Marathon Handbook Podcast

The half marathon might be the most popular race distance in the world — but is it actually the perfect running event?In this episode of the Marathon Handbook Podcast, Michael Doyle is joined by coaches and athletes Katelyn Tocci and Alex Cyr for a complete deep dive into the half marathon.SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS: This episode is presented by Momentous. Use promo code MARATHON for up to 35% off your first order: ⁠livemomentous.comRocket Money saves you money by cancelling unwanted subscriptions, hassle-free: https://rocketmoney.com/gorunWe discuss:• The surprising origins of the half marathon• Why it feels more like a 10K than a marathon• The key workouts that build half marathon fitness• Long run guidelines for beginners vs advanced runners• Race-week pacing strategy and the “15K wall”• Fueling rules (when gels actually matter)• Strength training mistakes runners make• Best bucket list half marathons: Valencia, Copenhagen, NYC, Super Halves• Should the half marathon be an Olympic event?• And… what should we rename the half marathon?Whether you're racing your first 13.1 or chasing a PR, this is your complete half marathon handbook.Half Marathon Training Plans: https://marathonhandbook.com• Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://marathonhandbook.com/newsletterTopics/Chapters:0:00 Intro0:23 Half Marathon Overview2:06 Origins of the Half Marathon9:35 Popularity of the Half Marathon19:11 What Kind of Race is It? (Comparing to 10K and Marathon)28:21 Physiology of the Half36:33 Why the Half is Hard41:51 Why the Half is Misunderstood44:51 Weekly Training Structure48:00 Key Half Marathon Workouts53:59 Common Training Mistakes58:06 Long Runs1:02:01 Fueling During the Race1:04:44 Carb Loading for a Half1:08:59 Post-Race Recovery1:12:27 Are Hot Tubs Overrated?1:15:39 Travel-Worthy Half Marathons1:23:04 Half Marathon and Olympics1:26:29 Rebranding the Half1:33:07 Final Thoughts on the Half

Show Notes

The half marathon might be the most popular race distance in the world — but is it actually the perfect running event?
In this episode of the Marathon Handbook Podcast, Michael Doyle is joined by coaches and athletes Katelyn Tocci and Alex Cyr for a complete deep dive into the half marathon.
SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS: This episode is presented by Momentous. Use promo code MARATHON for up to 35% off your first order: ⁠livemomentous.com
Rocket Money saves you money by cancelling unwanted subscriptions, hassle-free: https://rocketmoney.com/gorun
We discuss:
• The surprising origins of the half marathon
• Why it feels more like a 10K than a marathon
• The key workouts that build half marathon fitness
• Long run guidelines for beginners vs advanced runners
• Race-week pacing strategy and the “15K wall”
• Fueling rules (when gels actually matter)
• Strength training mistakes runners make
• Best bucket list half marathons: Valencia, Copenhagen, NYC, Super Halves
• Should the half marathon be an Olympic event?
• And… what should we rename the half marathon?
Whether you're racing your first 13.1 or chasing a PR, this is your complete half marathon handbook.
Half Marathon Training Plans: https://marathonhandbook.com• 
Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://marathonhandbook.com/newsletter
Topics/Chapters:
0:00 Intro
0:23 Half Marathon Overview
2:06 Origins of the Half Marathon
9:35 Popularity of the Half Marathon
19:11 What Kind of Race is It? (Comparing to 10K and Marathon)
28:21 Physiology of the Half
36:33 Why the Half is Hard
41:51 Why the Half is Misunderstood
44:51 Weekly Training Structure
48:00 Key Half Marathon Workouts
53:59 Common Training Mistakes
58:06 Long Runs
1:02:01 Fueling During the Race
1:04:44 Carb Loading for a Half
1:08:59 Post-Race Recovery
1:12:27 Are Hot Tubs Overrated?
1:15:39 Travel-Worthy Half Marathons
1:23:04 Half Marathon and Olympics
1:26:29 Rebranding the Half
1:33:07 Final Thoughts on the Half

What is Marathon Handbook Podcast?

Marathon Handbook's weekly podcast covers everything you need to know about running, from running your first 5K to qualifying for the Boston Marathon! Each week, our editors chat about what's going on in the running scene, as well as timely training tips, the best new gear, and what's happening at the world's biggest races. We'll cover everything from the Boston Marathon to the Barkley Marathons, often podding live from the most important moments in running! Watch our video podcast each week on YouTube, and listen to it wherever you get your podcasts! Inquiries: podcast@marathonhandbook.com