Half Marathon Plan Improver - L2
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the training plans in miles or kilometers?
Are the training plans in miles or kilometers?
We have written the training plans in both miles and kms, both of which are included in the PDF file so you can refer to whichever one suits you.
The pace charts are also in miles and km's too.
How will I receive my plan?
How will I receive my plan?
You will receive an email with a link to download your plan straight after purchase.
You can also click a link on the checkout success page.
This will download the PDF file to your computer, tablet or phone.
What format do the training plans come in?
What format do the training plans come in?
The plans are a downloadable PDF file which you can view on any device or print off.
You will be emailed the link to download your plan.
Please note the plan can only be downloaded a maximum of 5 times.
I feel I am in between two training plans, which one should I go for?
I feel I am in between two training plans, which one should I go for?
Each plan gives the number of days of training per week, so we’d advise going for the one which best fits in with your current lifestyle and commitments.
Also consider the number of miles or km's for the first week and peak week and compare that figure to where you are currently.
The best success will come from following a plan that is achievable given your lifestyle and current fitness.
Customer Reviews
I have just started to use the plan and I like that I now know in which tempo to run. As an improvement to the plan it could be nice to have the long run in time instead of km
Having just run my first half marathon without a proper training plan and not quite hitting the time I wanted I thought that I’d try something more formalised.
This plan is great, giving me the guidance on how to structure my training but also being realistic that we all have lives so not to stress if you miss a session. Really enjoying it so far!
I just finished the Half Marathon Improver plan with a 1:57:13 chip time at the inaugural Goulburn Half Marathon in NSW Australia. My first half I used the Garmin coach and whilst successful I found it too inflexible with far less understanding and explanation. This improver plan worked well with little changes like putting parkrun every Sat as an integral part of my week, to needing to shuffle whole weeks around to fit in with life. Combined with the you tube videos explaining different paces etc this is a far better option for me.
I am now in a three week recovery and cross training and then I am starting the Level 2 Marathon Plan to help me prepare for my first marathon in Scotland at the Loch Ness Marathon in September. I will just pay attention to the strength components this time.
What I would wish for - some guidance to transition between plans/distances - I am coming off a significantly higher tempo at the end of the half plan to the start of the full plan...whats a good strategy?
Used this plan for my first half marathon and enjoyed every minute of it. Easy to understand and follow. Trust in the process, and it will get you to your goal. Can highly recommend this to anyone looking to break 2 hours. Thank you, Ben.
I followed Ben‘s Half Marathon L2 Plan as best as I could and definitely made progress throughout the training. The goal was to get a new PB by running under 01:50 and it ended up being a 8 minute PB running the Berlin Half Marathon in 01:44! The plan is easy to follow and totally worth the money, thank you Ben :)
For my first HM I had used a local coach and finished just under 2 hours. It was a great experience but too expensive for me to use for every time.
The Ben Parkes plan was really easy to follow and it was easy to taylor to my goal pace. This helped me fit 95% of the runs in around work, family etc.
End result was a 1:51:14, which was a PB of over 8 minutes! Pretty epic considering I did absolutely no strength or conditioning at all 😂.
If you stick to the plans you will make definitely make progress! Thanks Ben and Sarah 🤩
After a string of injuries and surgeries I'm excited to get going again. Your training plans are easy to read and very detailed, taking out all of what would be my guess work. Thank you for having these training plans available. I look forward to building my running strength and speed and falling in love with running again with your help 👊
At the beginning I took the half marathon beginner plan but I wanted to push myself harder so I purchased the level 2 improver which turns out to be a very good plan and easy to follow. I can’t wait to put on the gas on my first half marathon at the end of March.
By the way I am from Tahiti in French Polynesia so congrats Ben your plans made it to Tahiti :) My friends and I are really happy to follow your plan
Keep on inspiring us !
My second running goal on roads will be to run the Honolulu marathon in December 2025.
Tautu
Really accessible and well structured plan. I jumped to the top of the goal pace range for this one after completing the beginner plan last year, so it's challenging enough (for me) at the interval pace end, but achievable with good progression and variation. Almost halfway through at the moment and would highly recommend. I enjoy crossing the sessions off on my printed clipboard copy as I complete them, much to the amusement of my family!
This plan looks great and finally I intend to stick to a plan. And how nice would it be when a plan comes together. For me it should all happen in the Bonn HM in April. So I count the weeks back and get it done!
