The dream of running a half marathon is still fresh in my mind but I cannot get past certain barriers; like running more than 6 miles and to start to really push myself. After looking at several half marathon plans, both beginner and advanced, and came up with my own training that I feel I can successfully complete. I also think it will really challenge me and help me see that I can do more than I thought.
It’s pretty self explanatory and straightforward. I am designating the weekend for my long runs and a day of easy cardio, either outside or at the gym. Friday’s are a rest day but I will do a small strength training session like abs or pop in a 30 day shred DVD if I feel I need to. I really do not want to hurt myself and I know that I perform much better with more rest than not.
By the end of week 8 I hope to be able to run 12 miles at one time and increase my stamina and endurance.
Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
Tuesday – 5 miles (easy)
Thursday – Speed Repeat (see week 1)
Week 4
Wednesday – Cardio of choice for 60 min + strength
Thursday – Hill Repeat (see week 2)
Friday – Rest and/or strength train
Saturday – 7 miles (easy)
Sunday – 3 miles at race pace
Week 5
Monday – rest
Tuesday – 3 miles (easy)
Wednesday – Cardio for 60 minutes + strength
Thursday – Speed Repeat x 3 (see week 1)
Friday – Rest and/or strength
Saturday – 11 miles
Sunday – light cardio or rest
Week 6
Monday – rest
Tuesday – 3 miles (easy)
Wednesday – Cardio of choice 60 min + strength
Thursday – Hill Repeat (see week 2)
Friday – Rest and/or strength
Saturday – 7-9 miles (easy)
Sunday – 4 miles at race pace
Tuesday – 3 miles (easy)
Wednesday – Cardio of choice 60 min + strength
Thursday – Hill Repeat (see week 2)
Friday – Rest and/or strength
Saturday – 7-9 miles (easy)
Sunday – 4 miles at race pace
Week 7
Monday – Rest
Tuesday – 2 miles easy
Wednesday – Cardio of choice for 60 min + strength
Thursday – Speed repeat x 3 (see week 1)
Friday – rest and/or strength
Saturday – 12 miles (easy)
Sunday – light cardio or rest
Tuesday – 2 miles easy
Wednesday – Cardio of choice for 60 min + strength
Thursday – Speed repeat x 3 (see week 1)
Friday – rest and/or strength
Saturday – 12 miles (easy)
Sunday – light cardio or rest
Week 8
Monday – Rest
Tuesday – 2-3 miles (easy)
Wednesday – Cardio of choice for 60 min + strength
Thursday – Hill repeat (see week 2)
Friday – Rest and/or strength
Saturday – 6 miles (easy)
Sunday – 4 miles at race pace
Tuesday – 2-3 miles (easy)
Wednesday – Cardio of choice for 60 min + strength
Thursday – Hill repeat (see week 2)
Friday – Rest and/or strength
Saturday – 6 miles (easy)
Sunday – 4 miles at race pace
Finish!!!! 
The Clean Eating Mama 
HI! I stumbled upon your blog while reading comments on Anne P's blog! I am currently preparing myself (mentally) to begin training for a half marathon on April 1st. The marathon I plan on running is October 3, but I am going to do a 6 month training program in case I decide to "Go Big or Go Home" and do the WHOLE THING!! Your plan looks awesom though and I look forward to hearing how it goes…
HI! I stumbled upon your blog while reading comments on Anne P's blog! I am currently preparing myself (mentally) to begin training for a half marathon on April 1st. The marathon I plan on running is October 3, but I am going to do a 6 month training program in case I decide to "Go Big or Go Home" and do the WHOLE THING!! Your plan looks awesom though and I look forward to hearing how it goes…
I have a similar dream of running a half marathon! I need to get my husband on board so we can go through the training together. I like your training plan. Thanks for sharing!
OMG! That is amazing! With a plan like that, there's not a doubt in my mind that you are going to successfully finish that half marathon. Your blog looks great BTW! J is the cutest thing EVER! He should be a model 🙂
You can do it! Running a half is such a wonderful accomplishment!
I just hit the 8 week mark in my half marathon training. My boyfriend is running too, but he hasn't started training. your plan would be perfect for him!Good luck with you're training. Don't let nerves get the best of you. You can run 13.1 miles!
Looks good, lady! Good luck! Your long runs are so much more enjoyable with a partner, I agree!
You go girl!! WOO HOO!!! That's an awesome goal!!
Thanks everyone! I have come so far with my running but I do need that little push. I have yet to find anyone to run with – I am on meetup.com and hopefully IO will be able to connect with someone there to run with. I would love to start running trails but I would much more comfortable with someone else with me.
you'll be able to do this no problem! Make sure you don't run your race pace each day you go out- you should run a minute slower each mile- the energy at the race will put you at your race pace without even trying and you don't want your body to be tired on race day- I love training for long runs- it feels so great when you're done!
I am with you…..it seems hard to run more than 6 miles. Your training plan looks good though. You are gonna do it!
Your plan looks great! I remember reading somewhere that the most important part of training is to do the "long run" once a week. You should be A-Ok 🙂
This looks great. I think as long as you get to 10 miles you should be fine. And I agree with Kim- if you have someone to run with, it will make it so much easier! 🙂
Tasha, I am just wondering if you have anyone to do your runs with? I work out with a couple of friends and it makes it sooooooo much easier to do what we say we are going to do and sometimes even more! Good luck with your training.