Can you train for a half or full marathon in a month?

I was talking with a friend the other day about the upcoming Lincoln Marathon.  She had signed up for the half, but because of other commitments, is just starting her training now.  She said that she was looking for a training plan on the internet, but was unable to find anything that would fit into such a short time frame.  This got me thinking....it IS very possible to train and finish a half or full marathon with minimal training, so why isn't there anything available?  The obvious answer is that it's physically safer for your body and easier to add long miles when you're following a 4 month training plan.  But let's face it...sometimes this just isn't possible.   I remember signing up for the Twin Cities Marathon before I started my first teaching job in 2006.  Between lesson plans, coaching, and getting my wisdom teeth out,  I had little time (or maybe didn't make time) to get my marathon training in.  On very few training runs, I finish the race in 5:44.  Yes, it remains my slowest marathon, BUT I have to pat myself on the shoulder for having the courage to start that race, let alone finish it.  I fully recommend following a proper half or full marathon training plan, but if you find yourself crunched for time, I have written a plan for both distances.  This should get you to the finish line...but don't expect it to be painless! :)

Each plan has three runs per week...you can run them on whatever days work for you, but I recommend staggering them, maybe running Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.  You can also add in an extra easy run or some cross training.

 **Before beginning one of these abbreviated training plans, please ask yourself if you are in good enough shape to safely complete both the training runs and the race itself, and realize that you (most likely) will not set a personal record.

Half-Marathon Training Plan
Week 1: 2 miles, 3 miles, 5 miles

Week 2: 3 miles, 3 miles, 7 miles

Week 3: 3 miles, 4 miles, 8 miles

Week 4: 3 miles, 3 miles, 9-10 miles

Week 5: 3 miles, 3 miles, 8 miles

Race week: 2 miles, 2 miles, RACE!


Full Marathon Training Plan
Week 1: 3 miles, 3 miles, 6 miles

Week 2: 3 miles, 4 miles, 9 miles

Week 3: 4 miles, 5 miles, 12 miles

Week 4: 3 miles, 6 miles, 15 miles

Week 5: 4 miles, 4 miles, 8 miles

Race Week: 2 miles, 3 miles, RACE!

HAPPY RUNNING!