# Blog

Practical advice on pacing, training weeks and race day, from your first 5K to the marathon.

Page: https://www.createrunplan.com/blog. Updated 12 October 2026.

## [16-week half marathon training plan: base to race day](https://www.createrunplan.com/blog/16-week-half-marathon-training-plan)

Updated 12 October 2026, 9 min read.

A realistic 16-week half marathon training plan for runners who can comfortably finish a 5K. Four phases, three weekly sessions, real numbers — no filler.

## [How to train for your first marathon](https://www.createrunplan.com/blog/how-to-train-for-your-first-marathon)

Updated 12 October 2026, 10 min read.

A no-fluff guide to marathon training for beginners: how long you need, the workouts that actually matter, and how to get to the start line healthy.

## [What is a tempo run, and why should you actually do them?](https://www.createrunplan.com/blog/what-is-a-tempo-run)

Updated 12 October 2026, 6 min read.

Tempo runs appear in almost every serious training plan. Here's what they actually are, why they work, and how to do them without going too hard.

## [Stop using generic running plans (here's how to actually personalize yours)](https://www.createrunplan.com/blog/stop-using-generic-running-plans)

Updated 12 October 2026, 9 min read.

Why 'beginner/intermediate/advanced' plans don't work and what personalization actually means for your training.

## [Running pace zones explained (like you're not a professional athlete)](https://www.createrunplan.com/blog/running-pace-zones-explained)

Updated 12 October 2026, 10 min read.

Easy pace, tempo pace, threshold pace... what does it all mean? A practical guide to running zones without the jargon.

## [I tried every free running plan generator (here's what actually worked)](https://www.createrunplan.com/blog/i-tried-every-free-running-plan-generator)

Updated 12 October 2026, 10 min read.

After testing 8 different AI and traditional plan generators, here's my honest comparison of what works and what doesn't.

## [Beginner's guide to your first 5K](https://www.createrunplan.com/blog/beginners-guide-first-5k)

Updated 12 October 2026, 6 min read.

Everything you need to know to train from zero running base to a 5K finish line.

## [5 common mistakes runners make in training plans](https://www.createrunplan.com/blog/common-training-plan-mistakes)

Updated 6 October 2026, 7 min read.

Avoid these critical errors that prevent runners from reaching their full potential.

## [How to run a sub-4 hour marathon: a technical breakdown](https://www.createrunplan.com/blog/how-to-run-sub-4-hour-marathon)

Updated 1 October 2026, 7 min read.

The math, the pacing, the three workouts that matter, and why most sub-4 attempts fail at kilometre 30. A technical guide for runners serious about breaking four hours.

## [What I wish I knew before my first 10K (a brutally honest timeline)](https://www.createrunplan.com/blog/first-10k-honest-timeline)

Updated 25 April 2026, 10 min read.

A week-by-week breakdown of what actually happened during my first 10K training, including the stuff that went wrong.

## [The 3-day-per-week running plan (for people with actual jobs)](https://www.createrunplan.com/blog/3-day-per-week-running-plan)

Updated 24 March 2026, 9 min read.

You don't need to run 6 days a week to train for a marathon. Here's why 3-day training works and how to do it right.

## [How to choose the right marathon training plan duration](https://www.createrunplan.com/blog/how-to-choose-marathon-training-plan-duration)

Updated 24 March 2026, 7 min read.

Learn whether a 12, 16, or 20-week marathon plan is right for your fitness level and goals.

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