Marathon Handbook Podcast The Ultimate Half Marathon Guide: Training, Pacing, Fueling + Bucket List Races
The half marathon might be the most popular race distance in the world — but is it actually the perfect running event?
In this episode of the Marathon Handbook Podcast, Michael Doyle is joined by coaches and athletes Katelyn Tocci and Alex Cyr for a complete deep dive into the half marathon.
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We discuss:
• The surprising origins of the half marathon
• Why it feels more like a 10K than a marathon
• The key workouts that build half marathon fitness
• Long run guidelines for beginners vs advanced runners
• Race-week pacing strategy and the “15K wall”
• Fueling rules (when gels actually matter)
• Strength training mistakes runners make
• Best bucket list half marathons: Valencia, Copenhagen, NYC, Super Halves
• Should the half marathon be an Olympic event?
• And… what should we rename the half marathon?
Whether you're racing your first 13.1 or chasing a PR, this is your complete half marathon handbook.
Half Marathon Training Plans: https://marathonhandbook.com•
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Topics/Chapters:
0:00 Intro
0:23 Half Marathon Overview
2:06 Origins of the Half Marathon
9:35 Popularity of the Half Marathon
19:11 What Kind of Race is It? (Comparing to 10K and Marathon)
28:21 Physiology of the Half
36:33 Why the Half is Hard
41:51 Why the Half is Misunderstood
44:51 Weekly Training Structure
48:00 Key Half Marathon Workouts
53:59 Common Training Mistakes
58:06 Long Runs
1:02:01 Fueling During the Race
1:04:44 Carb Loading for a Half
1:08:59 Post-Race Recovery
1:12:27 Are Hot Tubs Overrated?
1:15:39 Travel-Worthy Half Marathons
1:23:04 Half Marathon and Olympics
1:26:29 Rebranding the Half
1:33:07 Final Thoughts on the Half