How to train for 1/2 marathon while working 13 hours shifts

[Blissfulignorance]

I'm a very novice runner. Actually I don't run.
Previously I have done a 5k in about 30mins.
I am doing a half in September 2025 for a charity close to my heart and I'd really like to get round without stopping every 2k.
I'm debating downloading the runna app to assist me in training. I've been reading that realistically I need to run 4-5 times a week.
My issue is that I work 13 hour days (NHS) and I'm usually pretty done in after a long day.
Does anyone else run regularly and work long days? What advice do you have? Is it better to run pre shift?
TIA

I haven't done 13 hour shifts for a while, but can't imagine I would have been able to fit in a run before or after a shift due to commute and needing to eat, clean, prep for the next day etc. But what might help is not worrying about running 4-5 times a week. I usually only run 3 times per week ( tried doing x4 per week for my last half and it was too much) and cross train twice a week. Cross training could be a strength or yoga routine at home after work which wouldn't require a hair wash, and dinner could be in the oven at the same time. Make sure you take enough nutritious food to work!

Thank you for the advice. The hair wash is a factor I hadn't considered. I have a long mop so that's definitely something to make time for. 3 times a week is doable most weeks I should think.
Honestly finding a balance with full time work and full time parenting with exercise + sleep + nutrition is a mammoth task!
Fingers crossed I can get it done.

I use parkrun as my base, set time, have to be there then add in a couple more on top of that.

Weekly on your days off …

Do one longer run which you can elongate over the months eventually to 12 miles.

Do one hilly run which you elongate only to about 7 or 8 miles

On a couple of work days do a short fast run of 30 minutes, aim to do the circuit faster as the months go by. Do not elongate.

If your goal is to finish it then running three times a week will be more than enough. I did my first half marathon last year alongside a number of other beginner runners and we all finished between 2:30 & 2:45 on three runs a week. Most of us had only started running in January 2024 and our race was in October 2024. I used this plan - https://www.rundisney.com/running-training-programs/

I am doing two half marathons next year and intend to follow a Coopah plan (I’ve got a subscription through my Women’s Running magazine subscription). I’ll run three times a week and do Bodypump twice a week - but for my first I only ran. As a previous non-exerciser I didn’t want to overwhelm myself or overdo it.

I am not particularly motivated to be speedy and my goals are generally to have a good time, be healthier and find a spot in the middle/back of the pack as I’m not keen on being a straggler and want a group/crowd experience at events. If you’re after sub-2:00 etc you probably need to do more than what I’m suggesting but for most recreational runners I imagine three times a week is just fine.

By last year I meant this year! Thinking it’s 2025 already. 🤣

No experience of training alongside working long days but just here to highly recommend the runna app and say it can definitely be set to 3 times a week as I'm currently 14 weeks into a 20 week plan on there myself!