BeginnerVDOT 33

15-Week Beginner Half Marathon Plan

106 workouts across 15 weeks, with paces calculated from VDOT 33. Estimated half marathon finish: 2:09:48.

Duration
15 weeks
Peak volume
24.9 mi
Predicted finish
2:09:48
Total distance
254.1 mi

Is this 15-week beginner plan right for you?

This longer build gives you more room to add volume gradually and absorb recovery weeks. It prioritizes consistent running, manageable long runs, and finishing with confidence.

Choose this plan if

  • Race day is about 15 weeks away.
  • You can run 2–3 miles continuously and can protect four running days each week.
  • A fixed template peaking at 24.9 miles per week fits your schedule.

Consider another plan if

  • Your race is sooner and you need a shorter plan that matches the actual calendar.
  • You already train at a higher volume and want a performance-focused schedule.
  • A health concern, unusual pain, or a racing goal that needs professional individual advice is involved.

This free template peaks at 24.9 miles per week (40 km) and covers about 254.1miles total. It is a fixed schedule; a personalized plan uses your race date, current fitness, and available days for $19.99 per race.

Who this plan is for

  • You can comfortably run 2–3 miles without stopping
  • You've never run a half marathon before (or it's been a while)
  • You have 15 weeks before race day
  • You can train 4 days per week
  • Your main goal is to finish strong and enjoy the experience

Training phases

Base Building4 weeks
Build Phase7 weeks
Peak Training2 weeks
Taper2 weeks
Race Week1 week

Your training paces

Based on VDOT 33. Paces are shown in minutes per kilometer; use the VDOT calculator to see the equivalent minutes-per-mile paces for your current result.

Easy
7:36
Recovery & base building
Long Run
7:46
Endurance development
Tempo
6:01
Lactate threshold
Race Pace
6:09
Half marathon goal pace
Marathon
6:24
Aerobic endurance
Interval
5:38
VO₂max improvement
Repetition
5:21
Speed & economy

Volume progression

Weekly training volume, with miles shown first in the chart and kilometers included for reference. Recovery weeks reduce load by ~30% to allow adaptation.

Week-by-week breakdown

Want your paces in this plan?

This free template uses VDOT 33 paces. Build a $19.99 personalized plan calibrated to your exact fitness level, race date, and schedule.

Build your plan for $19.99

$19.99 intro price — only 100 places left, normally $34.99. Pay once per race.

Compare nearby plan durations

More time generally allows a steadier build; a shorter plan works best when you already have the running base this level expects.