Half marathon

[sonic1]

Can I train and run a half marathon in a four month's

[runner56 Graduate]

It will be hard hard work but you probably could.

I started C25K in late March 2014 and completed a half marathon in October. That was hard. You would have to be very careful not to overtrain as that leads to injury but if you have a reasonable level of fitness just now you could give it a try.

Couch to 10k in that timescale is certainly doable.

Good luck

[Rob_and_his_westie Graduate]

Given some of the stories that I've read here, nothing is impossible. However, everyone is different. You're not displaying the graduate tag by your name, so I'm guessing you're probably near the start of your journey. If you're right at he start, then C25K will take nine weeks. At that point, if you're like most of us, you'll be running 5k-ish in about 30 to 40 minutes. A half marathon is 21k and it's quite a task to build, gradually and carefully to that point. The last thing you want to do is hurt yourself. If you're exactly like me, and let's face it,, you're probably not, it took me eight months from graduation to do it, but for me it wasn't my main goal. I was increasing my distance very slowly and very, very carefully.

The unspoken random factors also need to be considered: sometimes life just gets in the way and interrupts your training. Theres also the simple matter of occaisional injury. The innocent twist of an ankle while running for a bus would keep you out of action for a while.

I'd think very carefully about committing to a half marathon in that space of time and if you're goal is in reality to run for a charity, then there are a good number of less challenging events out there that you could do.

Although Its not impossible, but it depends where you're starting from and you must look after yourself.

[Jennifer284]

You can do it, if you want to do it. Be kind to yourbody while training and have fun.

[Windswept1 Graduate]

It is possible. I did a jog/walk marathon last year in August, having graduated at the end of March from c25k. I used a 16 week marathon training programme and I know there are similar one for half's. They start much the same way as c25k but then increase distances very quickly. If you are fit you should be able to do it but be kind to your body to avoid injury. Good luck.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

It all depends on where you are starting from and whether you are running now. If your general fitness level is good then it is obviously going to be easier than if you are not used to running. As others say, anything is possible, but the main risk is injury through overtraining. It is recommended to only increase your distance by 10% per week. Have a look at some HM training plans. The MYasics ones will create a training plan for you based on when your event is happening. It will be a daunting prospect. It took me five months from the start of C25k to get up to 10 miles and I still haven't reached HM distance.

Good luck, but remember that nothing will be more demotivating than getting injured.

[Realfoodieclub Graduate]

As everyone has said it is all relative to your fitness. I have a HM (my first) in May and i struggle some days and sail through others. I would say the one thing I am learning is to listen to my body and train accordingly. If you had a bad run the next training session could be better. Also remember your food intake. I have just had to have days rest because I got my calories wrong and was not eating enough for my training. My advice would be to try it but always remember it must be fun. Otherwise you run the risk of finishing and not running again because you have gone off it.

[Hidden]

It CAN be done, but it depends on so many things. Are you a runner/lapsed-runner? How fit are you now? What level of determination do you have? Will you be training solo?

What I will say is that with the right motivation, support and drive anything is possible. It WILL be hard. You WILL want to give up...but it CAN, and HAS been done.

Good luck, keep us posted and stay focussed. Just remember, the only really important bit of kit is the running shoes. You can (but maybe shouldn't) do the rest in your pants and vest.

[Tomas Graduate]

As others have said, it depends on where you are now. Like runner56, I started c25k in March and did a HM in October, and that was hard work for a lot of the time. So if you're starting from "zero" I would advise against it.

[Pigivi]

I won't repeat all of the above - but just ask of you could walk it? Maybe try walking the same distance and see how that feels - and perhaps it would be worth checking the Galloway run/walk - a few of us here started doing that.

Back in November I have registered for a HM next May - then my back started giving problems - I still do not know if I will be able to run the 21 k but I am definitely going to walk them!! ( I did the same route last September, with a 8 kg backpack... Was on a hike - about 20 km per day - so I'm confident that I will finish the HM somehow!)

[sonic1]

Thank you peeps I am doing about 5 miles now I am going to walk the route and see how long it takes

[sonic1]

The half marathon is in June it just some thing I want to work to but only have four hours to finish not very fit but working on it not been running long couple months so watch this space

[Hidden]

I'm doing a HM in 13 weeks and will only start training next week. I believe I can do it as I'm sure I can walk it in approx 4 hours. Can you walk 21km? If so, you can definitely do the HM, even if you end up walking part of it. I'd say train a lot but also, and as importantly, rest a lot. Food intake is very important. Think complex carbs and lean protein instead of sugary stuff and ready made meals. Good luck!