What is the minimum long run training distance to finish a half-marathon?

Asked by: Jonathan Aguilar

You Don’t Have to Run 13.1 Miles in Training To be physically prepared for the race, you can participate in long runs totaling 13 miles or more, but you don’t have to. If you can run or run/walk a 10-mile distance, you should be able to safely and comfortably complete a half-marathon.

How long should my long run be when training for a half marathon?

Ideally, your long run should be at least 90 minutes long.

Most 8- to 12-week half marathon training plans build runners to run 12 miles two weeks before their half marathon with a reduction in volume ahead of the race (aka taper).

How many miles should you run before doing a half marathon?

The First-Time Half Marathoners Plan on Runner’s World has you run 12 miles as your longest run before the race. As a certified running coach, I recommend 12 miles for new runners and up to 15 miles for experienced runners.

Should you run 13 miles before a half marathon?

To be physically prepared for the race, you can participate in long runs totaling 13 miles or more, but you don’t have to. If you can run or run/walk a 10-mile distance, you should be able to safely and comfortably complete a half-marathon.

Should I run a 10K before a half marathon?

To save yourself stress and lower your risk of injury, complete a shorter race like a 5K or a 10K before running a half-marathon. Then move on to a full marathon if you wish. Running with proper technique is enough of a challenge.

How long to train from 10K to half marathon?

Stick with the general guideline of adding no more than 10% to your volume per week and budget approximately 4 moths or 16 weeks to make the jump from 10K to half marathon. You can certainly make the move faster, but you will increase your risk of injury or burnout.

Can I run a marathon if I can run 10 miles?

If you’ve only run three times a week with your longest run being 10 miles, could you finish a marathon? Yes, most humans have the physical ability to actually run 26.2 miles.

Is 16 miles long enough for marathon training?

Distance: Most coaches advise long runs of 16-23 miles, depending on your experience. Slower runners should concentrate more on time than distance, and do runs of three to three-and-a-half hours. Frequency: Most coaches suggest three to six long runs of 16 miles or more in the three months leading up to the marathon.

Should you fuel during a half marathon?

Unless you are a very fast half marathon runner, you will need to take on fuel during the race and any training runs over 60 minutes. So if your goal finish time is 1 hour 45 minutes+, start testing your best food and drink strategies now during training.

How much harder is a half marathon than a 10k?

I’d say about 1.3-1.5x harder than 10k training. – Marathon is MUCH harder than the half marathon. For me, running a marathon at similar performance to my half marathons requires 2-3x the training I need for the half marathon, and feels 3-4x harder in terms of toll on the body on race day.

Can you run a half marathon without water?

Studies suggest that you drink to thirst for any event lasting 60–90 minutes so runners completing the race in less than 75 minutes should have no real need to drink unless they feel thirsty. However, slower runners taking more than 90 minutes should plan to consume fluids on the run, even in more temperate conditions.

Is it bad to drink water while running?

Hydration during running is important for performance and health. Drink water regularly during the day and practice hydrating while on long runs. And don’t forget your need for carbohydrates and electrolytes to optimize your hydration and nutrition.

How much water should I drink the morning of a half marathon?

In general, it’s recommended that athletes aim to drink 0.4-0.8 liters per hour (L/h) or 8-16 ounces per hour (oz/h).

Why do marathon runners drink sports drinks during a race?

Sports drinks, such as Gatorade or Powerade, contain electrolytes such as sodium and potassium, the components of table salt. When you are running, your body loses electrolytes through sweat.

How do you breathe when running?

The best way to breathe while running is to inhale and exhale using both your nose and mouth combined. Breathing through both the mouth and the nose will keep your breathing steady and engage your diaphragm for maximum oxygen intake. It also allows you to expel carbon dioxide quickly.

Do I need electrolytes for half marathon?

To counteract the electrolyte losses expected in the race, whilst maintaining good levels of body water, it’s a good idea to top up with a couple of bottles of a strong sodium based electrolyte solution (about two to three times stronger than a standard sports drink) in the last 24 hours before the race.