Do you want to complete a full marathon, but feel better suited for a half-marathon? 4 Reasons why a half-marathon may be more attainable.
Training for a half-marathon is a challenging but attainable goal for many runners. A half-marathon is a long-distance race with an official distance of 21.0975 kilometers, usually run as a road race. It is considered a great starting point for those who want to take on the full marathon, but it still requires proper training and preparation. If you’re thinking about training for a half-marathon, here are a few reasons why it may be a more attainable goal than running a full marathon.
- Shorter Training time: Training for a half-marathon typically takes around 12-14 weeks, compared to the 16-20 weeks required for a full marathon. This means you will have to commit less time to train, which can be beneficial for those with busy schedules.
- Lower risk of injury: Training for a half-marathon places less stress on the body, making it less likely to cause injury. According to a study published in the Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy, runners who train for a half-marathon have a lower risk of injury compared to those training for a full marathon.
- More manageable distance: Running a half-marathon is a more manageable distance for many people, both physically and mentally. It can help to build confidence and a sense of accomplishment, which can be a great stepping stone to training for a full marathon.
- Easier recovery: The recovery process after a half-marathon is typically less intense than after a full marathon, which allows you to return to training or other activities sooner.
A half-marathon is a great stepping stone for those who want to take on the full marathon and a great way to build up confidence and a sense of accomplishment.
Sources: https://www.runnersworld.com/uk/training/beginners/a776547/how-to-start-training-for-a-half-marathon/ https://www.healthline.com/health/fitness-exercise/half-marathon-training-plan https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3428644/