Half Marathon Plan Beginner - L1

I have ran 3 half marathons in the last few years. So i decided to follow the free beginner half plan. I ran a 1:55, a PR. Not bad at 57 years old. Broke the two hours. I'm so happy and will now get the next plan and follow it. Thank you.

Used this plan to run my first half marathon and faster than I thought. Thanks Ben! Going to get the full marathon plan for next time.

I'm sixty years young and did my first Half Marathon after just twelve months training. Following Ben's plan I aimed for under two hours but due to a small injury managed 2:05:55. Well happy with that. Aj Bell half Manchester 31May. Thanks for the help Ben and Sarah .

A never thought I can run HM but I try it with this plan and I run it in 2 h. I can’t belive that it is for free cause it is very profesional plan.

I completed the Beginner Half Marathon Training Plan and really appreciate it. I found my times and effort levels improving steadily without really realizing it. I had to modify a bit during the last two weeks due to somr lingering aches and pains due to age (58) to or running on hard surfaces (or both) but it worked out great. I just finished my first half marathon (Golden Gate Half) in over 30 years. I cant wait to level up to the Improver program for the next one. Thanks Ben!

A year ago I took up running to deliberately make myself uncomfortable and do hard things. It's been a love hate relationship since. But given I would cry at anyone's marathon vlog online I gathered that was exactly what I needed to do. So I signed up to the Auckland Half, downloaded your beg plan and meticulously followed every piece of it. Trusted the process and wow, completed it in 2:06 with a goal under 2:15. So SO stoked and cannot thank you enough Ben! Your plans are fantastic. I now understand the running addiction, have found the next one to sign up to...im hungry for that sub 2!

After losing 40kgs, with a haphazard methodology. I decided on a challenge the Taunton 1/2 marathon looks flat so that’s the one! For a change I took advice and a training plan was needed. Bens plan is clear and simple to follow. The gradual increases in volume and the reasons why are explained. Two weeks in and I’m still going for it . Cheers Ben.

This September I finally returned to the UK after 28 years to participate in the 2025 Big Half Marathon.

After completing the training plan my goal was to finish under 2:06:00. Regardless the heat I successfully completed the run within my goal time.

It was amazing to see the historical buildings during the run and it was a pleasure to run with all the other runners. The supporters created a great atmosphere.

I will cherish this memory for a long time.

Thank you Ben

Kind regards,
János

First HM training plan I've used, and where better to seek advice from than the GOAT Ben Parkes. The plan helped me smash my goal time of 2:00:00.
17/08/25 - Frome Half Marathon - 1:57:56. Cheers Ben!

If you're thinking about purchasing a Ben Parkes plan,then think no more..just do it. You won't be disappointed. I'm 58 years old and have been running for eight months. So when my son suggested that I run the Great Western half with him, in Exeter, I said " no way!" At that point I had been running for only around 5 months and didn't feel that I was even close to a half at that point. Long story short my son talked me into giving it a shot. That's when I thought I needed to find a decent training plan and subsequently ended up getting the half marathon beginners plan. I followed the plan the best I could( I did skip a couple of runs and full confession I never did any of the strength training, I don't recommend the latter by the way) There were times mid way through the plan that I did wonder if a half marathon would be a step too far for my level of fitness at that stage. But I stuck with it and boy am I glad that I did. Come race day I realised that the race day buzz was beyond my expectations. The plan had worked its magic and I was feeling fresh and confident. That combined with the adrenaline buzz pushed me around the course. I had set myself a target time of two hrs 15 mins. My mind was blown when I came in at 1:57:04. I have already booked the Bournemouth half for October and will be buying the half marathon improver plan. Cheers Ben 👍🏻

I ran a half marathon on Sunday after following the beginner plan. I loved the plan! The variety of paces and distances kept things interesting, and the variations in the long runs prevented them from seeming too overwhelming.
I felt well prepared on race day and despite some super windy weather I was very happy with my time of 2:08:42. My A goal was 2:10:00 so I felt amazing to beat this.
I've signed up for another half marathon in a few months time and hoping for an even better time!!!

I downloaded this as a first-time Half Marathoner and was amazed how simple to plan was to understand. I managed to run The Windsor Half Marathon in 1:58:07. I knew it was a hilly course going into the race so added some more hill work but that was a personal choice. Amazing for a free training plan.

Thank you so much for helping me in achieving .....nope exceeding my target time for half marathon.
I'm fairly new to running, gradually increasing from 5km to 10km...the next step was the half, your plan was amazing, clear, achievable and made all the difference for my fitness and pacing. I aimed for 2:30:00 , today completed my first half at 2:10:28.

I only took up running this year after quitting smoking, so was full of enthusiasm to enter a race. Other than the odd Park Run (not a race) the Conwy Half Marathon (Nov 23) was my first ever race. Although there are lots of good HM plans out there, what makes these plans stand out against the rest is the inclusion of a pace chart defining the range of pace for each type of run. I was able to calibrate my paces from experience and programme the steps of each run into my Garmin. I set myself the target of a 6.50 mins/km pace to complete the race in 2 hours 24. I actually completed the race in 2 hours 16 at a pace of 6.25 mins/km, so feeling pretty chuffed. Particularly as it was the worst weather conditions in its 15 year history, with very strong headwinds on the Great Orme whilst climbing about 100 m elevation. I would definitely recommend any of these plans to anyone. I've bought the L2 In Between plan to maintain my focus for a few weeks, then I will be starting the L2 Marathon plan in January in preparation for the London Marathon

IV just completed my first half using this plan, finished the Great North run in 2:12.
Loved the training and the flexibility it offered me with a busy life.
I will be back for the next one

I haven’t started this HM plan yet but I used Ben & Sarah’s beginners marathon plan and got a 30 min PB at London recently, any other HM I’ve done with no real structured plan so I’m confident I’ll get a Half PB with this one too.

A very easy, simple plan to follow which is great. You know exactly what to do for each session with no complicated jargon.

I completed my first half marathon in the beautiful Western Cape South Africa today in 2:10. At age 68 I’m really cuffed. Bens training plan was such a help getting me race ready and fit. Thanks so much

I followed Ben's beginner plan to get a sub2:30 since I tried to get back in shape after the pandemic. All is going well, but the taper week made my knee have clicking sounds and decided to skip some of my workouts. If I haven't experienced this on my knee, I can confidently say that I will get may target time below 2:20. I would have done it better but decided not to push myself today because of my knee. But today, in my Garmin watch it's 2:26 in the race result it's 2:30. Hoping to recover soon. Thank you Ben for the guidance. I am a solo runner and introvert, and this helped me a lot.

PS. If you have some kind of exercises to improve my knee clicking sounds, please do share it on your YT channel. Thank you!

Even though I've ran marathons and ultra marathons. I'm recovering from cancer so i though I'd start from the beginning again. This is a fantastic plan and i can feel the benefits.

I have ran 3 half marathons in the last few years. So i decided to follow the free beginner half plan. I ran a 1:55, a PR. Not bad at 57 years old. Broke the two hours. I'm so happy and will now get the next plan and follow it. Thank you.

Used this plan to run my first half marathon and faster than I thought. Thanks Ben! Going to get the full marathon plan for next time.

I'm sixty years young and did my first Half Marathon after just twelve months training. Following Ben's plan I aimed for under two hours but due to a small injury managed 2:05:55. Well happy with that. Aj Bell half Manchester 31May. Thanks for the help Ben and Sarah .

A never thought I can run HM but I try it with this plan and I run it in 2 h. I can’t belive that it is for free cause it is very profesional plan.

I completed the Beginner Half Marathon Training Plan and really appreciate it. I found my times and effort levels improving steadily without really realizing it. I had to modify a bit during the last two weeks due to somr lingering aches and pains due to age (58) to or running on hard surfaces (or both) but it worked out great. I just finished my first half marathon (Golden Gate Half) in over 30 years. I cant wait to level up to the Improver program for the next one. Thanks Ben!

A year ago I took up running to deliberately make myself uncomfortable and do hard things. It's been a love hate relationship since. But given I would cry at anyone's marathon vlog online I gathered that was exactly what I needed to do. So I signed up to the Auckland Half, downloaded your beg plan and meticulously followed every piece of it. Trusted the process and wow, completed it in 2:06 with a goal under 2:15. So SO stoked and cannot thank you enough Ben! Your plans are fantastic. I now understand the running addiction, have found the next one to sign up to...im hungry for that sub 2!

After losing 40kgs, with a haphazard methodology. I decided on a challenge the Taunton 1/2 marathon looks flat so that’s the one! For a change I took advice and a training plan was needed. Bens plan is clear and simple to follow. The gradual increases in volume and the reasons why are explained. Two weeks in and I’m still going for it . Cheers Ben.

This September I finally returned to the UK after 28 years to participate in the 2025 Big Half Marathon.

After completing the training plan my goal was to finish under 2:06:00. Regardless the heat I successfully completed the run within my goal time.

It was amazing to see the historical buildings during the run and it was a pleasure to run with all the other runners. The supporters created a great atmosphere.

I will cherish this memory for a long time.

Thank you Ben

Kind regards,
János

First HM training plan I've used, and where better to seek advice from than the GOAT Ben Parkes. The plan helped me smash my goal time of 2:00:00.
17/08/25 - Frome Half Marathon - 1:57:56. Cheers Ben!

If you're thinking about purchasing a Ben Parkes plan,then think no more..just do it. You won't be disappointed. I'm 58 years old and have been running for eight months. So when my son suggested that I run the Great Western half with him, in Exeter, I said " no way!" At that point I had been running for only around 5 months and didn't feel that I was even close to a half at that point. Long story short my son talked me into giving it a shot. That's when I thought I needed to find a decent training plan and subsequently ended up getting the half marathon beginners plan. I followed the plan the best I could( I did skip a couple of runs and full confession I never did any of the strength training, I don't recommend the latter by the way) There were times mid way through the plan that I did wonder if a half marathon would be a step too far for my level of fitness at that stage. But I stuck with it and boy am I glad that I did. Come race day I realised that the race day buzz was beyond my expectations. The plan had worked its magic and I was feeling fresh and confident. That combined with the adrenaline buzz pushed me around the course. I had set myself a target time of two hrs 15 mins. My mind was blown when I came in at 1:57:04. I have already booked the Bournemouth half for October and will be buying the half marathon improver plan. Cheers Ben 👍🏻

I ran a half marathon on Sunday after following the beginner plan. I loved the plan! The variety of paces and distances kept things interesting, and the variations in the long runs prevented them from seeming too overwhelming.
I felt well prepared on race day and despite some super windy weather I was very happy with my time of 2:08:42. My A goal was 2:10:00 so I felt amazing to beat this.
I've signed up for another half marathon in a few months time and hoping for an even better time!!!

I downloaded this as a first-time Half Marathoner and was amazed how simple to plan was to understand. I managed to run The Windsor Half Marathon in 1:58:07. I knew it was a hilly course going into the race so added some more hill work but that was a personal choice. Amazing for a free training plan.

Thank you so much for helping me in achieving .....nope exceeding my target time for half marathon.
I'm fairly new to running, gradually increasing from 5km to 10km...the next step was the half, your plan was amazing, clear, achievable and made all the difference for my fitness and pacing. I aimed for 2:30:00 , today completed my first half at 2:10:28.

I only took up running this year after quitting smoking, so was full of enthusiasm to enter a race. Other than the odd Park Run (not a race) the Conwy Half Marathon (Nov 23) was my first ever race. Although there are lots of good HM plans out there, what makes these plans stand out against the rest is the inclusion of a pace chart defining the range of pace for each type of run. I was able to calibrate my paces from experience and programme the steps of each run into my Garmin. I set myself the target of a 6.50 mins/km pace to complete the race in 2 hours 24. I actually completed the race in 2 hours 16 at a pace of 6.25 mins/km, so feeling pretty chuffed. Particularly as it was the worst weather conditions in its 15 year history, with very strong headwinds on the Great Orme whilst climbing about 100 m elevation. I would definitely recommend any of these plans to anyone. I've bought the L2 In Between plan to maintain my focus for a few weeks, then I will be starting the L2 Marathon plan in January in preparation for the London Marathon

IV just completed my first half using this plan, finished the Great North run in 2:12.
Loved the training and the flexibility it offered me with a busy life.
I will be back for the next one

I haven’t started this HM plan yet but I used Ben & Sarah’s beginners marathon plan and got a 30 min PB at London recently, any other HM I’ve done with no real structured plan so I’m confident I’ll get a Half PB with this one too.

A very easy, simple plan to follow which is great. You know exactly what to do for each session with no complicated jargon.

I completed my first half marathon in the beautiful Western Cape South Africa today in 2:10. At age 68 I’m really cuffed. Bens training plan was such a help getting me race ready and fit. Thanks so much

I followed Ben's beginner plan to get a sub2:30 since I tried to get back in shape after the pandemic. All is going well, but the taper week made my knee have clicking sounds and decided to skip some of my workouts. If I haven't experienced this on my knee, I can confidently say that I will get may target time below 2:20. I would have done it better but decided not to push myself today because of my knee. But today, in my Garmin watch it's 2:26 in the race result it's 2:30. Hoping to recover soon. Thank you Ben for the guidance. I am a solo runner and introvert, and this helped me a lot.

PS. If you have some kind of exercises to improve my knee clicking sounds, please do share it on your YT channel. Thank you!

Even though I've ran marathons and ultra marathons. I'm recovering from cancer so i though I'd start from the beginning again. This is a fantastic plan and i can feel the benefits.