Half Marathon Training Plan Guide
A half marathon is a 21.1km challenge that's neither too difficult nor too easy, providing a fulfilling sense of accomplishment. RunBox AI coach creates a customized 12-16 week half marathon training plan to help you safely achieve this goal.
Why Choose an AI-Customized Half Marathon Training Plan?
- Progressive Training: Gradually building from basic endurance
- Personalized Pacing: Based on your target finish time
- Injury Prevention: Scientific intensity distribution
- Flexible Adjustments: Real-time optimization based on progress
since i didn't get a slot for the full marathon let's set a new pb for the half marathon
For me, first and foremost, the Hanma is the marathon of my hometown. So, I have a small goal:"Participate in every Hanma."
Then, it is one of the four major marathons in China. Since it received this title, the slots have become extremely sought after. On the scalper market, sponsor slots go for about 1200-1500. On March 13th, at the expo, someone even stole bib numbers and resold them for 1000, but was caught on the spot. It can be said that it is the hottest marathon slot in the first half of the year.
If you are lucky enough to get a spot and come to Wuhan, you must start with breakfast. Try the hot dry noodles from Cailinji, the shumai from Yanshi, the tofu skin from Laotongcheng, as well as mianwo and hu rice wine.
After breakfast, go pick up your race packet. With the yellow and blue color scheme and the grand venue, you might think you've arrived at the Boston Marathon.
The highlight of the packet pickup process is the race shirt distribution plan:
In general races, you fill in your size when you register, and in principle, you can't change it on site. Some races might turn a blind eye to this rule. If the size is particularly unsuitable, you can strongly request a change.
The result is that everyone crowds around the shirt pickup window to try on shirts, and those who want to change sizes argue with the staff. It's quite frustrating.
But Hanma's plan is to generously display all sizes at the entrance for you to try on. During the shirt pickup process, you can directly take the size that fits you. Isn't that great?
After changing into the race shirt, take a group photo with your teammates; we gathered everyone from zones A to F.
This expo is one of the most generous in terms of freebies among those I've attended.
My personal favorite freebie is the refrigerator magnet from the China Grand Slam booth.
Let's talk about the race course:
Starting at Wuhan Customs on Yanjiang Avenue, passing through Hankou Riverside Park.
At about 2km, turn left onto Zhongshan Avenue, which symbolizes Wuhan's commercial and cultural heritage, passing through Jiqing Street, known for its traditional snacks.
At about 7km, cross Jianghan Bridge.
At about 8km, you can see the TV tower atop Guishan and Qingchuan Pavilion.
At about 9km, run onto the Yangtze River Bridge, which has weathered over 60 years of history.
As you descend the bridge, you can see the Yellow Crane Tower in the distance, where old friends bid farewell.
The 13km mark is at the Xinhai Revolution Museum.
The half marathon continues along Linjiang Avenue, reaching Shahu Bridge at about 18km, then passing through Chu River Han Street.
The half marathon finish line is at the Hubei Provincial Library.
The full marathon enters the East Lake Greenway, passing through a dense university town, combining natural and cultural scenery in the second half.
The finish line is at Happy Valley in Overseas Chinese Town, like a big party where you can fully release your post-race excitement.
The entire course crosses two rivers and three towns, showcasing the city's splendor.
Let's talk about the best race support that spoils the runners:
Did the sign-holding girls catch your eye?
After the race, I met Dahai and Li Sulan, the women's half marathon champion and runner-up. Li Ji also achieved a good time of 2:52 in the full marathon. The female running stars from Shenzhen are really impressive.
At the finish line, I met photographer Danbao, who asked me to pose under the archway kissing the ground for a news article.
I thought it was a cool idea, so I did it. I imagined the photo would look like this:
But without a photo of the bib number, you can't find it! The ones you can find look like this:
I think the news article would probably be written like this:Hanma runner collapses 100 meters from the finish line due to exhaustion but still crawls to the finish line, a truly inspiring story.
Did he make me look bad?
My time was 1:31. Since I didn't get a full marathon slot, I aimed for a half marathon PB.
The finisher's medal, paired with Shichuan's illustration, is perfect.
The finisher's bag includes a Hanma passport sticker, which can be placed in the China Marathon Alliance passport.
Finally, I hope to have great luck next year and get a Hanma slot, aiming for a full marathon PB!
*The copyright of this article belongs to the author. Unauthorized reproduction is prohibited.
*The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not represent the views of Codoon.
Start Your Half Marathon Training
RunBox provides half marathon runners with:
- Personalized 12-16 week training plans
- Weekly detailed training schedules
- Nutrition and recovery guidance
- Pre-race strategy planning
Download RunBox and let our AI coach help you achieve your half marathon goal!
