Training

Training plan.

A free starter 8-week half marathon plan for first-timers and walk-run athletes aiming for November 22, 2026 at Higgs Beach. Not medical advice. Listen to your body and talk to a clinician if you have concerns.

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How to use this plan

Weekly structure: 3–4 easy days, one long run, and rest (or cross-train) on the others. Easy means conversational pace. Walk breaks count. If you have fewer than 8 weeks, start at the week that matches your current long-run distance and keep the taper.

  • Easy runs: short, relaxed. Walk-run intervals (e.g. 3 min run / 1 min walk) are fine.
  • Long run: the key workout each week. Build gradually; never jump more than ~10–15% week to week.
  • Rest: full rest or easy bike/swim/yoga. Sleep matters more than extra miles.

8-week mileage outline

Sample weekly long-run target (total weekly miles in parentheses). Adjust down if recovering from injury or heat.

  1. Week 1: Long 4 mi (total ~12)
  2. Week 2: Long 5–6 mi (total ~15)
  3. Week 3: Long 7 mi (total ~18)
  4. Week 4: Long 8 mi (total ~20) — recovery-friendly midweek
  5. Week 5: Long 9–10 mi (total ~22)
  6. Week 6: Long 11 mi (total ~24)
  7. Week 7: Long 12 mi (total ~24) — peak, then ease midweek
  8. Week 8 (race week): Short easy runs Mon–Thu · Rest or shakeout Fri/Sat · Race Sunday, Nov 22 — 13.1

Race week tip: keep midweek miles short and familiar. Travel, sleep, and hydration beat last-minute volume.

Heat tips for the Florida Keys

  • Train early or late when you can; November mornings are warmer than most mainland fall races.
  • Practice drinking on the move — race day has water stops on course.
  • Light colors, sunscreen, hat or visor. Salt loss adds up — try electrolytes on longer runs before race day.
  • If humidity feels heavy, slow the pace and keep the walk breaks. Finishing strong beats forcing a pace chart.

Ready for race day

Lock your spot while you train. Early Half pricing runs through November 1, 2026.

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Ready when you are.

Register for the Key West Half — November 22, 2026.

Register for the Key West Half