Training Plans

Experienced Half Marathon Training Plan

Runners Tip: Listen to your body!

The experienced half marathon training plan is prepared by veteran marathon runner Neil Cusack (previous winner of Boston Marathon and Dublin City Marathon) this 9 week training programme covers 50 – 60 miles per week and is aimed at runners who have a very strong level of fitness and have already completed several half marathons. As part of this training session it is recommended that you pick out a 5km or 10km race during this 9 week period and ease down slightly in the training for two days before the race. The Race will replace a Fartlek session that week.

This training plan incorporates one Fartlek session per week. Fartlek is a Sweedish type of speed work. In this plan the total distance of the Fartlek sessions is 8 miles. If you can do the session on grass all the better. Start off the first mile and a half warming up with easy running and then do 2 1/2 mins (3/4 speed), 2 1/2 min jogging, 3 mins 3/4 speed, 3 mins jogging, 3 1/2 mins (3/4 speed) 3 1/2 mins jogging. Then work back down the scale again finishing with 1 1/2 mile warm down.

We recommend that you consult with your GP if you have any health concerns before starting any training plan.

WeekSunMonTuesWedThuFriSatTotal
Week 18 miles6 miles8 miles6 miles easy8 miles FartlekRest11 miles47
Week 25 miles easy7 miles9 miles6 miles easy8 miles FartlekRest11 miles46
Week 35 miles easy7 miles9 miles6 miles easy8 miles FartlekRest11 miles46
Week 45 miles easy7 miles9 miles6 miles easy8 miles FartlekRest11 miles46
Week 55 miles easy7 miles9 miles6 miles easy8 miles FartlekRest11 miles46
Week 65 miles easy7 miles9 miles6 miles easy8 miles FartlekRest11 miles46
Week 75 miles easy7 miles9 miles6 miles easy8 miles FartlekRest11 miles46
Week 85 miles easy7 miles9 miles6 miles easy8 miles FartlekRest11 miles46
Week 95 miles easy7 miles9 miles6 miles easy8 miles FartlekRest11 miles46