2026 Summer/ Fall Half Marathon Training — Annapolis
First Run
Saturday, June 13, 2026Start Time
7:00 amTraining Runs
Every Wednesday Every SaturdayStart Time
6:00 pm 7:00 amShare With Friends
Coach: Stefanie Smith
Originally a Seattle native, Stefanie has moved around the country as an Army spouse before finally settling in Maryland. Wanting to make her new state feel like home, she found her way to Charm City Run after a great shoe-fitting experience and a welcoming community event. What started as a customer experience quickly turned into a career helping others discover the joy of running.
Growing up, Stefanie never would have imagined that fitness and running would become such a big part of her life. Sports? Not interested. Running? Absolutely not. In fact, she didn’t run a single consecutive mile until the age of 31, when she signed up for a race as a way to stay connected with her then-deployed husband. That one decision changed everything.As her passion for running grew, so did her interest in health and fitness. Stefanie earned degrees in Exercise Science and Health & Wellness and holds certifications through ACE and NASM, along with a CrossFit Level 1 certification. Over the years, she has coached a wide range of athletes, from active-duty service members and retirees to individuals preparing for their very first 5K.
While she has completed races of every distance, including multiple marathons such as the Marine Corps Marathon, Berlin Marathon, and Chicago Marathon, the half-marathon remains her favorite distance. She loves the unique balance it offers—challenging enough to require dedicated training, yet accessible enough to fit into the lives of busy runners. As a half-marathon coach, she enjoys helping athletes build confidence, develop consistency, and discover what they’re capable of accomplishing. Some of Stefanie’s favorite races include the Charles Street 12 Miler, a Charm City Run signature race, and the Oklahoma City Memorial Half Marathon, events that showcase both the community and personal achievement that make running so rewarding.
“I still remember finishing my first 5K and realizing that I had gone from thinking I could never be a runner to understanding that I was a runner. That feeling changed my life. My goal as a coach is to help others experience that same confidence and sense of accomplishment.”
In 2022, Stefanie underwent a cardiac procedure that nearly ended her running journey. Through patience, perseverance, and a gradual return to training, she found her way back to the sport she loves. That experience deepened her appreciation for movement and strengthened her belief that progress looks different for everyone.
Today, Stefanie and her husband stay busy with their four children, two dogs, three cats, and what can only be described as an excessive number of running shoes.
Virtual Training
We also offer virtual training options for half marathon training. You can either purchase a training plan or sign up for monthly virtual training with access to an expert coach.
Sponsored by Altra
Description
Do you have a goal of running a half marathon? This program is open to everyone from the runner attempting their first endurance event to the repeat competitive runner. Training can be individualized to your experience and goals. The program will prepare to race your best – whether you’re new to long distance running or a seasoned half marathoner.
Our half marathon training meets two times as week- once a week for speed/ hill/ interval workouts and once a week for long runs. Your expert coach will also provide you with a weekly training plan that will guide your preparation for your target half marathon. Along the way you’ll learn about about increasing your mileage, tempo runs, track workouts, hill workouts, recovery runs, nutrition, hydration, injury prevention, and much more.
Most locations offer half marathon training two times a year with an option for a 12 week block or an 18 week block of training. Our Summer/ Fall training block trains athletes for the Charles Street 12 Miler and the Susquehanna Running Festival Half Marathon. Every coach can adapt your training for other half marathons within the same timeframe.
*Starting dates may vary by store location
What To Expect
- Supported group runs and workouts twice a week with planned routes, hydration and companionship
-
Positive and welcoming atmosphere for runners and walkers of all levels
-
Weekly training plans – beginner and intermediate options
-
Access to expert coaching services and advice
-
10% In-store discount at Charm City Run
- 15% off Charm City Run signature races
-
Nutrition, gear and injury prevention education
-
Altra training premiums
Questions
Do you have a question about our training programs? Send an email to our Training Director, Natalie Ferguson, at natalie@charmcityrun.com and we will get back to you with more information.
2026 Summer/ Fall Half Marathon Training — Annapolis
First Run
Saturday, June 13, 2026Start Time
7:00 amTraining Runs
Every Wednesday Every SaturdayStart Time
6:00 pm 7:00 am
Sponsored by Altra
Description
Do you have a goal of running a half marathon? This program is open to everyone from the runner attempting their first endurance event to the repeat competitive runner. Training can be individualized to your experience and goals. The program will prepare to race your best – whether you’re new to long distance running or a seasoned half marathoner.
Our half marathon training meets two times as week- once a week for speed/ hill/ interval workouts and once a week for long runs. Your expert coach will also provide you with a weekly training plan that will guide your preparation for your target half marathon. Along the way you’ll learn about about increasing your mileage, tempo runs, track workouts, hill workouts, recovery runs, nutrition, hydration, injury prevention, and much more.
Most locations offer half marathon training two times a year with an option for a 12 week block or an 18 week block of training. Our Summer/ Fall training block trains athletes for the Charles Street 12 Miler and the Susquehanna Running Festival Half Marathon. Every coach can adapt your training for other half marathons within the same timeframe.
*Starting dates may vary by store location
What To Expect
- Supported group runs and workouts twice a week with planned routes, hydration and companionship
-
Positive and welcoming atmosphere for runners and walkers of all levels
-
Weekly training plans – beginner and intermediate options
-
Access to expert coaching services and advice
-
10% In-store discount at Charm City Run
- 15% off Charm City Run signature races
-
Nutrition, gear and injury prevention education
-
Altra training premiums
Questions
Do you have a question about our training programs? Send an email to our Training Director, Natalie Ferguson, at natalie@charmcityrun.com and we will get back to you with more information.
Share With Friends
Coach: Stefanie Smith
Originally a Seattle native, Stefanie has moved around the country as an Army spouse before finally settling in Maryland. Wanting to make her new state feel like home, she found her way to Charm City Run after a great shoe-fitting experience and a welcoming community event. What started as a customer experience quickly turned into a career helping others discover the joy of running.
Growing up, Stefanie never would have imagined that fitness and running would become such a big part of her life. Sports? Not interested. Running? Absolutely not. In fact, she didn’t run a single consecutive mile until the age of 31, when she signed up for a race as a way to stay connected with her then-deployed husband. That one decision changed everything.As her passion for running grew, so did her interest in health and fitness. Stefanie earned degrees in Exercise Science and Health & Wellness and holds certifications through ACE and NASM, along with a CrossFit Level 1 certification. Over the years, she has coached a wide range of athletes, from active-duty service members and retirees to individuals preparing for their very first 5K.
While she has completed races of every distance, including multiple marathons such as the Marine Corps Marathon, Berlin Marathon, and Chicago Marathon, the half-marathon remains her favorite distance. She loves the unique balance it offers—challenging enough to require dedicated training, yet accessible enough to fit into the lives of busy runners. As a half-marathon coach, she enjoys helping athletes build confidence, develop consistency, and discover what they’re capable of accomplishing. Some of Stefanie’s favorite races include the Charles Street 12 Miler, a Charm City Run signature race, and the Oklahoma City Memorial Half Marathon, events that showcase both the community and personal achievement that make running so rewarding.
“I still remember finishing my first 5K and realizing that I had gone from thinking I could never be a runner to understanding that I was a runner. That feeling changed my life. My goal as a coach is to help others experience that same confidence and sense of accomplishment.”
In 2022, Stefanie underwent a cardiac procedure that nearly ended her running journey. Through patience, perseverance, and a gradual return to training, she found her way back to the sport she loves. That experience deepened her appreciation for movement and strengthened her belief that progress looks different for everyone.
Today, Stefanie and her husband stay busy with their four children, two dogs, three cats, and what can only be described as an excessive number of running shoes.
Virtual Training
We also offer virtual training options for half marathon training. You can either purchase a training plan or sign up for monthly virtual training with access to an expert coach.