All Hail the Mighty Half

It's time to run your greatest 21.1 ever

- By Claire Trageser

The half marathon is where speed meets endurance. It’s achievable for most 5K runners, yet a puzzle for veteran racers to master. It is a challenge, not a life-altering commitment. It is one of the greatest tests of a runner’s mettle, but also serves as a 21.1km celebration.

We love the half. We know you do, too. Thousands of half marathons are set to be run this year, and their participation will eclipse the iconic 42.2 with roughly four times the entrants. Of course, a huge advantage of the distance is that you can run multiple halfs per year, says Kara Goucher, whose 1:06:57 at the 2009 Great North Run (not a record-eligible course) is still the fastest half marathon ever by an American woman.

“Unlike a marathon, where you have to recover for a month and it takes six months to train, you can recover in a few weeks and then get back to workouts,” she says.

Half-marathon training also tends to whip runners into the best shape of their lives. At the intersection of power and persistence, it develops a fitness foundation to tackle running objectives both long and short. And the training plans cement healthy habits like regular exercise, staying hydrated, and a health-focused mindset, says Brian Maiorano, the owner of Triathlon Lifestyle Coaching.

Whether you’re ready to tackle your first or 50th half, read on to learn how to make it your best yet.

THE HISTORY OF THE HALF