Should I...

[the_tea_fairy]

...enter for a half marathon at the end of May?

PROS

It's over/around Moel Famau in Wales, which I am sentimentally attached to, have run before (but 10k), and generally love

My routine is currently sporadic and it'll make me focus and train properly

It's raising money for a children's hospice

A good friend is already entered

I will feel like the queen of everything ever if I do it

CONS

It's over/around Moel Famau in Wales, which is an actual mountain for goodness' sake

My routine is currently sporadic and nowhere seems to recommend 6 weeks as enough time to run a half

I will be angry and unreasonable if I can't finish.

Help, please. For reference and in case folk think I'm delusional, I run roughly 3 times a week, recently did 9 miles (10 minute mile pace) and have previously managed 11 (longest run and some time ago), and can maintain 8and a half minute miles for about 4 miles. So I am reasonably fit, I think, just not training in a focused way. should I just go for it? I think I want to just go for it.

[Runon Graduate]

I think you have to just go for it. It is what your instinct is telling you and we should always follow an instinct - we have them for a reason. It really is the old adage - better to have tried and failed than never to have tried at all. And if it goes wrong and you become angry and unreasonable - that will pass - but the "I should have run that race" will stay with you much longer. Besides that you are obviously a doer - so do

[the_tea_fairy Graduate in reply to Runon]

You're right, you are. Thanks.

[MarkyD Graduate]

Hiya TTF, you are young, fit and active, and can already run 9 miles (and 11 miles). You know the terrain for the HM, and what you are getting into. HM is 13 miles, and so you are very nearly there already.

Go for it!

[Megzig Graduate]

I'm not an expert, I'm more of a slow plodder than speedy but I think if you can get up to 9 or 10 miles in training then the adrenaline on the day would take you up to the full distance. I guess it all depends on your goal - are you looking to complete an HM in a good time or is your main goal getting over the finish line regardless of time? Only you know the answer! Good luck whatever you decide.

[no-excuse Graduate]

I have to agree with Runon. Go for it! If you have recently done 9 miles you will be fine. I recently ran out of time for proper training for my first HM but all was good on the day (mind you I didn't have to run up a mountain!) and it doesn't matter what time you do it in just go and enjoy yourself x

[Dunder2004 Graduate]

It's a trail run right? Just how bad are the climbs?

[the_tea_fairy Graduate in reply to Dunder2004]

Haha, they're proper ones but I've done some of them before and I run hills in Derbyshire as my regular runs.

[the_tea_fairy Graduate]

Thanks all. I think perhaps I'd better get on the hill reps and book myself a place. Eeeeep!

[Pigivi]

Go for it! My longest run was today - nearly 12 k - and still I intend to do a HM in 3 weeks for which I registered ages ago. I had to stop running for 2 months... in the end I only "trained" properly for the past 5 weeks so if I can do it [I am following a run/walk plan, and am the least competitive person I have ever met ] so can you!

[old_git Graduate]

Good luck Tea Fairy, you can always start off with a run/walk back up strategy just in case its necessary.

[agedsnailspace Graduate]

Definitely go for it! What's to lose? But just think of how good you will feel once you are done.

[hilbean Graduate]

Sounds like you might just be talking yourself into it

[janda Graduate]

You've done enough of the distance to be ok for this. So go for it. Just get into a routine for the next six weeks and ensure you are ready. You'll definitely finish.

[Melly2 Graduate]

Do it! You certainly will not regret it! You have already done the distance that you need to reach in training, so im sure if you do it a couple of times again and maybe up it if it will make you feel better you should be fine. But maybe lower your expectations of yourself slightly so you don't get disheartened, you will certainly finish, just don't aim to do it at a record time so you don't ruin the experience for yourself. Plus the fact that the place has a sentimental value totally means go for the fun! Ive signed up for the great north run just because I love newcastle, definitely don't intend on setting any crazy PBs! Good luck

[the_tea_fairy Graduate]

I've registered. I've paid a non-refundable fee. It's on. Eeeeeeep!!!