Marathon vs Half Marathon Training Plans Compared

Deciding between the Austin Marathon and the Austin Half Marathon? You’re not alone. It’s one of the most common questions we hear from runners eyeing race day on February 14, 2027. Both distances are incredible achievements, but the training looks very different once you break it down.

Whether you’re a first-timer choosing your distance or a half marathoner thinking about going full, this guide compares the two training plans side by side so you can pick the path that fits your goals, schedule, and lifestyle.

How Long Does Each Training Plan Take?

Half Marathon (13.1 miles): Most plans range from 8 to 14 weeks, depending on your starting fitness. If you can comfortably run a 5K or 10K, 10 to 12 weeks is the sweet spot.

Full Marathon (26.2 miles): Expect 16 to 20 weeks of dedicated training. Most coaches recommend 16 weeks as the minimum for runners who already have a solid base of 15 to 25 miles per week.

For the 2027 Austin Marathon on February 14, that means starting your marathon plan no later than mid-October 2026 and your half marathon plan by early November.

Weekly Mileage Comparison

	Half Marathon	Full Marathon
Starting weekly mileage	12–20 miles	20–30 miles
Peak weekly mileage	25–35 miles	40–55 miles
Longest training run	10–13 miles	18–22 miles
Training duration	8–14 weeks	16–20 weeks
Days per week	3–5	4–6

The jump from half to full isn’t just double the distance. The physiological challenge increases roughly 3 to 3.5 times because of glycogen depletion, cumulative fatigue, and the pounding your muscles take beyond 90 minutes of running.

The Long Run: Where Plans Diverge Most

In half marathon training, your long run peaks around 10 to 13 miles. It’s challenging, but your body can largely fuel itself through stored glycogen.

In marathon training, long runs stretch to 18 to 22 miles. This is where things fundamentally change: you’ll need to practice fueling during your runs, your recovery demands increase significantly, and you’ll spend more time on your feet than your joints have ever experienced.

Pro tip: If you’re training for the Austin Marathon, use your long runs to practice with the same gels and hydration you’ll use on race day. The aid stations on course are your best friend, but your stomach needs to be trained too.

Nutrition and Fueling

Half Marathon: Most runners can get through 13.1 miles with a good pre-race meal and maybe one gel around mile 8 to 10. Hydration matters, but “bonking” is rare.

Full Marathon: Nutrition becomes a make-or-break factor. “The Wall” at miles 18 to 22 is caused by glycogen depletion, and it’s preventable with proper fueling. You’ll need to practice taking in 30 to 60 grams of carbs per hour during long runs. This is non-negotiable for marathon success.

Speed Work and Tempo Runs

Both plans include quality workouts, but the emphasis shifts:

Half Marathon training leans heavier on tempo runs and threshold work because the race is essentially run near your lactate threshold. Speed sessions are shorter and more intense.

Marathon training prioritizes sustained marathon-pace efforts and progression long runs. The goal is teaching your body to hold a moderate effort for 3 to 5+ hours, not going fast for 90 minutes.

Recovery and Injury Risk

More miles means more recovery. Marathon training requires more rest days (or very easy days), more sleep, and greater attention to strength work. The injury risk goes up significantly past 40 miles per week, which is why most marathon plans build in a cutback week every 3 to 4 weeks.

Half marathon training is more forgiving. You can bounce back from a hard week faster, and the overall training load is more manageable around work, family, and life in Austin.

Which Distance Is Right for You?

Choose the Austin Half Marathon if:

You’re new to distance running or stepping up from 5K/10K
You can commit 4 to 6 hours per week to training
You want a challenging but manageable goal
You’d rather run Austin’s incredible course without the 20-week commitment

Choose the Austin Marathon if:

You’ve completed at least one half marathon
You can commit 7 to 12+ hours per week to training
You want to push your limits and experience the full 26.2 through Austin’s neighborhoods
You’re ready to make fueling and recovery a priority

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I train for a marathon and a half marathon at the same time?

Most marathon training plans include a half marathon as a tune-up race 4 to 6 weeks before the full. So yes, you can race both, but train for the marathon as your primary goal.

How do I know if I’m ready to move from half to full marathon?

If you’ve run a half marathon comfortably, are currently running 20+ miles per week, and can commit to 16+ weeks of training, you’re ready to make the jump.

What pace should I run the Austin Marathon vs the Half Marathon?

Your marathon pace will typically be 30 to 90 seconds per mile slower than your half marathon pace. The extra distance demands energy conservation from mile one.

When should I start training for the 2027 Austin Marathon?

For a February 14, 2027 race day, begin your 16-week marathon plan around October 20, 2026. For the half marathon, starting in mid-November gives you plenty of time.

Ready to Choose Your Distance?

The 2027 Ascension Seton Austin Marathon and Half Marathon both take you through the best neighborhoods in Austin on one of the most iconic courses in Texas. No matter which distance you choose, race day on February 14 is going to be unforgettable.