1. What is the Half Marathon Speed Calculator?

The Half Marathon Speed Calculator determines your average running speed based on your finish time for a half marathon (13.1 miles or 21.0975 km). It helps runners understand their pace and plan training strategies.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the basic speed formula:

Where:

• \( S \) — Speed (mph or km/h)
• \( D \) — Distance (13.1 miles or 21.0975 km)
• \( T \) — Time taken (in hours)

Explanation: The equation calculates average speed by dividing the fixed half marathon distance by the time taken to complete it.

3. Importance of Pace Calculation

Details: Knowing your average speed helps in setting realistic goals, planning race strategies, and tracking performance improvements over time.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your finish time in hours, minutes, and seconds. Select whether you want results in miles per hour (mph) or kilometers per hour (km/h).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's considered a good half marathon speed?
A: For recreational runners, 6-8 mph (9.7-12.9 km/h) is typical. Elite runners often exceed 10 mph (16 km/h).

Q2: How does this relate to pace per mile/km?
A: Pace is the inverse of speed. A speed of 6 mph equals a 10-minute mile pace (60 minutes / 6 miles).

Q3: Should I use mph or km/h?
A: Use mph if you're accustomed to miles, km/h if you use metric system. The actual calculation is identical.

Q4: Does this account for terrain or elevation?
A: No, this calculates average speed on a theoretical flat course. Actual race speeds may vary.

Q5: How can I improve my half marathon speed?
A: Incorporate interval training, long runs, tempo runs, and strength training into your program.