With 16 weeks to go until the London Landmarks Half Marathon, you are in a brilliant position and have more than enough time to build fitness steadily.
But the winter holidays can feel like a training obstacle on their own. Shorter days, colder weather, busy schedules, festive food, family commitments … it’s a lot. The key? Maintaining fitness, not chasing perfection.
This phase isn’t about smashing PBs (personal bests), if anything it’s the complete opposite. It’s about holding onto the fitness you’ve built (and are building) so you can progress smoothly in the new year.
If your usual four runs become three, that’s still a win. It’s about showing up regularly, especially when motivation dips, this is what keeps your base strong. Consistency is the key to success.
Aim for:
✅ 1 short, easy run (20-30 minutes)
✅ 1 steady run to keep aerobic fitness ticking along
✅ 1 slightly longer run at the weekend if possible
If time is tight, shorten the run rather than skipping it completely. A 25-minute run still counts – any time on your feet contributes to your overall success and progress.
Winter running doesn’t have to be miserable if you are prepared and dressed for the occasion.
Remember, every winter run builds mental resilience … training for a half marathon is as much mental as it is physical.
With fewer daylight hours, this is a great time to lean into strength training and mobility work. Just 1–2 short sessions a week is enough to help prevent injuries, improve running efficiency, and keep your body feeling strong – ready for when you increase mileage in later training.
The holidays aren’t a time to restrict, they’re a time to fuel wisely.
Remember one indulgent meal won’t throw off your training, whereas missing meals and under-fuelling might.
If you’re pre/post-natal, winter fatigue can feel amplified – here are some tips for you:
Remember that there is no one-size-fits-all and that maintaining fitness looks different for everyone, so listening to your body is always the right choice – you aren’t proving yourself to anyone. Comparison can be dangerous and also the thief of joy.
16 weeks out is the time to set yourself up and not burn yourself out. If you can maintain this routine, with confidence and enjoyment through winter, you’ll hit January strong and ready with a strong foundation to build on.
The goal isn’t to be perfect through the holidays. The goal is to keep moving, stay consistent, stay connected to your training, and to trust and enjoy the process.
By doing this your half marathon journey doesn’t pause for winter – it just gets a little more resilient.
If you have any questions, I am here to support you every step of the way.
And if you’d like a more bespoke training plan, please feel free to email me and we can talk about making one to suit you and your lifestyle.
📧 Email me: sarah@sarahcampus.com
📸 Follow me: @sarahcampus
