Milestone map
Milestone map
3 milestones
Build 16km long-run training base
10–12 weeks (4× per week)
Complete a 16km long run as preparation for your first half marathon. Follow a 12-week training plan that builds long runs progressively. 16km is the longest training run most beginner plans include — it gives you the aerobic base to finish 21.1km on race day without bonking.
Proof required
Submit: (1) GPS track showing 16km+ long run completed; (2) note of the training plan you are following.
What gets checked
- GPS shows 16km minimum in a single run — not split across two outings
- Pace is easy/conversational — long runs are not race-effort
- Training plan name or source is mentioned
Common mistakes
- Skipping long runs during the week and hoping to 'wing' the race distance
- Running long runs at race pace and arriving at the start line overtrained
Powstik Guide
A GPS-tracked 16km long run and your plan.
Steps
- Check with a doctor first if you have a health condition.
- Follow a named training plan.
- Build long runs gradually.
- Keep long runs at easy pace.
Template
Plan followed: Date: Distance: Time: GPS link:
What gets sent back
- Missing sessions.
- No GPS or device data.
- Log filled in later.
Resources
Foundationstart here
Depthgo deeper
What a verifier looks for
- Check GPS shows 16km+ as single run
- Verify log shows a training plan in progress — not just one long run
You'll sign in first, then come straight back here.
Complete a race rehearsal run
1 session
Run 18–19km at your target race pace two weeks before the race. This is your longest training run — it rehearses the race-day effort and fueling strategy without accumulating the fatigue of a full race. Take at least 1–2 gels during this run, exactly as you plan to on race day.
Proof required
Submit: (1) GPS track showing 18–19km at target pace; (2) note on nutrition strategy used during the run.
What gets checked
- GPS shows 18km minimum at a consistent pace matching race goal
- Nutrition strategy is documented (what, when, how many gels/chews)
- Run is 2–3 weeks before the race — not the week before (taper required)
Common mistakes
- Skipping race-day fuelling rehearsal and discovering mid-race that the chosen gel upsets your stomach
- Running this rehearsal too hard and arriving at the race undertapered
Powstik Guide
An 18–19km run at target pace, with your fuel plan tested.
Steps
- If you have a health condition, check with a clinician first.
- Do it about two weeks before race day.
- Use the drinks and food you'll use in the race.
- Record pace and note how the fuel sat.
Template
Date: Distance: Average pace: Target pace: What I ate and drank, and when: How it sat:
What gets sent back
- Under 18km.
- Pace well off target with no note.
- No fuel note.
Resources
Foundationstart here
Depthgo deeper
What a verifier looks for
- Check GPS shows 18+ km at consistent race pace
- Verify nutrition notes are specific — not just 'took some gels'
You'll sign in first, then come straight back here.
Finish a half marathon with chip time
Race day
Complete a 21.1km half marathon at an officially timed event. Your chip time appears on the official results page. Any official half marathon race counts — major city race, local road race, or virtual-with-GPS-submission if the event provides official results.
Proof required
Submit: (1) official results page screenshot showing your name, event, 21.1km distance, date, and chip time; (2) GPS track of the race.
What gets checked
- Results page shows the official chip time from the event's timing system
- Distance on results is 21.1km or 13.1mi — not a 20km or 22km course
- GPS track confirms the full route was run
Common mistakes
- Going out at sub-2:00 half pace without the training base — hitting the wall at 16km
- Recording a solo half and claiming it as a race — chip timing is the proof standard
Resources
Foundationstart here
Depthgo deeper
What a verifier looks for
- Confirm results page is from the official race timing system
- Check distance is stated as 21.1km or 13.1mi
- Verify name on results matches submitter
You'll sign in first, then come straight back here.
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