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10 Week Beginner Half Marathon Training Plan

Experience Level

Beginner

Number of Weeks

10

Training Plan Introduction

This 10-Week Beginner Half Marathon Training Plan is designed for new runners looking to complete the challenge of a half marathon.

With just 3 runs per week, it offers a structured, achievable approach to help you build endurance, stay motivated, and reach the finish line feeling strong.

Achieve What You Want

  • Complete Your First Half Marathon: Follow a step-by-step plan designed for beginners.
  • Build Endurance: Progressively increase your running distance to prepare for race day.
  • Stay Motivated: Enjoy varied and achievable sessions that keep you engaged throughout the journey.
  • Train Efficiently: With just 3 runs per week, this plan fits perfectly into a busy lifestyle.
  • Gain Confidence: Learn how to train with purpose, preparing both physically and mentally for race day.

Is This The Plan For You?

  • Accessible Training: Perfect for beginners who can comfortably run for 30 minutes and want to take the next step.
  • Proven Structure: Build your fitness through progressive training phases that ensure steady improvement.
  • Simple Scheduling: With 3 focused runs per week, you’ll balance training with the rest of your life.
  • Clear Guidance: Each session comes with an explanation, so you’ll always know the purpose and benefit of your training.

Key Features

Structured Training

  • Two distinct phases tailored to build endurance, speed, and peak performance.
  • 3 Runs Per Week, focused on making every second count.
  • Guidance for sessions that can optimally be swapped for club runs.

Integrated Smartwatch Support:

Progressive Variety:

  • Endurance runs, half marathon pace efforts, and tapering for race day.
  • Sessions progress as you do.

Time-Efficient Sessions:

  • Average session length just under an hour.
  • Shorter midweek sessions to fit in with a busy working week.

Who Is This Plan For?

  • Newer Half Marathon Runners: Athletes ready to take their training to the next level.
    • You should be able to run for 40 minutes before starting this plan.
    • This plan is available for Intermediate and Advanced level runners too.
  • PB Chasers: Those aiming to run their fastest Half Marathon ever.
  • Time Restricted Runners: Runners looking for structure, progression, and results with maximal time efficiency.

What You Get:

  • 3 runs per week with a focus of making the most of the time on your feet.
  • 4 Rest days per week.

10 Weeks of Detailed, Progressive Training

  • Weeks 1-5: Start with easy runs that focus on building your endurance and getting comfortable with running. By the end of this block, you’ll feel ready to tackle longer distances.
  • Weeks 6-10: Focus on race pace practice and building confidence. You’ll get comfortable with your race pace and gradually reduce training to ensure you’re fresh for race day.

A fully integrated training calendar for seamless scheduling.

Email support whenever you need help or motivation.

Added Extra Benefits

  • Expert Support: Backed by 13 years of coaching experience.
  • Smartwatch Integration: Make the most of your training tech to follow every workout live.
  • Training Plan Information: Know exactly how to get the most out of the training plan.
    • Welcome document explaining setting up your training plan and terminology.
    • Race day guides and a sensible warm-up routine with videos.

Your Next Level Awaits

This plan will help you develop the endurance, speed, and mental toughness required to excel on race day. Take on the challenge, embrace the journey, and achieve something you never thought possible!

Training Plan Sample(s)

Training Plan Cost

Training plans are processed in USD $. Conversions are estimates.

Full Compatibility

This training plan is compatible with...

Your Coach

Chris Searle the head coach of efficient endurance

Hi, I’m Chris.

I’m a UK-based, qualified running and triathlon coach with 12 years of professional experience.

I’ve coached athletes to achieve everything from parkrun personal bests to podium finishes at national events.

My approach focuses on efficient training methods to help you reach your running goals, whether that is completing your first race or setting a new PB.

FAQ's

These plans are tailored for athletes of all levels, from beginners to advanced, looking to maximize their performance. If you’re unsure of which level you are, get in touch!

The only thing you need is a trainingpeaks account and the usual running kit (running shoes and adequate clothing) but to get the most out of your training plan, having the following would be ideal:

  • Compatible* smartwatch

The following items are optimal but not necessary:

  • Chest Based Heart Rate Monitor

*All common devices sync with trainingpeaks, check here to see if your device is compatible with the structured workout feature so you can follow your sessions on the go.

Training sessions are written in an optimal order for improvement, progression and recovery, but plans change and when they do you can move sessions across days and weeks with a premium training peaks account.

If you need to move things around but are not sure what is best, get in touch and I will help you out.

Most likely. Plans that have strength sessions included use weights such as dumbbells, barbells, kettlebells and cable machines. You don’t have to do these sessions but they add another dimension to your training that running alone can not do.

Sometimes, we have to miss a session, life gets in the way. Fortunately these plans are robust and consistency and efficiency will keep you progressing. Don’t fret over a missed session and don’t try and catch up either, you will still keep moving forwards.

You can adjust the schedule or swap sessions with a premium training peaks account; email support is available for advice if you’re unsure of what to do.

Every session includes detailed instructions and the rationale behind it. Feel free to email if further clarification is needed.

Improved endurance, better race-specific fitness, and confidence on race day. Results depend on how disciplined you are to the plan- it is designed to keep you motivated.

Our guarantee ensures that you are on the right training plan for you. If you find your plan is too much, too little, too hard or too easy, get in touch and we will swap you onto a more suitable plan.

We would love to issue refunds but do not have the option for this as payment is taken by trainingpeaks.

Absolutely! Email support is available for guidance and motivation.

We only provide support for the duration of your plan and 2 weeks afterwards. If you would like coaching after your plan, get in touch!

Why choose Efficient Endurance

Efficient Endurance Training Plan

  • Customised to Athlete Goals - Ability-based plans & email support
  • Expert Input - Designed by a qualified, experienced coach
  • Structured Progression - Detailed progression
  • Detailed Sessions - Clear explanation of how sessions support your goal
  • Training Volume - Balanced for your level
  • Race-Specific Prep - Includes taper weeks & race guides
  • Strength Training - Targeted strength sessions*
  • Cross Training** - Cross training sessions available**
  • Tech Integration - Compatible with smartwatches
  • Support & Advice - Email support from a coach
  • Plan Guarantee - Free plan swap if needed
  • Cost - $3 per week

Free Training Plan

  • Customised to Athlete Goals - Generic & non-specific
  • Expert Input - No professional input
  • Structured Progression - Some progression
  • Detailed Sessions - No explanations
  • Training Volume - Inconsistent and limited
  • Detailed Sessions - No race-specific advice
  • Race-Specific Prep - Not included
  • Strength Training - Not Included
  • Cross Training** - Not included
  • Tech Integration - No compatibility
  • Support & Advice - No support offered
  • Plan Guarantee - No other plans
  • Cost - Free

Other Premium Training Plans

  • Customised to Athlete Goals - Limited ability variations
  • Expert Input - Created by a qualified coach
  • Structured Progression - Include generic progression
  • Detailed Sessions - No explanations
  • Training Volume - Suitable volume for athletes
  • Race-Specific Prep - Minimal race-day strategy
  • Strength Training - May have generic strength work
  • Cross Training** - Not included
  • Tech Integration - May have device compatibility
  • Support & Advice - Occasional support, sometimes outsourced
  • Plan Guarantee - Limited or no guarantee
  • Cost - $3-5 per week

AI Training Plan

  • Customised to Athlete Goals - Algorithm-based, lacks nuance
  • Expert Input - Automated, no human touch
  • Structured Progression - Only if the algorithm says so
  • Detailed Sessions - No explanations
  • Training Volume - Metrics can miscalculate workload
  • Race-Specific Prep - Lacks detailed guidance
  • Strength Training - Rarely included
  • Cross Training** - Sometimes compatible
  • Tech Integration - May have device compatibility
  • Support & Advice - No human support available
  • Plan Guarantee - No guarantees
  • Cost - $10+ per week

* Strength training included on some training plans at additional cost

** Cross training is available on some specific plans

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