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You've hit your 5K PB.
You’ve smashed a 10K race.
And now? You want another challenge.
You’re eyeing up the next big milestone: the half marathon.
13.1 miles is an incredible distance. Demanding. Rewarding. And a true test of endurance.
So, how do you go from an everyday runner to a half marathon finisher?
Let’s break it down.
Follow a half marathon training plan
Every strong finish starts with a strong plan.
A solid half marathon training plan gives you structure, balance, and progression, helping you avoid burnout or injury.
It tells you when to push. When to rest. And how to mix up your runs (long, tempo, intervals, and recovery) to build endurance and efficiency.
Basically, it eliminates the guesswork from your race prep.
And here’s the good news: URUNN does all this for you.
You’ll get a hyperpersonalised half marathon training plan, designed for your lifestyle, your goals, and your pace.
Whether you’re aiming for a sub-2-hour race or just want to finish strong, URUNN adapts to you.
Haven’t downloaded URUNN yet? Take this as your sign.
Choose an event that excites you
A half marathon is a big commitment. So choose a race you actually want to do.
Looking for scenic views? Lisbon has this by the bucketload.
Want that big city atmosphere? Copenhagen delivers.
Chasing a PB? Valencia is flat and fast and famous for records.
Whatever your motivation, pick an event that keeps you training with purpose.
User B-races to build experience
One of the best half marathon training tips? Race before the race.
‘B-races’ – 5Ks or 10Ks – are used to improve your fitness and gear you up for the main ‘A-race’.
Think of them as ‘dress rehearsals’ – opportunities to fine-tune your pre-race routine, test your kit, experiment with fuelling and hydration, and get comfortable running under pressure.
Ask yourself:
- Are my performance shoes giving me blisters?
- Do my shorts chafe 5K in?
- Do I need a lighter breakfast?
Use these events to spot any issues before the big day. See what’s working well. See what needs tweaking.
Pro-tip: Park runs are the perfect low-pressure B-races.
Don’t skip recovery
Recovery isn’t optional; it’s essential.
Recovery is a crucial part of your half marathon training plan, helping your body rebuild and adapt.
Your URUNN programme already includes easy runs and scheduled recovery. But it’s also worth adding some light stretching or yoga to your routine. Even 10 minutes in front of the TV helps.
Prioritising sleep is another big one. You’ll want at least 7-9 hours to refuel your tank.
Remember, small recovery habits = big race-day results.
Practise your refuelling strategy
Your stomach needs training, too. Seriously.
For any run over an hour, consistent fuelling is non-negotiable. But what works for one runner might derail another.
Use your long runs and B-races as opportunities to test out gels, chews, or whatever works for you. Figure out timing, quantity, and brand.
The goal? Zero stomach surprises on race day. Nail this, and you'll maintain your momentum and focus all the way to the finish line.
Sort your pre-race checklist
When race day arrives, having a checklist makes all the difference. This way, you’ll minimise any stress and conserve your energy for the most important thing: running.
Your pre-race checklist should include:
- Travel logistics
- Breakfast plans
- Gear and tech
- Playlist or podcast
- Race number & safety pins
Remember, control what you can so you can focus on the run.
Lock in your race strategy
The big day is here. The prep is done. All that hard work is about to pay off – you've earned this.
Before the gun fires, try to lock in these crucial points:
- Don't burn out early. Hold back the initial surge of excitement; you'll need that fuel later.
- Run smart, not just hard. Draft behind other runners to conserve precious energy.
- Segment your race. Break it down: aim for a steady pace to 10K, push harder until 15K, then unleash everything for the final 5K like a familiar park run. This makes the distance mentally manageable.
- Fuel precisely. Take on your tried-and-tested gels every hour.
- Release the pressure. Have fun. Soak up the crowd. This is what it's all about.
Prioritise rest post-event
You did it. You crossed the finish line. Now? Rest and reflect.
Post-race recovery is essential. Take a few days off from running.
Focus on nutrition, hydration, and light movement.
Celebrate the achievement. You just ran a half marathon!
Don’t rush back into training. Let your body rebuild so you're ready for whatever comes next.
Ready to conquer your first (or fastest) half marathon?
Download URUNN now and get your hyper-personalised half marathon training plan today. We’ll take care of the admin. You focus on the running.
