Goal Template
How to plan your half marathon training week by week
Training for a half marathon is the perfect next step after building a base fitness level. GoalSplitter helps you prepare in 8-12 weeks while managing work, family, and other fitness goals.
Start This Goal FreeHow to plan half marathon training week by week: Training for a half marathon is the perfect next step after building a base fitness level. GoalSplitter helps you prepare in 8-12 weeks while managing work, family, and other fitness goals. GoalSplitter's AI breaks this goal into phased, actionable tasks and slots them into your weekly schedule. Typical timeline: 8–12 weeks of structured training. Weekly commitment: 4–8 hours/week depending on phase. GoalSplitter adapts the plan as you progress, flagging when you're falling behind and suggesting adjustments.
Last updated: February 2026
Why half marathon training is harder than it sounds
Most people don't fail because they lack motivation - they fail because half marathon training gets crowded out by everything else in their week.
The planning trap
You know you want to half marathon training, but figuring out what to do each week takes energy you don't have. So "I'll start next week" becomes your mantra.
The time squeeze
Work expands to fill your calendar. By the time you think about half marathon training, it's 9pm and your energy is gone. The goal keeps sliding.
The all-or-nothing mindset
"I need to set a whole day aside for this." You never find that day. Meanwhile, 30 minutes here and there would have added up to real progress.
Your half marathon training plan, phase by phase
GoalSplitter's AI breaks half marathon training into a structured plan. Here's a typical progression with weekly task suggestions you can customise.
Base Phase (Weeks 1–3)
Establish easy runs (3x/week), build long run distance, add one speed session (tempo or intervals)
Build Phase (Weeks 4–8)
Maintain 4 runs/week, increase long run to 8-10 miles, add hill work, cross-training 1x/week
Peak & Taper (Weeks 9–12)
Race pace workouts, reach peak mileage week 9, taper weeks 10-12, focus on nutrition and rest
How GoalSplitter makes half marathon training actually happen
Other apps help you list what you want to do. GoalSplitter makes sure it gets done - alongside everything else in your life.
Protected time for half marathon training
Dedicate a percentage of your 100 weekly hours to this goal. GoalSplitter protects that time from being consumed by work or other priorities - so half marathon training doesn't keep getting pushed to "next week."
AI breaks it into bite-sized tasks
Describe your half marathon training goal and GoalSplitter - with specialist project planning - decomposes it into specific, actionable tasks scheduled across your week. No more wondering what to do next.
Scheduled when you're at your best
GoalSplitter learns when you do your best work. With 4–8 hours/week depending on phase of effort, it finds the right slots based on your energy patterns - morning focus, afternoon admin, evening creative time.
Progress tracking that keeps you honest
See your half marathon training progress alongside every other goal. If you're falling behind, GoalSplitter flags it. If life gets busy, pause and resume when you're ready - no guilt.
Habits that build momentum
Set these up as recurring habits in GoalSplitter and they'll auto-schedule into your week at consistent times - building the routines that drive real progress.
Set up this goal in 5 minutes
Sign up free
Create your GoalSplitter account - no credit card required.
Create a category
Add a category for this goal area and set your weekly time budget.
Describe your goal
Create a project named "Half Marathon Training" - GoalSplitter will break it into bite-sized tasks for you.
Start your week
GoalSplitter schedules tasks around your energy patterns. Just follow the plan and make progress.
Frequently asked questions
How is a half marathon different from a full marathon?
Half marathons require 8-12 weeks of training (vs 16-20 for marathons) and about half the weekly mileage. GoalSplitter helps you progress efficiently without the massive time commitment of a full marathon.
Can I train for a half marathon while working full-time?
Absolutely. Half marathon training typically takes 4-8 hours per week. GoalSplitter schedules runs at early morning or evening slots that fit most work schedules.
What's the best recovery strategy?
GoalSplitter schedules rest days, easy runs, and cross-training to balance hard effort with recovery. The AI also tracks your cumulative weekly stress to prevent injury.
Ready to start half marathon training?
Choose what matters today. Let GoalSplitter figure out your week. Progress happens in consistent, manageable pieces.
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