How To Plan Your Optimal Half Marathon Pace

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Hi runner! Thanks for joining us for another issue of The Running Week. Ready to hit the ground running?

In today’s edition:

1. How To Plan Your Optimal Half Marathon Pace

2. Sub 1.17h challenge update

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How To Plan Your Optimal Half Marathon Pace

Today I want try to solve one of the biggest challenges runners face: picking the perfect half marathon pace.

Achieving a half marathon pace goal is like saving for a vacation. Without a plan, you won't be sipping margaritas by the pool anytime soon.

Just like money doesn't appear out of nowhere, neither does a good half marathon pace. That’s why you need a half marathon pace plan: to make a solid strategy for crushing your half marathon goal!

Side note: If you are interested I just posted on the blog an article to share with you 10 of the things I wish I’d known about how to train for a half marathon as a beginner. Here’s the link to read this article.

Planning For Your Optimal Half Marathon Pace

Assess Your Current Fitness Level

The best way to gauge your fitness is to run a 5K. It doesn’t need to be an official race. Your estimated half marathon pace will be about 45 seconds to 1 minute slower than your 5K pace.

Figure Out How Much Time You Have to Train

Determine how much time you have until your race. A typical half marathon training cycle is around 12 weeks.

Decide on a (Realistic) Goal

Combine your current fitness level with your available training time to set a realistic goal. Break down your ultimate goal into smaller, achievable milestones.

For example:

• Milestone 1: Finish your first half marathon with no time expectations.

• Milestone 2: Improve your time in your second half marathon.

• Milestone 3: Aim for a specific time in your third half marathon.

• Big Goal: Run a sub-2-hour half marathon!

Make a Plan (I can help you)

Use a half marathon pace chart to identify your goal pace and make a training plan to progress from your current fitness level to your desired goal.

If you need my help, I just launched my custom training plan, you can get a custom plan at a fraction of the cost today.

Since each plan is unique you should take a short quiz to share with me your goals and some key information. You’ll find all info on this page if you are interested.

You Can Do It!

Running a half marathon is an incredible accomplishment. It doesn’t matter what your pace is; what matters is that you enjoy the process and have fun.

Happy running and see you next week!

Matteo

Trivia Question: What is a "negative split" in running terminology?

Find the answer at the end of this email.

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From the Blog

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Sub 1.17h challenge update

• Monday: 60min Bike + Gym

• Tuesday: Gym

• Wednesday: 90min Bike + Gym

• Thursday: Gym

• Friday: Gym

• Saturday: 120min Bike

• Sunday: 70min Bike

• Total training time: 10:02:21

Nothing significant to report from last week. This week, I plan to start running again and hope for a positive experience so I can gradually reintroduce running into my routine. Fingers crossed!

Matteo

Trivia Answer: A "negative split" refers to running the second half of a race faster than the first half. This pacing strategy is often used by experienced runners to conserve energy and finish strong.

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