Try it: 13.1 will look great on you! If you've been running three or so miles three times a week (about 10 miles/week), click here for a half-marathon training schedule for regular runners. In 12 weeks, you'll safely increase your mileage so you can handle the whole 13.1. Plus, you get two days of rest and two days of cross training every week. If you're a first timer, keep reading for a beginner's plan. Half-Marathon Training Schedule for First-Timers (Even if You Haven't Been Working Out)
http://www.shape.com/fitness/training-plans/step-step-half-marathon-training-schedule-first-time-runners
More runners are flocking to the 13.1 mile race distance for good reason—it’s the perfect blend of endurance and speed. The distance requires new runners to build their fitness substantially, but the training required to run a successful half marathon isn’t nearly as grueling as for the marathon.
http://running.competitor.com/2015/05/training/how-to-train-for-your-first-half-marathon_128475
Between training runs and official races, I have run a half marathon distance more than 50 times. The 13.1-miles was daunting at first, but it quickly became my favorite distance. Here's how to train for your first half marathon.
https://www.jeffsanders.com/how-to-train-for-your-first-half-marathon/
Following is a recommended beginner half marathon training schedule. This schedule assumes you have been running for at least four weeks and can run 30 minutes without stopping before beginning the schedule.
http://www.marathonrookie.com/half-marathon-training.html
Not Enough Training Background. The first and perhaps most obvious reason you might not want to run a marathon is a lack of training or experienced running background. The marathon is an arduous event and requires a dedicated training block of at least two months for serious runners and four months or more for newer runners. Remember, the more time you give yourself to train for your goal race, the better your chances of success.
http://running.competitor.com/2013/09/training/3-reasons-why-you-should-not-run-a-marathon_42291
To the average person, running 13 miles sounds crazy. It takes about two hours on average to finish if you are in good shape and you could spend months preparing for your first race. Here's the good news: half marathons are not that hard. In fact, they are considerably easier than a full marathon at 26.2 miles.
https://www.jeffsanders.com/how-to-train-for-your-first-half-marathon/
Completing a run of 10-12 miles about three weeks before the race will be enough to prepare you for the finish. You should then taper off in the final weeks leading up to the half marathon to allow your body to recover from training and so you will be strong on the big day.
http://www.marathonrookie.com/half-marathon-training.html
But the half marathon is different: at more than double the distance of a 10K, it requires greater focus on endurance and long runs than shorter races. You might have been able to “fake it” through a 10K race, but that will be virtually impossible in a half. Training should be taken seriously and approached with care.
http://running.competitor.com/2015/05/training/how-to-train-for-your-first-half-marathon_128475
During half marathon training, 65% of your total calories should come from carbohydrates, particularly complex carbohydrates. 10% should come from protein (you need 0.5 to 0.7 grams per pound of your body weight each day). 20-25% of your total calories should come from unsaturated fats.
http://www.marathonrookie.com/half-marathon-training.html
Before you jump into marathon training, you may want to consider your first half marathon. The half marathon is the fastest growing race distance in the United States. According to Running USA, there was more than 2 million half marathon finishers in 2014. RELATED: 13.1 Tips for Running Your Best Half Marathon.
http://running.competitor.com/2015/05/training/how-to-train-for-your-first-half-marathon_128475
how long to seriously train for a half marathon
It takes three weeks to seriously train for a half marathon.