Half Marathon????

[DaveRunner]

Have just started running & can do 5k currently with 2 walking stops. I know eveyrone is different but thinking of doing one at end of June 2014 ? Please let me know what people think....

[Irishprincess Graduate]

Wow! Great goal DaveRunner. I've not done a half marathon so can't advise on this but I'm sure others here can. Are you doing the C25K programme? This will get you to run for 30 minutes continuously and will build up your stamina. It's designed so that you complete each week and your body gets used to running and prevents injury, etc.

If you're already running 5k then I'm sure the half marathon goal is achievable.

Good luck!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

A friend of mine, who is a marathon runner, told me that running a HM within six months of starting running was quite realistic. I reached 10 miles (16k) in five months from starting C25k, having not run for forty years. I decided not to pursue the HM thing because I am happier running on my own, and more importantly, off road is my love. All that said, I think I could have reached HM distance within the six months, had I been motivated. From your starting point I would say it is achievable, if you follow the right training plan. You could try starting C25k from about Week 4, then drop back if that is too much. Your major concern, in my opinion, is trying to do too much before your body is ready for it and getting injured. It all depends how fit you are. There are plenty of HM plans to choose from.

There is nothing like a target to get you to achieve more than you thought possible. Good luck. Keep us posted.

[Magnetix101 Graduate]

I agree that it is definitely possible if things keep progressing well. I myself started running just over 5 months ago and this last weekend ran my longest distance to date of 20K (and I am sure, had I been aiming for the half marathon I would have made it to the end). It is important not to try to do too much too quickly though and to listen to your body through the weeks so that you do not push yourself too hard too soon and get an injury. I would suggest not worrying too much about how fast/slow you are for your first half marathon and just concentrate on completing the distance (although I know that is sometimes easier said than done!). Best of luck with your running, - whatever your decision, having some goal to aim for is really motivating.

[ju-ju- Graduate]

I graduated from C25k at the end of April and did my first HM in October.. So 6 months of training. It's doable but there is no room for injury or breaks.. But that was me, I had never run before ever so I needed that. It's a great challenge and something to aim for... Good luck!!!!

[Jaynew01]

Good for you!! Look at training plans and compare them. Ideally you need to be running up to 25 miles a week. Maybe sign up for some 5 and 10k races and train specifically for them. Once you start increasing your weekly mileage you'll be able to see if your half is doable in the timescale. Good luck and keep us posted