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8 Week Advanced Half Marathon Training Plan With Strength Training

For advanced-level runners aiming to get stronger and record their best possible performance.

Experience Level

Advanced

Number of Weeks

8

Training Plan Introduction

Are you ready to knock minutes off your best half marathon, without feeling lost or overwhelmed while being stronger and more injury resilient?

This 8 Week Half Marathon Plan has everything you need. Built on a tried-and-tested, structured framework, each session has a clear purpose. You’ll see steady improvements in endurance, speed, strength and confidence—just like countless runners who say this approach helped them shave minutes off their PBs and feel well-prepared on race day.

Achieve What You Want

  • Peak Performance: Follow a straightforward plan that’s proven to help runners reach their full potential on race day.
  • Boost Endurance & Speed: Develop the stamina and pace to stay comfortable at your target race pace—even when the miles add up.
  • Stay Motivated: With clear daily guidance and varied sessions, you’ll feel consistently challenged but never overwhelmed.
  • Save Time: Enjoy short, purposeful workouts that fit around a busy lifestyle, including notes on how to swap in club runs.
  • Gain Confidence: Train with a solid structure, trusting that each workout builds toward your race goal.
  • Injury Resilience: Complete one targeted strength session per week to help you feel stronger and reduce injury risk.

Is This The 8 Week Half Marathon Training Plan For You?

  • Balanced Progress: Five purposeful runs per week plus a weekly strength workout, with each session designed to keep you moving forward without burning out.
  • Proven Training Structure: From base building through taper, you’ll know exactly why you’re doing each workout at every stage.
  • Seamless Smartwatch Integration: Follow your workouts live and see performance gains tracking in real time.
  • Clear Guidance: Each session comes with a short explanation, ensuring you always know why you’re doing it and how it will help you progress.

Key Features

Structured Training

  • Two Phases, One Goal: Each phase blends endurance building with speed development, reflecting what many runners describe as the ideal balance to hit peak performance.
  • 5 Runs Per Week: Every run has a purpose, helping you make the most of your limited training time.
  • 1 Strength Session Weekly: Target your core and legs to stay injury-free and add power to your stride.
  • Club Run Flexibility: Simple guidance on which sessions you can swap out for group training.

Integrated Smartwatch Support

  • Real-Time Tracking: Keep an eye on pace and progress, and never wonder if you’re on the right track.

Progressive Variety

  • Endurance Runs, Race-Pace Efforts, Speed Sessions, and Tapering: Clear daily instructions that scale with your fitness, just like plans that reviewers say “kept me motivated and on track.”

Time-Efficient Sessions

  • Average Session ~1 Hour: Shorter workouts midweek so you can balance training with work or family.

Who Is This Advanced Half Marathon Training Plan For?

  • Experienced Runners: If you can already run for an hour and a half, you’ll be ready for the more advanced workouts.
  • PB Chasers: Designed for those wanting to break their personal best— previous runners have gained surprising improvements and shaved minutes off their times.
  • Dedicated Performers: Anyone who craves structure, progression, and tangible results.

What You Get

  • 5-6 Runs a Week: Each one is purposeful and easy to follow, making the most of your time.
  • 1 Strength Session: Targeted to boost power and protect against common injuries.
  • 2-3 Rest Days: Space to recover so you stay fresh and motivated.

8 Weeks of Detailed, Progressive Training

  • Weeks 1-5: Speed & Base Endurance
    The first five weeks focus on building a solid endurance foundation while integrating speed work. Steady runs lay the groundwork for more intense sessions, while speed workouts sharpen your pace for the challenges ahead.
  • Weeks 6-8: Race Pace & Peaking
    The final three weeks shift focus to race pace and peaking. Increase the duration of your race pace efforts while maintaining high intensity. Tapering towards the end ensures you’re fresh, strong, and confident on race day.

Plus, you’ll get a fully integrated calendar for seamless scheduling and email support if you have questions or need a morale boost.

Added Extra Benefits

  • Expert Support: Over 13 years of coaching experience providing your personal support
  • Smartwatch Integration: No more guesswork—follow every workout live.
  • Plan Guidance & Setup: Know exactly how to get started, from setup tips to race-day routines.
  • Race Day Guides & Warm-Up Videos: Including a sensible pre-race routine so you feel confident on the start line.

Your Next Level Awaits

If you’ve been seeking a plan that’s easy to follow, challenging but not overwhelming, and proven to deliver real results, this is it. Develop the endurance, speed, and mental toughness to excel on race day—start your 8 week journey and become the runner you’ve always wanted to be.

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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8 Week Beginner Half Marathon Training Plan With Strength Sessions

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