Half Marathon ?

[jc_gill]

Morning. I joined a jog-scotland group and we are half way through the c25k, aiming to run the full 5k in mid December! I noticed that the Inverness marathon is in March and I was going to sign up for the 5k fun run but thought driving all the way up there just for 5k seemed silly so am now considering the half marathon. Im just wondering if I'm setting too high a target? Could I be ready in 4 months? Obviously I have never ran before but I have heard that Inverness is a good beginner marathon as its flat,scenic and friendly. Thankyou everyone in advance for tips and advice. jc X

[Hidden]

Hi the 5k is a flat route, but the 1/2 marathon has a few hilly bits. Not done the 1/2 but seen the route, im sure if you set your mind to it you can do it, good luck

[Sandraj39 Graduate]

Be interested to read the replies of HM -ers. Yes, I think if you are happy to do run-walk intervals then it is doable. I completed the programme at the beginning of October and plan to run my first 10k in March. I wouldn't have wanted to step up for a HM in that time personally, but then I am 50!😮 Also, remember we are heading in to winter when training gets disrupted by coughs,colds and viruses! If you push too much too soon you will increase your risk of injury and a HM is 21k - that is a big step up methinks. None of this is meant to put you off,honestly, just a word or two of caution! Either way, I wish you well and good luck with your December 5k🏃🏻🏃🏻🏃🏻

[jc_gill in reply to Sandraj39]

Thankyou, this is my concern too- winter bugs and weather!! I just don't want to sign up for the fun 5k and then have to wait a year to the half!

[Megzig Graduate]

Hi, I completed c25k last December with a jogscotland group. Over the spring and summer I built up my distance and did the Scottish HM in September this year. The timing was right for me as initially I increased my distance and number of runs too quickly. I ended up with a torn hamstring which meant no running for 3 months. The Scottish half is in East Lothian and is absolutely flat, no inclines or hills which makes it a great first HM.

[jc_gill in reply to Megzig]

Thanks, I might do fun 5k Inverness, and then the Scottish HM in September. Thanks for info as I didn't know about that.

[misswobble Graduate]

I would say "don't do it"

Give yourself time to build your running legs and your whole body before even contemplating running such a distance. I did too much too soon and am now having to live with the consequences. Don't let that happen to you.

[AndyD Graduate]

I have come through C25K and now completed 2 HM's and have another booked for March, my weekly long runs are now always 10k+. I don't know anything about your fitness level and general running ability but I presume that you are still to complete the C25K program.

A HM is a long way (4 x 5k and a bit)!!! and although I am no expert it may be worth trying to build up to a 10k first. If you are able to go out and run 5k without any issues then that would be a great base to start from.

Whilst you could enter the race and get through it with perhaps run/walking I would worry more about the possibility of injury as you body is not accustomed to that distance.

You may get other opinions from others, but at the end of the day its your call.

Best of luck

[Rignold]

I ran my first HM within 6 months of starting C25k, as did a few others here IIRC. I wouldn't advise it though. Just because you can do something doesn't always mean you should. With hindsight (always a wonderful thing) most of the injuries I have had in my running career so far have been from trying to do too much too soon. Is it worth getting a HM medal if it comes at the cost of a grim struggle, a crap time and possible weeks off with injury after?

The body adapts remarkably, at pretty much any age, but it does so slowly. TAking up running, or boxing, or gymanstics or any sporting activity requires not just the muscles and lungs to improve - that's just the first part. The bones, joints, ligaments, neuro-muscular system et all also need to catch up and strengthen, and that takes quite some time.

I'm eyeing an ultra-distance race now, but am also looking at taking 2 years to train for it properly.

[jc_gill]

Thankyou all for the great advice. I think I will aim for Inverness HM in 2017 and maybe do a couple of fun 5k's in 2016 so as not to push myself to injury. I think being new to this jogging/running lark I'm still an eager beaver!! Slow and steady will be my mantra. X