“I would watch people pass me on my walks, and I never envied them. I never wished to be a runner, and I never got excited while watching people cross finish lines. One day, things changed.” My Running Story! (please read first)
So you’re interested in running a half marathon? If you’re thinking “if she can do it, I can do it,” then you are in the right place. Seriously. Before you read about my training and how I managed to run 13.1 miles, make sure to check out my running story and how I got here. I’m currently in a forty-day running hiatus, but I am eager to get back out there. My running post will fill you in on how I got started, and some important key parts in becoming a better runner.
I spent all spring and summer running. I’d run 3-5 miles four times a week. It was just me at the time, but that all changed when I met Meighan, the world’s best running partner. I thought I could only be a solo runner, but that changed as soon as we ran for the first time together. If you plan on training for a marathon, I highly recommend finding a friend or training partner to do it with you. If I didn’t have Meighan, I would have never held myself accountable or got myself out of bed early Sunday morning for our long runs. It was something fun to look forward to, and we honestly enjoyed running together. I couldn’t imagine running long runs alone ever again. (Why you should find a workout buddy.)
Before you even start the plan, you have to complete a pre-training plan (assuming you’re starting from ground zero.) There is no point of starting a half marathon plan if you can’t run three miles. I wouldn’t even want to train for a half if I couldn’t run three miles, so let’s get you there first! This will help you build endurance, mileage, and prevent injuries. Before Meighan and I came up with a training plan, we were already running prior. We had run small and fast mileage, slow and long distance, and everywhere in between.
Before you begin, please understand that I am not a doctor or professional. This is a plan that worked for me, and you should consult with your doctor before beginning any fitness/diet routine!
Week one: run five minutes (10-12 min mile), walk ten minutes, run five minutes (10-12 min mile), walk ten minutes, run five minutes (10-12 min mile), walk ten minutes, run five minutes (10-12 min mile) walk ten minutes. 5x a week
Week two: run five minutes(10-12 min mile), walk five minutes, run five minutes (10-12 min mile), walk five minutes, run five minutes (10-12 min mile), walk five minutes, run five minutes (10-12 min mile) walk five minutes. 4x a week
Week three: run five minutes (10-12 min mile), walk five minutes, run ten minutes (10-12 mile) walk five minutes, run five minutes (10-12 min mile) walk five minutes, run five minutes (10-12 mile), walk ten minutes. 3x a week
CHECK OUT MY COUCH TO 5K RUNNING PLAN
Week four: run fifteen minutes(10-12 min mile), walk fifteen minutes, run ten minutes(10-12 min mile), walk twenty minutes, run five minutes(10-12 min mile), walk ten minutes. 4x a week
Week five: run twenty minutes (10-12 min mile) walk thirty minutes, run five minutes (10-12 min mile) 4x a week
Week six: run twenty-five minutes (10-12 min mile) walk twenty minutes, run ten minutes (10-12 min mile) walk twenty minutes 4x a week
Week seven: run thirty minutes (10-12 min mile), walk thirty minutes.
Whenever you finish a run, you must must must recover! Recover with rest, ice, protein, carbs, and stretching! If you stick to this recovery routine, you’ll be golden.
After running months and months together, we decided to sign up for a half marathon together! If you browse through the running section on my blog, you’ll find all of our running posts!
We started running in the freezing cold. It was 35 degrees when we first started training, and holy moly it was hard! It’s important to train in all weather conditions.
SIX MILE RUN RECAP POST
We decided to get super serious about training when we hit week four. Running in Waxhaw was a crazy idea because it was hilly. Adding in hills is a great idea, but gradually. I remember being so tired on the last mile, but Meighan pushed me to finish strong. Make sure to find a partner that will push you, and make sure to push them.
SEVEN MILE RUN RECAP POST
I really enjoyed the seven-mile run. It was starting to get nicer out, and the spring flowers were blooming all around us. When you find a good trail, the run is always more exciting. The seven miles was a breeze, and my confidence in my ability to run a half marathon was growing.
SEVEN MILE RUN RECAP POST
This was by far the worst run ever. It taught me that I have the ability to finish even when I feel like I can’t. I’ve learned that one bad run doesn’t mean you’re an awful runner. Sometimes, we just can’t, and that’s ok! I wrote more about this awful run in the post above. I also learned that protein shakes before a run is a NO NO NO GO!
MILE NINE RECAP POST
I was shocked that I completed the nine-mile run right after my 5k race. You should definitely sign up for a smaller race during your half training. You can practice eating the right food, experimenting with what works, and what doesn’t. This nine-mile run was one of my favorites! We ran in the gorgeous Charlotte neighborhoods, and it was overcast.
MILE TEN RECAP POST
Another great run! I couldn’t believe I ran ten miles, and I knew right away that I was going to finish this half! I also confirmed that banana and bread were going to be my pre-race breakfast!
SIX MILE SATURDAY RECAP RUN (SOLO)
It was so weird to run my long run solo, but I did it. A while ago six miles would have felt like forever, but this run felt short, and I had to tell myself to stop. This run made me realize the importance of hydration.
EIGHT MILE RUN RECAP POST
OK. I lied. THIS was the best run! Meighan and I decided to do a destination run for our last long run together. HOLY MOLY was this a fun weekend. We ran down the gorgeous city of Charleston, and I never felt out of breath once. I was hydrated, and couldn’t wait for the half. I’m telling you, choose fun running trails!
SEVEN MILE SOLO RUN BEFORE THE HALF RECAP
Meighan was out of town this weekend, so it was up to me to fit in one more long run before the half marathon. I ran seven miles in Charlotte, and it was a bit crummy, but I still finished. I also did yoga twice that week! I ran in my race day pants to test them out, and they were a go! This is the week where you should test your race day breakfast, race time (wake up), race hydration, race fuel, and so on! Don’t run the full mileage, but treat this like race day.
Our idea of carb-loading the night before a race 🙂 We drank a ton of water, indulged in potassium, and sodium!
HALF MARATHON RECAP POST!
AND WE DID IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Questions for you!
- Runners! Drop a line of advice for anyone looking to run their first half/full marathon!
- What did you eat before your half marathon breakfast?
- What training mistakes have you made?
Linda says
AWESOME!!
Taralynn McNitt says
🙂
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
Thank you for the plan!! I have still to run my 10k, but this will be good reference further down the road in my running journey!
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Taralynn McNitt says
Good luck on your 10k!
Joanne @ byjoannevirginia.com says
Ahhh! I just started training for my first half! I’m following a 16-week plan just to make sure I’m super prepared. I decided Monday, realized I had just exactly the right amount of time to train and officially signed up yesterday. I’m so nervous but excited!!
Taralynn McNitt says
That is amazing!!!! Good luck!!!
Michelle says
This is incredibly motivating & I couldn’t thank you enough for the inspiration! It is hard for me to see your Charlotte posts as I miss that city SO much. My mother was diagnosed with ALS and my husband and I quickly had to pack up, rent our beloved house in Madison Park out & head to Charlottesville, VA to help my family. We cannot wait to go back to the Queen City someday and by then…maybe…just maybe I’ll be able to run a CLT race! I’m sure these mountains will help my training 🙂 Thanks again for keeping our eye on the prize with your awesome blog!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you, Michelle!
SO SO sorry to hear about your mom 🙁 You are such a great daughter for being there with her! Enjoy your time in Virginia with your family & Charlotte isn’t going anywhere 🙂 xo xo I’ll keep your mom and family in my prayers!
Anonymous says
Thank you, ?Family first 🙂 I can tell you feel the same from reading your blog for a while! Xo
Sarah says
So much inspiration int his post! Very proud of you and Meighan.
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you!!
Jordan says
If you could do anything different, would you? I am not a runner, and I don’t think I ever want to be. I love lifting, but I think it’s cool that people do marathons and such!
Taralynn McNitt says
I’d definitely stretch more!
Candice says
As you said, it’s not for beginners so I will start with the pre-train!
Taralynn McNitt says
Good Luck!
Laura says
1. It’s as much in your mind as in your legs… You can do this! Think positive and beat that inner voice that will at some point tell you to stop 2. Plain oatmeal made with water and a banana 3. Run on a full stomach
Taralynn McNitt says
Very true!
Jordan says
Awesome training plan — Your posts are always so cute and colorful, I love it!!
One thing that I did before my first half was actually run the race course a few weeks prior to the race. That way I knew exactly what I was up against on race day (meaning hills, terrain, and road conditions). I think it helped me prepare mentally as well!
I don’t remember exactly what I had for breakfast, but I remember butterflies. I was nervous!! I also remember how great the French Toast and Chocolate Milk was AFTER the run!
A training mistake that I have made is not including hills in workouts. Hills are great endurance builders and skipping them makes elevation changes that much more difficult during an actual race. They are still not my favorite training run, but I know how important they are!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks, Jordan!
That is such a great idea. Unfortunately, mine was in NYC lol, but I definitely heard reviews on how hard the course was, so I’m glad it wasn’t as bad as everyone told me it was going to be!! I did run all of my 5K ones first!
I’ve been craving French toast so bad lately! I think I know what I’m making this weekend!
Yes! they are definitely a must!! And if you find the right routes, they aren’t avoidable! You can always see if your race route will be hilly or not!
Molly says
This is making me want to get back into the running game. Lately I’ve been doing more strength training and only running a few miles once or twice a week but I just miss those endorphins! Thanks for the training plan and for motivating me to get back into the running game 😉
Taralynn McNitt says
I think it’s totally good to take a break and come back stronger! Hopefully, that’ll be the case for me!
Alison says
Love this plan!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks!
Luchi says
You rock!!! I Run 12k two times a week but i AM getting bord! I have no partnet do you have some app for run? ????? 4 you
Taralynn McNitt says
Runkeeper is what I use!!
Brooke says
Thanks for the inspiration as always!! You and Meighan are running rock-stars! ✨
All of this advice is great! I’m just beginning my running journey now, getting ready for my first 10k this Fall (at Disney World in Orlando!). Your posts have been super helpful, and I’ll definitely keep all of this info in mind as I continue down my path of running and fitness!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks, Brooke!!
Anonymous says
I totally undertrained and did half of your plan and still ran the half. I didn’t do too well but this is great.
Taralynn McNitt says
lol gotta do what works best for you!
Jane Rose says
How fun! Thank you for taking the time to write up such a detailed plan. I enjoyed the visual.
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you!
Cyndi says
Hey girl! Thanks so much for this plan, I’m going to use it to re-train for my next half at Disney!
1. Advice: Don’t compare yourself to other runners. Push yourself, yes, but don’t try and be the best on your first round. Work up to it, and be happy with your journey.
2. What did you eat before your half marathon breakfast?
I ran the Disney Princess Half, and they provided us with this cute little box of a bagel, peanut butter, banana, a granola bar, and some water. It worked well for me! I was pretty nervous and it was like, 3am, so I spaced out my eating and ate really slow.
3. What training mistakes have you made?
I started running too fast too soon, which in turn provided shin splints and blisters. That had me not running for about 3 weeks of my training schedule! I’ll do better next time! 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
That is awesome!
Comparing is awful! SO RIGHT about NEVER doing it. Especially not on social media lol
Thats a perfect pre run meal.
Going too fast is not good. I never worry about speed and that seems to help.
melanie says
Joining a running club is great too!
Taralynn McNitt says
true!!
Anonymous says
Where do you get your workout clothes?
Taralynn McNitt says
TJ MAXX, UNDER ARMOUR, & ATHLETA, NIKE!
Kelsey says
Finally! Been waiting for this one.
Taralynn McNitt says
🙂 xo
Mia says
Now I’m inspired to run!
Taralynn McNitt says
Get out there! 🙂
Harriet says
Thank you for sharing your training plan, I have my first half in 5 months! (It finishes on the beach) So going to read through your plan a few times and a just it to fit me.
The best advice/quote I have been given so far is “your physical strength will get you over the start line but your mental strength will get you to the finish line”
Before my 5k and 10k races I usually eat cereal and a banana at least 1 1/2 hours before. So I might stick to this but as the half is longer I may trial different foods to make sure I stay fuled.
The worst mistake I made was crossfit/running training every day I got so sick.
So now I crossfit 3x a week (currently on a month long hiatus) yoga 1-2x a week and run or walk 3x a week.
In the lead up to your half did you invest and ware in new shoes for race day??
Taralynn McNitt says
Yes, important to adjust your plans to fit yourself!
You seem like a beast with your workouts!!! Crossfit is TOUGH!!!
I got new shoes two months before the half!
Rachel says
This is a really good and detailed guide! I love the autumnal pictures from when you started training 😀
You must be so proud of all your hard work!
I’m hoping to be doing my first half marathon in February so still plenty of time to work out a plan and get started – I’m currently comfortable running a 10km but the furthest I’ve gone is 12km (about 7.5miles).
James on the otherhand has two HM’s under his belt this year, he always sticks to his usual everyday breakfast before one of yogurt and granola followed by a banana closer to the run 🙂
Rachel | Coffee & Avocados
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks, Rachel!
Good luck on your February race! A great time of year to do it and a great way to stay in shape throughout the winter.
Anonymous says
you suck
Taralynn McNitt says
thanks xo
Michelle says
Ha! I love this response to a hater! Keep doin’ you! You rock!
Elle says
Is this a recap of what you did for your half? Or what you planned to do? Just curious 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
This is the plan that Meighan and I followed for our half together. We were running prior to this plan pretty consistently though!
Linda @ the Fitty says
I think the day I sign up for a half marathon will be the day I do so with a running buddy too! It’s a good accounts unity system.
How’s the walking challr the going Tara?
Elizabeth B says
1. Not every run is meant to be a “race pace” run. This means on your “easy” days, you should be running slower than your race pace target.
2. If I am racing near home, I try to eat a toasted waffle with almond butter, and possibly 1/2 of a banana. If I am traveling, I try to eat 1/2 a bagel with almond butter and a banana. However I am usually super nervous so I lose my appetite but it’s so important to fuel!
3. See #1, and I wouldn’t call it a mistake, but know that a lot of runners have stomach issues on their longer runs (trust me). So my lesson is especially before a long run, I will eat something that is easy to digest (simple carbs) and try to eat about 1 hour before the run.
Taralynn McNitt says
So true!
VERY IMPORTANT!
That is why it’s so important to practice pre-long run meals before the race!
Anonymous says
I loved the photos of the food you ate before the long runs! Great organizing.
Taralynn McNitt says
thanks !
Amy says
What type of running shoes did you purchase? I’m in desperate need of some new sneakers, but don’t want to break the bank.
Taralynn McNitt says
Asics! Get them on Amazon or Ebay! SO MUCH CHEAPER than the stores.
Quin says
Loved this post and all of the photos and eats included. How inspiring!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks!
George says
Great plan!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks, George!
Anna@Actively Anna says
Your honesty is so wonderful. I love that you say you never thought you’d be a runner, because seeing you now, I would’ve thought you’d always been one! (Had I not been following your blog all these years of course haha). I find myself getting down sometimes in thinking I could never become a runner, I’ll never be fit enough to do so, I probably can’t even jog, etc. So it’s truly nice to see that with enough determination and drive- maybe I too could start running 🙂 So truly, thank you!
Taralynn McNitt says
Aww, thanks Anna!
ANYONE can be a runner for sure. Fitness level has nothing to do with it 🙂 Training will get you there!
Amy says
Nice job on sticking with your training!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks!
Leah says
Hi Tara! One thing I don’t get, every other training plan on see online has weekly mileage that’s quite a bit higher? What made you decide to run the mileage you did in this plan? Did you worry about injuries on such a low mileage plan? Thanks!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Leah.
Meighan and I created a plan that worked for our schedules and our levels of fitness. We had already ran ten miles before we even started the plan, so it was a maintenance/build up plan for us.
Anonymous says
Inspiring! Where do you and Meighan run?
Taralynn McNitt says
We run all over! Different routes 🙂 If you’re looking for good running spots, check out my charlotte tab!
Alexandra gongora says
Have you jad days when you suffered shin splints? If so what did you do for it?
Jane says
Finally! I’ve been waiting for this post!
Taralynn McNitt says
lol enjoy!
Cassie says
Are you racing the Charlotte 13.1? I’m thinking of doing the 8k and it’d be cool to see you there!
Congrats on the half! Hope your you’re feeling better from injuries!
Liz says
Awesome post!!! I’m running a half in September and I’m trying to switch up strength exercises
. What are some of the things you did on those days?!
Brittany says
Hi! Love this plan! I was curious if you run the full thing or if you do a walk/run combo?
Thanks!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Brittany! I run the whole thing 🙂
Hannah says
How many miles would you typically do for your long walks? I did a 15k earlier this year and loved it, have been looking for a good 1/2 marathon plan and this one looks so good!! Thanks! ?
Hannah says
How many miles did you typically do for the long walks? I did a 15k earlier this year and have been searching for the perfect 1/2 training plan and think I finally found it!
Allyson says
Hi! I’m going to start following your training program for my first half in January. What did you do for strength training? How long were your long walks?
Taralynn McNitt says
My walks always varied. I did A LOT OF WALKS during the day with my dogs!
I went to boot camps for strength training.
Lisa says
Hi Taralynn
Stumbled across your blog as I am preparing for my first marathon and you inspired the creation of me documenting my journey. I wanted to know if it is okay with you to feature this blog post in my blog post?
Best
Lisa
Amber says
Hi Taralynn,
I came across your blog and half marathon training guide. I love it!! I am preparing for a half in September. I live in the Charlotte area and was wondering where the running path was in Waxhaw that you practiced your hills? Keep doing what you are doing!!
Thanks!!!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Amber! We didn’t have a specific trail that we ran. We ran the downtown area and the back neighborhoods that were extremely hilly! If you’re looking to run an extremely hilly area in Charlotte, I have to recommend the Ballantyne Country Club neighborhoods! It’s a killer!
Valerie C. says
What would you recommend for pre-run/post-run fuel now that you’re whole 30? I’m gluten free & dairy free and am finding it really hard to find an adequate carb/protein mix.
Taralynn McNitt says
I do banana with almond butter!
pcjae says
Nice post and thanks for the plan. Saw it on Pinterest. 😂 Laughing because 35° in southwest MI is balmy, currently, and all winter long. I’d actually love to always run in 40° weather for my runs. Great job on the hills and in the heat!
Taralynn McNitt says
hahaha the southern weather has turned me into a baby! 😆