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.

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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•

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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