10 k respecting evolution of course by March I ran my first HM in 2.20 gosh stooping a lot times took me a while to recover from that. Lately my times 1:55 for the half marathon time, must say everything that you say here is truth, of course discipline and consistency plays big role in any sports. I would like to make my half marathon time little faster but I’m going baby steps .

I started running in mid 2016. Ran a few 5k races and a half marathon before running my first full marathon about a year into running. I have since run several more shorter races and 2 more marathons. I have yet to officially race a 10k haha, though I’ve obviously run the distance on a regular basis.

Just signed up for the Bath half marathon next year - was thinking ‘I wonder if the Running Channel has any advice on moving from 10k to half marathon?’ And you do, yay! Thanks guys 😊

The last few seconds of the video are priceless 🤣 anyway, I got to run 21.1k (solo) only 3 weeks ago (in very warm Croatia) "coached" by the Polar training plan; the last time I ran a HM before that has been in 2004 or 2005. Can't wait for races to be back! Currently thinking about doing the virtual Cologne HM on 4th October...

5k->10k wasn’t too bad but I really struggle getting to 13-15k. Going to get back into strength training, I haven’t done it in a while

Great work guys! Do you coach runners outside the Channel? Thanks !

More and more people don’t rely on carbohydrates anymore but use ketogen food. Hope you can take that into consideration for food advice during long races :)

Thanks for all the sensible advice, as always. I’m definitely going to try the tempo/hills/tempo workout you recommend here. It sounds like the perfect Tuesday session for me as I’m short on time on weekdays.

I completed my first Half Marathon today, Training Plan suggested by you helped a lot 👍

Funny that I’m looking at this video today. Today 5/9-20 I just completed my first half marathon, the Stockholm half marathon virtual edition. My goals were, 1 complete the race 2 under max time (2:45h) 3 enjoy the moment. I managed all 3! I’m an amateur runner but I’m really happy that I signed up for the challenge. I want to say to everyone that you need to respect the distance and hydrate. Have a great day!

Was looking forward to doing my first half marathon this year (Edinburgh), but now it's virtual. 😠 Still, I have the Great Scottish run in October (hopefully NOT virtual!) I ran a 15 k the other day - didn't care about time, and did it in 1hr 50 minutes. I'm 51, and I'm only a 'fair weather's runner.

This is a perfect for me! I am trying to do a half marathon now. Would you guys recommend compression socks? I’ve heard good and bad about them and now a little confused. Thanks:)

Great informative video. Thank you 👟👟

I am training for my first half marathon and I’m a bit worried that I might not be ready for the run. ❤

Thanks for these tips. I will move up to a HALF MARATHON once i hit my goal time in 10k. My current pb is 38:02. I did my time trial for HM and got 01:35... 36,35mins is my goal for 10k 🤘🏼🤘🏼🤘🏼

I've run a couple half marathons, with not the greatest training. I recently decided I needed an even scarier challenge to really motivate me to train... soo I signed up for a 12 hour race in Nov with the goal of 50k. Scary but exciting.

Some training plans for the half marathon call for 13+ miles for the longest long run. That way you know you can do the full distance. According to Jeff Galloway it also can make for a faster race.

This video is so perfectly timed! I've recently smashed my 10K goal time (goal was 55 minutes, managed it in 53 minutes!) and have signed up for my first half marathon in March next year. I'm looking forward to building on my distance. Thank you for the tips!

Thanks for the vedio. 10 km to hm.. I am 73 year old daily 🏃 runner averaging 15 km each day 365 days run walk run method. Hm 124 includes practice. My best 2:33:24. No injuries nor any medical issues. I agree with your plans..Pl advice.

My first half marathon is next week! The virtual great North run :) my goal is to finish haha

Did a half marathon in training but I never did it offically in competition. Have my first official half marathon this Saturday in Malibu. After that Marathon time and after that the 50k and after that the 100k anything beyond that ???

Thanks, great video reminds me need to work on fuelling, especially now it’s warming up .

Ran my first half marathon yesterday, in hindsight very unprepared. Just coming back from having a cold and not running at all for 2 weeks prior because of that cold. Brought with me a waterbottle and a bunch of bananas. About 16km in I could no longer run for all the cramping in my calves, but finished the thing at a brisk walk. It took me 3 hours, which is not a great time, but my goal was to just cross the finish line without perishing. My longest run before this was 12km and I started running just over a year ago. Without being too "braggy" I can honestly say I'm proud of this milestone in my running career. All that's left now is to wait for my finisher shirt and medal that will arrive in the post :) Happy running all!

Last 10k I did was a race 7 months ago, it was the 22nd of February and I did it at 4:48 average. Started with 3:15 for first 3k and burnt out a whole lot. I miss running but I feel demotivated and lazy. The most distance I went was 16k a few days before the race which was nice but I went too hard because i kinda got myself injured haha. I'm basically procrastinating getting new shoes because mine we literally falling apart. My goal is to do a 10k under 40 minutes now. Well, the real goal is under 30 minutes but that's further in the future. Good luck to everyone!

Love the advice. However, since Anna is an ultramarathoner would love to see some advice on how to step up from a 50k to a 100k or to a multi-day ultra.

Currently training for Cardiff 1/2 marathon as well as shortly after Newport full marathon. This was due to COVID and the postponement of both races.

Very much needed at this time for me , I am running 10K last ,1 year and not able to progress further, this video will help me to progress further into HM👍

Mindset is the key!

Just a word of caution about nutrition especially post run. Go easy. It's not because you've just ran for 90 minutes that you can stuff your face. My weekdays runs are 90 minutes long and i only have a glass of fruit juice before take nothing during and have a banana and a coffee after. That's all. If you eat proper meals than you don't really need much else unless you run marathon and beyond kind of distances. So concentrate more on good quality meals and less on snacks

Motivational mantra: “Oh what a lovely day, WHAT A LOVELY DAY!! WITNESS ME!”

I'm only 14 and I recently ran a 10k. I ran it in less than an hour and it was pretty easy. I feel I have a knack for long distance running. For now by XC season I'm trying to lower my 5k time in 6 months, I'm aiming for a sub 17 minute 5k, and to run my first half marathon in the next 6 months. But I still think the 5k is too low of a distance for me. The half marathon I'm aiming to run sub 2 hrs. Then my is to work super hard all year and cut down 30 minutes on my half marathon time, I know it sounds ambitious but I'm gonna go for it.

This is a great video. I can run 10K just under an hour. More comfortable it is at a pace around 6:10 - 6:30. I do not have specific plans but when I ran 15K (twice) I thought I could do 45 minutes more - that would be around a half marathon. (funny enough at some point I am not looking at the distance ahead but the time - it makes it more doable) All the advice in the video should be taken seriously, especially hydration and nutrition. It's not "oh, it's just another 10K" for those who can run 10K already.

I did my first half marathon last weekend. I have another half marathon coming up soon but I told myself I want to work on my 10km when I’m done my half marathon. Please give us tips on how to run 10km faster and what training we should do. Oh and diet as well cause I suck at that 😢

Having just passed running 10k this is perfectly timed! I'm focusing on adding 1-2km a week onto my weeks total distance, not got a particular date in mind just trying to be consistent in adding the distance but end goal ATM is half marathon