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Half Marathon Training

Welcome to the Life Time Chicago Half Training Hub. Here you will find all of the details needed to conquer your goals and cross your finish line.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced distance runner, our training plans are designed specifically with you in mind, from one of our amazing Life Time coaches.

Half Marathon Training Plan: Beginner

Half Marathon Training Plan: Advanced

Training Plan Notes

  • RP = Race Pace
  • 5k time trials are in the program to assess progress and to give you an idea for pacing. You can use run pace calculators to determine predicted race pace, easy pace, long run paces and even paces for speed.
  • Lift Day(s) – Gone are the days that JUST running is the best for runners. Lifting to get strong will reduce your chances of injury and make you FASTER.  Don’t get caught up in the “perfect time” to lift. Lift days can be 20-30min. They don’t have to be long sessions. If you need more support here, ask a personal trainer/coach.

Check out the Life Time Digital Membership below for 500+ weekly classes, perfect for your cross training and lift days.

Meet Your Training Plan Developer

Coach Mike Thomson
@fastandfitmike / IG

Fitness Trainer
Run/Tri Coach Virtual & In-Person Trainer
Certifications & Niche/specialty
CSCS (certified strength and conditioning specialist), USAT (USA track and field)

Location: Overland Park Kansas

Mike Thomson has been coaching since 2005 after getting a Bachelors degree in Kinesiology from Michigan State University. He is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS). He is a Level I USA Track & Field Coach.  Mike is also a Poliquin Biosignature Practitioner.

Mike was a collegiate soccer player (Michigan State University) turned endurance athlete. Some of his accomplishments include the Boston Marathon in 2008 and 2010, a sub-11 hour finish in his first Ironman at Ironman Cozumel 2010, and competing on Team USA in the 2012 Age Group World Triathlon Championships in New Zealand. His most recent accomplishment is a 2:51 finish at the 2013 Chicago Marathon.

Mike is a husband and father of twin boys and is training for multiple races in 2023

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