HOW I RAN A 68 MINUTE HALF MARATHON (READING HALF 2022 RACE RECAP) - Ben Is Running

Aug 13, 2025

Intro: This is a quick summary of HOW I RAN A 68 MINUTE HALF MARATHON (READING HALF 2022 RACE RECAP) from Ben Is Running. It’s a great watch — we’re breaking it down so you can try the workout today. Be sure to check out the full video for all the details.

Key Points:

High‑volume build‑up: Ben ramped weekly mileage from ~70 mi to ~100 mi (≈155 km) in the 8 weeks before the race, including a “double threshold” model – 30 min at threshold in the morning and another 30 min in the evening on Tuesdays and Thursdays, plus a long Sunday run.
No taper: He raced without a taper to gauge fitness, trusting his consistent training.
Pack‑running strategy: Stay with a chase pack (10‑12 runners), conserve energy on early hills, and let the pack dictate pace.
Hill & downhill tactics: Hold back on the uphill, then push hard on the top and especially on downhills.
Surge zones: Around 18‑19 km, use short surges (e.g., to a traffic‑light marker) to thin out the group and break rivals.
Final kick: With ~800 m left, accelerate past the last two competitors, then sprint the final bend into the stadium.

Workout Example (adaptable):

Tuesday & Thursday – Double Threshold
- Morning: 30 min at threshold pace (≈3:12 / km if targeting a 68‑min half).
- Evening: 30 min at the same threshold pace.
Sunday – Long Run
- 20 km (12 mi) at a comfortable 3:45‑4:00 / km, including a few 5‑minute hill repeats.
Mid‑week Easy Runs
- 5‑8 km at easy effort, focusing on relaxed form and recovery.
Race‑day simulation (optional):
- Warm‑up 2 km easy, then run 5 km at target half‑marathon pace (3:12 / km), finish with a 1 km surge at 3:00 / km.

Practical Tips to Try Right Away:

When tackling hills, stay relaxed on the ascent and power the top or the downhill.
Run with a small pack; the mental boost of chasing/leading a group helps maintain steady effort.
Insert short “traffic‑light” surges (20‑30 seconds) every 2–3 km to practice breaking away from competitors.
Use a watch or the Pacing app to monitor a consistent 3:12 / km pace throughout the half.

Closing Note: Give these strategies a go on your next long run or half‑marathon attempt, and feel free to customize the paces in the Pacing app to match your own fitness. Happy running, and may your next race be even faster!