I am very tempted to do a half Marathon as there is a big one coming up in Auckland New Zealand but i dont know if im ready, (there is also a 12km option). I have been Running for the past few Months and have been running 5km most days and was stuck on split pace 8.30kmph for ages then went Running yesterday and randomly went down to 5.40kmph.I have been for one 10km run and it went well. this run is in 3 weeks do you think i should jump in a do the Half or just stick with the 12km ?
Thanks everyone
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SammyJ25
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Sounds to me like you are very very undercooked for a half marathon - but I guess that you could always walk it?? As a beginner runner?? and for these longer runs, running pace is not that important -- just being able to do the distance without hurting yourself is what it's all about!
PS -- just read that you have already run 10K , so I would hazard a guess to say that the 12 K would be doable for you.
As a graduate of c25k, I have also built up through ten k to a half marathon over the past few months. The difference between 10k and a half marathon is vast, you would be looking at 10-12 weeks to build up to a half marathon, if the race is in 3 weeks I would do the 12k option. Your heart and head may be ready but your legs need to build up to it. Good luck
I think it's probable that you could get round. I also think it's highly likely you'll get an injury from the increased mileage (unless you're still in your teens and have youthful invincibility on your side!). I'd do the 12k and find another half that you can train for slowly.
I'm sure you could get round but I doubt it would be pretty. My concern is that you would do it get injured or not enjoy it and end up not running again. No need to Rush the distances if this is to be a lifelong relationship.
Love the enthusiasm but I would agree with the others and say go for the 12k. You don't want to bite off more than you can chew otherwise you may well end up with the frustration of spending unwanted time on the couch. Besides, the 12k will give you a taste of what to expect from a race. In my humble opinion it would be better to be filled with the awe of achievement from the 12k race and be left wanting more, which in turn will prepare you for the half marathon training. Unless, of course, you have youth on your side and/or you are prepared to walk a lot of it. Good luck with whatever you decide
I will be honest here I was at 5km and went for a HM 24 weeks later and it was too big a jump for me. I did it but i maybe should of waited until 10km was a comfortable run for me. As soon as I got to 10km every run over that distance was a stretch and i just carried on, I pushed my body to its limit. Running is better done with a slight push when it is needed not a constant battle. I would try the 12km I would imagine you will find that a push. That run in Itself is a great achievement. Normally I wouldn't even recommend that sort of increase in 3 weeks but if your determined to do one I would make it that one. Happy running.
Speaking from experience (I ran my first Half yesterday!) I'd agree with the others - it's a massive step from 10K to the HM. I followed a 16 week training plan that I started the day after my first 10K race. I might have been able to do it a little sooner, but I'm glad I did it the way I did.
Having said that, I loved the experience of running in a big HM, and I'd encourage anyone to aspire to shoot for one, but it's *very* hard work, and you really ought to prepare properly. I think you need to get to the stage where you can spend a month or so doing long (10mile/16Km or further) runs once a week as part of your training.
Also having said that, there were lots of people yesterday who walked some or all of the course. As I was leaving the park after a lot of after race socialising, I came across marshals escorting the last "runner", a guy who was walking slowly. I just checked on his time, and he finished in 4:15. So you could do one if you wanted, if you were happy to do a lot of walking.
Hey guys thanks so much for that! I'm a doer and can bite off more than I can chew ! I think your all right I could do it but I'd walk a lot of it and end up being the one in the back and that wouldn't be as satisfying as running the whole 12km! So I'll stick with the 12km ! I need to start training ASAP !!!
You will do a HM with a spirit like that, and it doesn't have to be that far in the future. Just give yourself plenty of time to prepare for it. It''s a real challenge, but so far, nothing in running has really felt like that for me.
I ran a marathon with one months training, stupid I know but it got me comfortably to 18 miles and I managed to finish the rest.
If you feel really up for it, I would go out this weekend and try and run 10miles. If you can do that, train for the next 2 weeks but up your distances and the week before the half marathon do not do anything too strenuous.
This is assuming you are fairly young and fit and have been enjoying your running.
If you have any health issues whatsover, or any injuries, however small, please do not try the half marathon yet.
Go for it ... what's the worst that can happen. GOOD LUCK
It's a big jump from 10k to a HM. Not only is it twice the distance, but you need to eat and drink on the fly for a hm. I've done several 10k runs and multiple 5k runs in one day, but when I did 15k continuous even with gels and water I still felt dreadful, and I couldn't have carried on much further. Three weeks is not enough time to get the food and water right never mind the distance.
I'd stick at 12k for now and use it as the start of a HM training program
What is important for a long distance is to have a plan.
So if you think you can run one minute and walk one minute, you will manage the distance in about 2 hours and 45 minutes.
If you then start training for the distance making sure you can do it, that will help too.
You most certainly can do it as long as you want to finish the distance and not looking to set the world ablaze with a fantastic time. All you need is to have the right mindset, the right tools and the right research.
Please find out about the course, water stations, elevation, weather on the day, etc. and plan accordingly.
You may need something like Clif Shot Blocks or Energy Gels, moisture wicking socks, etc. Try local running shop for advise on these.
Only you know if you will be ready for the challenge but I woud say listen to every piece of advice you get and then pick what seems the wisest. Do you live in NZ? If so, wherabouts? I will be in the North Island in six weeks time and am looking for a half marathon to do there but it seems they mostly stop over the summer months. Any suggestions welcome.
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