Half Marathon Plan Intermediate - L3
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'm 58 and after last year's Canberra Half Marathon with a finishing time of 1.54 using another training plan, I wanted to do this year's race and see if I could get close to a 1.45 time so I downloaded BP's L3 Half Marathon plan and accompanying strength training guide. Having followed the plan religiously for the first 9 weeks, I then picked up a lower leg injury resulting in almost a week of training and fortunately was then able to get back into running and completed the race in 1.46, or what equated to 4.59/km pace. To be honest, at this point i was just hoping to either beat my previous year's time or get down to 1.50 so my final finishing time really is testiment to a plan that pushes your running the right way without breaking you. Highly recommended and thank you Ben.
I'm on to my third training plan from Ben now, great set up and easy to follow. Paired with the YouTube channel for further motivation!
Helped me take 8 minutes off my best, following four years of unstructured running and wondering why I couldn’t get any faster. Would recommend to anyone, simple and easy to understand and follow. Purchased a plan for my wife who is gearing up for the Great Birmingham run. Thanks Ben!
My fastest half marathon time used to be 1:49:12 which happened to be my very first. I was also 7 kg lighter back then. I am very pleased.
I followed Ben's Half Marathon Plan Intermediate - L3. It prepared me well for the race. I was aiming for sub 1:40 and achieved a big pb today running 1:36:19. The long runs with sections at race pace on tired legs prepared me well, also mentally. The strength routines were a good addition. The weekly volume was a bit high for what I am used to, and some weeks I only managed to do four runs instead of the planned 5. That said, I highly recommend this plan.
Good solid program. Tough at times sticking to the schedule. I was upping my effort in a bid to PB before I'm 50. Wasn't in best shape to start lacking endurance but the different sessions kept me gaining. Mixed it up with sessions offroad and combined strides into hill sprints. Efforts on the long runs really gave a good idea of a realistic pace . Thoroughly enjoyed the hard work and managing to fit it in with life. Cheers Ben. 🍻 Pb 1.35.22
I used this plan to take on my first half marathon in October 2024.
The plan was easy to follow and increased the weekly distances in a manageable way (and the long runs).
I set myself a challenging goal (for me anyway) of going sub 1:40 and managed to better this on the day.
At times it was hard when some runs didn't go quite to plan, but just stick at it.
I would definitely recommend and I can see myself using the other plans in the future.
I already achieved a sub 1:40 using this plan at Ipswich Half marathon on 22nd Sept (1:37:50). I also had Chelmsford Half marathon planned for 13th Oct so I repeated the last 3 weeks of the plan and managed to get another 2 min 3 sec PB - Official time 1:35:47. Absolutely buzzing, such a practical training plan and cannot recommend it enough, the reason why it works is the flexibility and various pacing offers.
Once again I will add that I have my own hill session that I do regularly, once a week and coupled with this plan, I was able to get over 5 mins shaved from my original previous pb time of 1:40:27 in January this year. Looking forward to getting on the 10k plan now.
I bought the L3 HM plan a month before my 25k trail race. This training plan, at the very least, gave me a schedule to stick to that helped me run on the days I didn't want to.
I finished the 25k with a 2:30 time (the hills were outrageous), but I placed 8th overall so I was happy with the results.
Next goal is to run a proper HM with this training plan and aim for 1:45.
This is by far the best plan I have used. I started running April 2023, and I’ve used Runna app mostly. This year I used Pfitzinger’s book to build my base and then went straight to Ben’s plan for HM from 1st July. I had only done two halves before this (PB - 1:40:27) and was aiming for sub 1:40. This plan helped me get this today, I felt strong and I got 1:37:50. I did add one day of hill training in the last 5 weeks before the race today. The plan is easy to follow and detailed enough with flexibility to go faster if you feel you are primed. Highly recommend this plan and I will be using the marathon one next year. Cheers Ben.
