Half Marathon Training: 10 Threshold Sessions
What Is Threshold Running in Half Marathon Training?
The half marathon is a popular and widely celebrated race that requires a well-balanced and harmonious combination of speed, endurance, and strategic pacing in order to successfully complete the challenging distance. Threshold training, which is often referred to as lactate threshold training, plays a crucial and essential role in helping you run faster for longer periods of time, by significantly improving your body’s ability to efficiently clear lactate from your muscles during exertion.
Threshold runs are typically performed in Zone 4, where you’re working hard but still under control. These sessions train your body to operate more efficiently at higher intensities, delay the onset of fatigue and hold a stronger pace deeper into the race. As a result, maintaining your goal pace starts to feel more manageable, even in the final miles — when the real test begins.
In this post, you’ll find 10 threshold run sessions designed to build race-ready stamina, improve pacing under fatigue, and help you finish your next half marathon stronger than ever.
1. Classic Threshold Run
A steady threshold run improves aerobic endurance and pacing control, making race pace feel more comfortable.
Warm-Up:
• 10 minutes easy jogging
• 4 x 50m strides at 85% effort
Workout:
• 40-minute run at lactate threshold pace
Cool-Down:
• 10 minutes easy jogging
Why It Works:
Improves your ability to sustain race pace for longer without burning out.
2. Broken Threshold Run
Breaking the run into segments allows you to hold a hard effort for longer without excessive fatigue.
Warm-Up:
• 12 minutes easy jogging
• 4 x 50m strides at 85% effort
Workout:
• 3 x 12 minutes at threshold pace
• Recovery: 90 seconds easy jog between reps
Cool-Down:
• 10 minutes easy jogging
Why It Works:
Improves stamina and endurance while maintaining a high-quality effort.
3. Threshold + Fast Finish
This session mimics race conditions, preparing you for the final push in a half marathon.
Warm-Up:
• 12 minutes easy jogging
• 4 x 50m strides at 85% effort
Workout:
• 25 minutes at threshold pace + last 5 minutes at 5K pace
Cool-Down:
• 10 minutes easy jogging
Why It Works:
Develops endurance and finishing strength under fatigue.
4. Threshold Intervals
Intervals at lactate threshold pace allow for high-quality efforts while reducing overall fatigue.
Warm-Up:
• 12 minutes easy jogging
• 4 x 50m strides at 85% effort
Workout:
• 4 x 10 minutes at threshold pace
• Recovery: 90 seconds easy jog between reps
Cool-Down:
• 10 minutes easy jogging
Why It Works:
Enhances endurance and aerobic efficiency for long-distance racing.
5. Progression Threshold
A progression run teaches controlled effort early in the race and how to finish strong.
Warm-Up:
• 12 minutes easy jogging
• 4 x 50m strides at 85% effort
Workout:
• 35-minute run:
• First 15 minutes at marathon pace
• Next 15 minutes at threshold pace
• Final 5 minutes at 5K pace
Cool-Down:
• 10 minutes easy jogging
Why It Works:
Teaches controlled pacing and strong finishes in races.
6. Long Threshold Effort
A longer sustained effort at threshold pace builds race-specific endurance.
Warm-Up:
• 15 minutes easy jogging
• 4 x 50m strides at 85% effort
Workout:
• 45-minute continuous run at threshold effort
Cool-Down:
• 10 minutes easy jogging
Why It Works:
Prepares your body for prolonged effort at race pace.
7. Threshold + Strides
Adding strides after a threshold run improves leg turnover and running efficiency.
Warm-Up:
• 10 minutes easy jogging
• 4 x 50m strides at 80% effort
Workout:
• 25 minutes at threshold pace
• 6 x 100m strides at 90% effort
Cool-Down:
• 10 minutes easy jogging
Why It Works:
Enhances both endurance and running mechanics for race day.
8. Hill Threshold
Running threshold on hills builds power, strength, and cardiovascular efficiency.
Warm-Up:
• 12 minutes easy jogging
• 3 x 30-second strides on rolling hills
Workout:
• 4 x 8 minutes at threshold pace on rolling hills
• Recovery: 90 seconds easy jog between reps
Cool-Down:
• 10 minutes easy jogging
Why It Works:
Develops leg strength and aerobic endurance for hilly race courses.
9. Negative Split Threshold
This negative split workout improves pacing strategy and finishing strength.
Warm-Up:
• 12 minutes easy jogging
• 4 x 50m strides at 85% effort
Workout:
• 30-minute run:
• First 15 minutes at moderate threshold pace
• Last 15 minutes at faster than threshold pace
Cool-Down:
• 10 minutes easy jogging
Why It Works:
Teaches controlled effort early and strong finishes in races.
10. Half Marathon Threshold Race Simulation
A race-specific threshold workout to fine-tune pacing and execution.
Warm-Up:
• 12 minutes easy jogging
• 3 x 100m strides at 85% effort
Workout:
• 2 x 6K at threshold pace
• Recovery: 2-minute jog between reps
Cool-Down:
• 10 minutes easy jogging
Why It Works:
Improves pacing confidence and race execution.
Mini FAQ: Threshold Training for Half Marathon Runners
Q: What is threshold training in running?
A: Threshold training targets the pace at your lactate threshold — a “comfortably hard” effort that you can sustain for 30–60 minutes. It typically falls within Zone 4, or 85–90% of your max heart rate. On the RPE scale, that’s about 7–8 out of 10 — challenging but controlled, just before you start to fade. Check your heart rate zones with FLJUGA’s free calculator. Start here.
Q: How often should I include threshold workouts in my training?
A: Once per week is ideal during base and build phases. Advanced runners might benefit from two sessions during peak training.
Q: What does a threshold run feel like?
A: It should feel tough but controlled—talking is limited to short phrases, and your breathing is steady but labored.
Q: Are threshold runs better than intervals?
A: Both are valuable. Threshold runs improve stamina at race pace, while intervals develop top-end speed and VO2 max. A good plan includes both.
Q: Can beginners do threshold training?
A: Yes! Start with shorter intervals (like 2–5 minutes) at threshold effort and gradually progress in duration and volume as fitness builds.
Final Thoughts!
Incorporating threshold training into your weekly routine will help your half marathon race pace feel easier, improve endurance, and sharpen race execution. By adding one or two of these workouts per week, you’ll build the strength, efficiency, and confidence needed to crush your next half marathon!
Are you staying consistent, trusting your training, and ready to set a new personal best?
Always consult with a medical professional or certified coach before beginning any new training program. The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for personalized advice.