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How To Transition from Novice Runner to Marathoner

By Gaelle Abecassis | Apr 2, 2024

If you’re new to running and want to see how far you can take this new passion, you may be doing online searches for “half marathon training schedule for a beginner" or “10km training program for beginners.” And you’re probably trying to digest a seemingly endless array of results. Then again, you may have your eyes set on the ultimate goal, the marathon, and your search history is full of variations of “marathon training plan for beginners.” Whatever distance you decide to pursue, take heart that millions worldwide have started from the same place — and succeeded.

A free training plan from the internet is a fine place to start, but wouldn’t you rather follow a workout plan tailored to you and only you? Humango’s AI-powered coaching app will take you from wherever you are in your running career and provide a training plan to help you achieve your goals. And odds are it'll likely leave you running stronger and faster than you thought possible. All you need is a goal event, such as a 10k, half marathon, or marathon, and enough time every week for the training.

Humango can chart your progress by tracking uploaded data from your GPS watch and heart rate monitor. As you gradually gain more fitness, the app will increase the volume and intensity of your runs. Then, in the weeks leading up to your goal race, Humango will help you prepare by tapering down your efforts so you arrive at the start line feeling rested and primed for your best performance.

With Humango, you don’t have to think about whether or not your efforts are falling short, spot on, or overdoing it. The app’s AI technology will deduce where you are fitness-wise and adjust your workouts accordingly, automatically making allowances for illness, injury, or welcome distractions like family vacations that impact the amount of time you have to run.

Humango’s coaching really shines over time, successfully guiding you across the finish line in multiple events over the years. As you become a seasoned runner, Humango will automatically change from a training schedule for beginning runners to one for veterans. This built-in scalability keeps your running progression moving forward, regularly finding your limits and helping you push through them.

The key is consistent training with your Humango coach. Doing so ensures that you stay on the most efficient path to reaching your goals, whatever that may be. For some, it’s qualifying for the Boston Marathon. For others, it may be running a half-marathon in all 50 states. That’s the beauty of Humango. It can get you ready for whatever running goal you set. All you have to do is lace up your shoes and put in the miles.

How Much Time Is Needed for 10k, Half-Marathon, and Marathon Training?

By following our guide, you can get yourself in race shape and enjoy running in (instead of suffering through) your goal event. To make sure you find the training plan that’s best for you, we’ve divided our recommendations into running levels: Novice (new to running), Veteran (runs 15+ miles a week for fitness), and Expert (trains for races year-round, logging 30+ miles per week).