½ Marathon Training Program
Novice
endurance athlete
A training program has to be developed to meet the individual needs of the athlete and take into consideration many factors: gender, age, strengths, weaknesses, objectives, training facilities etc. As all athletes have different needs, a single program suitable for all athletes is not possible.
The aim of this page is to provide an insight into a 26 week endurance training program for a novice endurance athlete wishing to compete in a half marathon race. The program is based on Tim Noakes's 26 week progression from 10 km race to a full marathon program. It should be noted that this program also needs to be supported by general and specific strength training, nutrition, mobility and psychology programs.
Before You Start
Prior to starting any training, it is recommended you have a medical examination to ensure it is safe for you to do so.
The following program is suitable for an athlete who is currently training 1½+ hours per week and has successfully completed a 5 km race in under 25 minutes.
If you are not training for 1½ hours a week then it is recommended that before commencing this 26 week program you should complete a 6 month program of general strength training and endurance training in which time you build up the distance you run each week to 15 miles. The weekly increment should not exceed 10% of the current mileage.
Any application of the following training program is at the athlete's own discretion and risk.
Marathon Training program
All figures in the table are minutes.
| Week | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday | Sunday |
| 1 | 20 | R | 20 | R | 25 | 20 | 25 |
| 2 | R | 20 | 25 | R | 20 | 20 | 20 |
| 3 | R | 25 | 20 | R | 20 | 20 | 30 |
| 4 | R | 15 | R | 25 | R | 15 | 25 |
| 5 | R | 25 | 15 | R | 30 | 15 | 40 |
| 6 | R | 25 | 15 | R | 30 | 15 | 30 |
| 7 | R | 20 | 30 | R | 30 | 15 | 45 |
| 8 | R | 25 | 30 | R | 30 | 15 | 40 |
| 9 | R | 30 | 25 | R | 40 | 15 | 50 |
| 10 | R | 20 | 28 | 20 | 28 | R | 45 |
| 11 | R | 40 | 25 | 40 | 25 | R | 60 |
| 12 | R | 45 | 25 | 20 | 25 | R | 50 |
| 13 | R | 40 | 20 | 30 | 25 | R | 65 |
| 14 | R | 45 | 25 | 40 | 25 | R | 60 |
| 15 | R | 45 | 20 | 40 | 25 | R | 70 |
| 16 | R | 45 | 25 | 45 | 20 | R | 65 |
| 17 | R | 45 | 25 | 45 | 25 | R | 75 |
| 18 | R | 60 | 25 | 50 | 25 | R | 70 |
| 19 | R | 50 | 30 | 45 | 25 | R | 85 |
| 20 | R | 50 | 25 | 50 | 20 | 15 | 75 |
| 21 | R | 60 | 25 | 50 | 15 | 15 | 90 |
| 22 | 50 | 50 | 25 | 25 | 25 | R | 85 |
| 23 | 50 | 60 | 25 | 60 | 25 | R | 100 |
| 24 | R | 60 | 60 | 60 | 25 | R | 40 |
| 25 | 25 | R | 25 | 20 | R | 40 | 15 |
| 26 | 25 | 15 | 10 | R | R | R | Race |
All figures in the table are minutes and a "R" indicates a rest day.
Post Race
After the race take 4 of 5 days off training and increase your Vitamin C and Zinc intake. Research has shown that in the first week after a marathon, the efficiency of your immune system is reduced and you will therefore be prone to infections. An increase in Vitamin C and Zinc during training can also be considered.
Free Calculator
- Training program to build up to 20miles/week - a free Microsoft Excel spreadsheet that you can download and use on your computer.
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Beginning Jogging and RunningThe book covers nearly every bit of information you ever wanted to know about how to start jogging and running the right way. Learn how to prepare your body for jogging, what you need to do to keep safe and how to stay motivated Select this link for more information on "Beginning Jogging and Running". |
Associated Pages
The following Sports Coach pages should be read in conjunction with this page:
- Long Distance Running
- Tapering for a race
- 5k taper program
- 10k taper program
- Running Economy
- 3km Training
- 5km Training
- 10km Training
- Steeplechase
- Steeplechase Drills
- Half Marathon Program - Experienced endurance athlete
- Half Marathon Program based on mileage - Novice endurance athlete
- Half Marathon Program based on time - Novice endurance athlete
- Marathon Program - Experienced endurance athlete
- Marathon Program based on mileage - Novice endurance athlete
- Marathon Program based on time - Novice endurance athlete
- Planning the Training - 6 stages of development
- Find a Coach
- Sport/Event specific articles
Associated Books
The following books provide more information related to this topic:
- How to Teach Track Events, M. Arnold, ISBN 0 85134 085 7
- Advanced Studies in Physical Education and Sport, P Beashel et al., ISBN 0 17 4482345
- Physical Education and the Study of Sport, B. Davis et al., ISBN 0 7234 31752
- Essentials of Exercise Physiology, W.D. McArdle et al., ISBN 0 683 30507 7
- Physical Education and Sport Studies, D. Roscoe et al., ISBN 1 901424 20 0
- The World of Sport Examined, P. Beashel et al., ISBN 0 17 438719 9
- Advanced PE for Edexcel, F. Galligan et al., ISBN 0 435 50643 9
- Examining Physical Education, K. Bizley, ISBN 0 435 50660 9
- Sport and PE, K Wesson et al., ISBN 0 340 683821
- PE for you, J. Honeybourne, ISBN 0 7487 3277 2
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