Practical running guide · Finish Line Labs
Convert your goal time
A half marathon is 21.0975 km, about 13.109 miles. A two-hour finish means approximately 9:09 per mile or 5:41 per kilometer. Small pace differences accumulate over two hours.
Prepare for the duration
A good half-marathon target draws on long runs and longer sustained efforts, not only a fast 5K. Practice fueling and hydration according to your needs, particularly when running well beyond an hour.
Avoid an overly fast start
Start at an effort you can maintain. Consider treating the first 5K as a controlled introduction, settling in through the middle, then assessing what is left for the final few kilometers.
Try it with your own numbers
Use the relevant calculator to turn these concepts into a pace, split or workout estimate.
Keep in mind
These examples illustrate calculations and general training ideas. Your ideal pace depends on fitness, recovery, health, terrain and conditions. Treat predictions as estimates rather than promises.