How To Prepare For Half Marathon Training

What You Should Be Doing Before Training Begins

Even if your training plan hasn’t officially kicked off, it doesn’t mean you should just sit around and do nothing (sorry!). Treat the final few weeks before as your build phase, and that you’re essentially building a strong base before your plan officially kicks off. 

Think of it this way, you wouldn’t build a house without a solid foundation, so why would you start training without having some mileage in your legs.

So before the fun really begins, here is what you should focus on;

1. Set Your Baseline

Aim for 2–3 easy runs per week, nothing really intense. If you can comfortably run 3–4 miles (5–6.5 km), you’re in a perfect starting place.

2. Establish Your Routine

Start aligning your running days with your lifestyle. Mornings? Evenings? Weekends? The more consistent your schedule now, the smoother your training block will feel.

3. Gather Your Gear

This includes:

You don’t need top-of-the-line everything - you just need tools you’ll actually use.

4. Set Clear Intentions

Take five minutes to write down:

Remember, running a half marathon can be as much of a mental challenge as a physical one so it’s important to prepare for that too.