How Long Is A Half Marathon?

The half marathon is exactly 13.1094 miles or 21.097494 Kilometres long. As you can see these distances are very precise. They are rounded down to 13.1 miles or 21.1 Kilometres.

The distance is exactly half the distance of the full marathon and is almost always run on roads. The popularity of half marathons is growing rapidly. Almost every city and major town will now host at least one of these events every year.

Why Is The Half Marathon Distance So Popular?

Many people like to run and many people like to raise money for charity. Unfortunately the training schedule and the actual distance is just too much for most people. It is the amount of time it takes to prepare that is the stumbling block for many.

That is the main difference with the half marathon. Although still a challenge, and a great accomplishment, almost anyone can be fit enough to run the half marathon distance in about 12 weeks. People of a moderate fitness can be ready in about 8 weeks, and fit people can be read in 4-6 weeks.

That puts this in range for a great many people. So now that you know how long the half marathon is, do you believe that it is something that you could take on and have some success with? When I thought about running the half marathon initially, I can tell you quite honestly that the 13.1 miles seemed a very long distance indeed. It was only when I started looking into the details a bit more that I began to believe that it was achievable.

Understanding How To Deal With The Distance of 13.1 Miles

The key to being able to do this race is all in the planning. When I started out I was not in great shape. I was overweight by around 10-14 pounds and I had not done any training at all for about ten years. I used to play a lot of football, squash and golf. Mainly due to injuries I packed it all in. I didn't become a potato couch but I did not do any exercise either.

So that was my starting point and to be honest I knew if I wanted to complete a half marathon, I would have to get into shape. I found a plan for beginners and I was quite surprised when it stated I could be ready in 12 weeks if I followed this plan. I have to tell you I didn't believe that at all.

However, nothing ventured and nothing gained so at least I made a commitment to give it my best shot. I have to tell you it worked and in 12 weeks I did complete my first half marathon, one that would be the first of many. The secret is of course to start with short distances and work your way up over the weeks. I just walked the distance the first couple of weeks as I was not quite up to a running effort.

Soon though I was running and the distances recommended in the plan began to get comfortable. Sure I developed a bit of a sweat and I ached a bit for a few days. Eventually though it all started coming together and then it became enjoyable.

I have published a link to this plan on this blog and you can see it for yourself by clicking here.

Why Run A Half Marathon?

The simple reason to run a half marathon is that for many people the full blown marathon is probably a few miles too far for many. For many, the actual distance of the marathon is achievable. The really BIG problem is the amount of time and dedication that is needed to make sure you are fit and well enough to do it.

It makes sense then that the half marathon is simply a better option for many people.

The Half Marathon and Charitable Causes

The single most popular reason why people decide to run a half marathon is to benefit a charity. I doubt if there is a much nobler cause than that. Every charity can benefit, and that includes the one you wish to contribute to. Running long distances is certainly a very popular way of raising money. The shorter distance of the half marathon can then bring this opportunity for many people. Not only does the runner benefit from getting fit, but the selected charity gets some much needed money.

Other Reasons To Run A Half Marathon

This length of run is achievable for most people. Even someone, who prefers the couch to the roads can be ready to run this distance with about 12 weeks training. That brings this type of distance running to anyone who decides that they want to make this whole marathon idea a reality.

Plenty of Races To Select

In the last 5 years or so, due to its popularity, there are now a great deal of half marathon races to pick from. Most cities and indeed, many major towns, will have one or two of these events every year. That means anyone considering this distance will easily find a place to run.

Keeping Fit

Maybe you have promised yourself that you want to get fit. The key to this is always motivation. If you decide to run a half marathon and donate to a charity, then training for and running a half marathon is certainly a great way of doing that.

We all need some type of accountability when it comes to getting and staying fit. This distance will certainly do that for you and the charitable promise will also keep you focused on achievement.

Losing Weight

When getting fit and training for long distance running then almost by default, it is also a great way of losing weight. I guess just about everyone knows that losing weight is a combination of two disciplines. These are:

1. Eating Less(Burning more calories than we eat)
2. Exercising

When preparing for a 13.1 mile run you will eat better, sleep better and certainly exercise more. The combination of all of the above will certainly help shed a few unwanted pounds.

Preparing For The Full Marathon

Some people use this half distance as a great way of preparing for the full 26 mile marathon. They either use it as a gauge to see if they can achieve that, or simply as a stage in their training. I would like to point out that the two races are different disciplines. The shorter half marathon is a nice mixture of speed and endurance, whereas, the full one is more about endurance. It is however a very good test or launch platform to determine your capability.

Injury Risks

When running any distance there is always a risk of injury. These injuries can happen in training or on the actual run. This shorter distance does however reduce these risks considerably. The training runs are not so long and the body can recover quickly. People who run marathons find that it can take weeks to recover. However people who do the half marathon can quickly recover in only a few days.

So, there are several good reasons why you should consider running a half marathon.

Half Marathon Training Schedule For Beginners

Below you will find a half marathon training schedule for beginners that will allow you to train properly so as you can complete the half marathon. I found when I started out that the temptation was to try and do a little more than was on the plan. I also did some running on the rest days. Both of those ideas were really bad ones.

The reality check that I had to give myself quickly was in the end pretty simple. There is no point in reading a plan devised by someone who is an expert in the field of running, and then decide to do your own thing. It is a bit like following a recipe for a cake and just changing the ingredient sizes.

Understanding A Half Marathon Schedule

Rest days are so vital to your success so take advantage of them. Now I know that some people will do some additional interval exercises, perhaps some strength training, and that is fine, but you should not be running. Your body at times demands rest and the schedule below will make sure that it gets enough rest in preparation for your half marathon run.

Tips For Half Marathon Beginners

If you are new to the half marathon then the above training schedule is a really good one to use. It is ideal for beginners as it starts off gently, and over a 12-week period slowly builds up your strength, stamina and endurance.

The half marathon is as you probably know 13.1 miles and we have worked out that if you follow this 12-week schedule, then you will be ready to run this race in about three - four months.

The good thing about this distance is that most people can achieve this. The keys to success are to follow the plan, train consistently, and just to keep going even on the days when you feel rough. We have of course built rest days into the plan as there are times when your body does need to recover.

It is also important to drink plenty of water and to eat as healthy as you can. Getting a good night's sleep is also very important. When all these things start to come together, then you can be assured that you will be in great condition on the day of the race.

The most important thing though above all else is to find a schedule that suits your needs, and then stay closely to that schedule. These have been proven to work time after time, and it is exactly what professional athletes do.