Can't believe I'm asking this HM'ers...

[pollyp1]

But how long did you take to get from graduation to your first half marathon?

[Realfoodieclub Graduate]

I started C25k June 7th 2013 and did my first HM May 8th 2015. But when I signed up to C25k I had decided to do a sprint triathlon in August 2014, so I did that then put in for my HM in November 2014. I am a slow burner and liked time to build up the distance getting to 10km for me was the longest haul then it actually got easier once I had got to that distance.

[pollyp1 Graduate in reply to Realfoodieclub]

Thanks. A couple of people have suggested I do a half marathon in October, one in Birmingham and one in Valencia (sounds soooo much nicer, as much as I love my adopted home town!). I've just had a quick look at training plans and they all assume a starting point of running regularly for a year... as I came into this with joint and muscle issues I really don't want to end up overdoing it and being back where I started, ie virtually immobile, so my plan is to build up slowly: I think I need to be strong and say 'no' to both because I can feel myself going 'yeah, alright' (especially to Valencia).

[Realfoodieclub Graduate in reply to pollyp1]

You can always say yes to 2017 Valencia and give yourself a good amount of time.

[pollyp1 Graduate in reply to Realfoodieclub]

That's what I was thinking - with or without the cousin, who is streaks ahead of me (literally, he's run the London marathon several times!)

[AndyD Graduate]

I took 12 months from starting to HM... but was knackered when I crossed the line!!! Think I needed some more miles under my belt

[pollyp1 Graduate in reply to AndyD]

I'm thinking I need a year or so...

[misswobble Graduate]

I think I would not be in a hurry! You need to be running 18 months to 2 years before you are said to be an intermediate rather than a beginner. You are strengthening your body during this time, which you will need to do a half marathon safely. It is a serious distance so don't entertain it til you've done the groundwork.

I did one after 13 months but my haste resulted in a serious injury which had me being hardly able to walk, let alone run, for 9 months. So take things slowly ! ☺

[pollyp1 Graduate in reply to misswobble]

Thanks... that's what I was thinking... I'm going to have to be strong! I want to do this properly and make it a long term thing and when - if - I do it I want it to be something that doesn't result in injury. I've been in a place where I was hardly able to walk and don't want to go back!

[Lpcrudge Graduate]

Can't help but I'm also intrigued to know the answer!

[Bazza1234 Graduate]

Took me 4 months from the end of C25k to a 14K and 8 months to my first HM. I did however do these using run/walk

[pollyp1 Graduate in reply to Bazza1234]

Thanks - a lot of food for thought!

[MarkyD Graduate]

It is a matter of your expectations, really. You'll graduate shortly, so you're not started from nothing. What time do you want to achieve? I'm sure that you could walk a HM tomorrow without many/any ill effects. And so, you can walk a HM in October. No problem. But would that be OK for you? Some people put pressure on themselves to achieve a particular time, and won't entertain walking some of the course. If you have a friend inviting you to do these HM, will they be running too? And if so, what is their level and expected timing? 100% guarantee that your first HM should be at your own pace, not at someone else's pace.

We have the 10% rule here at C25K. Don't increase your weekly distance by more than 10% per week. I did not do the maths, but you'll not quite reach HM distance by October, and this assumes no injuries and no gaps in your running.

2017??

[pollyp1 Graduate in reply to MarkyD]

Brilliant, thanks. 10% increase is a useful marker. My cousin (who is a multiple London marathoner) suggested the Valencia HM and, yes, he's running it. After reading replies and thinking sensibly I'm going to get a years consolidation in before I think of a seriously long run of any kind. I don't want to do it until I know I can do it without collapsing on the way! I think I've just been caught up in the romance of something with high energy. I've come too far from barely being able to walk to throw it away on an impetuous decision!

[OldPossum]

Can't help either but I'm in awe of your ambition

[pollyp1 Graduate in reply to OldPossum]

Thanks.... I'm rapidly coming to the conclusion that it's a little over ambitious (which is why I asked the question). I vacillate between thinking I'll stick with 5k and I'll build on it and then my cousin mentioned a half marathon in Valencia...

[MarkyD Graduate in reply to pollyp1]

One thought... is there a 10km or 5km run in Valencia on the same day? You could run in Valencia this year, just not HM distance.

[pollyp1 Graduate in reply to MarkyD]

To be honest I suspect it's not doable this year - I have so much other stuff on, but I shall look... 10k might be a good challenge!

[millwalki8 Graduate]

Graduated in April, did first HM (Peterborough) in October

[pollyp1 Graduate in reply to millwalki8]

Thanks, that would seem reasonable, to me but July - October seems a bit tight! Did you enjoy it?

[millwalki8 Graduate in reply to pollyp1]

A bit tough after the 9 mile point but really good feeling.

[TheHack Graduate]

I graduated in June and my long term plan is 10km early next year and great North run next September (2017) does this sound realistic?

[Hidden]

Never !

[poppypug Graduate]

I graduated in June 2014 and have entered my first HM for this October and am doing my training at the moment . It is tough, but I am having a ball to be honest ha ha

I would hang fire for about 12-18 months , but I applaud you for your enthusiasm ! xxx

[pollyp1 Graduate in reply to poppypug]

That's what I've decided to do... although I did a lot of walking before and took to running like a duck to water I have come from a place of very limited mobility and I so don't want to go back there. It makes sense to me that the 9 - 12 months post graduation is a period of consolidation and conditioning and I have said a firm 'no' to my gung-ho cousin and friend!

[Unfitdad59 Graduate]

It must have taken me a good 18 months, but my aspirations were a lot lower. It took ages to reach 10k. It was only because my daughter wanted us to do an HM that I entered at all. It was never an aim. But I'm glad I've done it. I'm now content to run 5 to 6 miles twice a week.

[pollyp1 Graduate in reply to Unfitdad59]

Thanks, I've decided to wait a good year!