Started c25k in October but have a goal to be able to run a half marathon by end of March. To all you experienced folks.. is this achievable? Or am I delusional? Still early days but running 3 times a week and really enjoying the progress.
I’m not sporty, nor have been but I’ve always admired my running friends for their drive and commitment. Would love to achieve this. So far, I’m loving it.
Any experiences out there?
Most good marathon plans are 6 months... say 4-5 for HM... just about doable... stick to the plans and minimise injury risk is a must though. Worst case scenario if injury free, you’ll be up to about 10 miles and will have to walk a couple of times... if that makes it fun and reduces the pain of it, that’s good.
Ok.... Thanks for your wisdom. Maybe aiming for 5k then 10k would be more realistic. Take small achievable steps to limit the risk of injury.
Best of luck 😀 I love your ambition. Keep posting your runs, I for one will be hoping you achieve your goal. Slow n steady though don't try too much too soon you'll end up injured.
Let's Go 🏃🏽♀️
It is doable... when would you need to be booking? Goals are good... and I’d love to hear you did it, don’t get me wrong... but it’s close if you intend to run all of it.
Absolutely! Just keep getting out. I started the C25K last April never having done any running whatsoever and being 22st, I did my first half marathon in September! Would love to know how you get on 
My advice, as a runner of 3 Years +, would be.. get to 5 K...comfortably... and then to 10K... lots of consolidation of both, not just one-offs... and then see what you feel.. To be able to run most of it, is desirable...walking and running is fine ...but if you could run most of it. would that be what you would want?
I feel it is a very big jump..( Which week of C25K are you one?) , because if you are not yet at 5K...and, if you are running for enjoyment, then wait for a HM later in the year
Your enthusiasm is great.., but injuries can happen, when we push too hard too soon...even taking things slowly and steadily... and the runs, the HM and The Marathons still wait for us...
Be aware also, that when you do decide to run a HM, many are booked up, as soon as the registration for them opens.
I'm doing the same graduated c25k in August this year having never previously done any running and being significantly overweight. Im working on a 10k plan up to Christmas, and then working on extending the distance in the new year. I needed new goals to work towards so i didnt stop in the winter months.
Half marathon is in March. Im taking it steady. I believe you get 4 hours to complete it. Even if I have to walk for a bit, it should be manageable. I'm going to do my best and try to enjoy it.
I wish you every success.
Hi there, well, if that was me, no way, it took me over a year to ‘graduate’ and then a further few months to actually run 5k non stop, it’s then taken me a good two years to build up to half marathon, I’ve now done 3, plus loads of 10k’s and some 10 milers, and I’ve had my fair share of overuse injuries.......however, as I say that’s just me, I know it takes me time to build up, we’re all different.
Didn’t that charity group in the London marathon do a programme starting from nothing over about 16 weeks?
Depends on your motivation, other fitness, or activity you have access to e.g not only running....plus other commitments you may have - able to give it the time needed.
It’s great to have a goal, the only thing I would advise is to have small targets, so, yes, you’ve got your big event/distance at the end, but on the way break it up, I often give my self a target of time rather than distance, like .....today I must be out for an hour....or.....today, I’m doing 5k chunks - Run 5k water/fuel break, then next 5k.....etc., (all my long distances are in 5k chunks- usually about the same as water/fuel stations at events) by the way, I do only run twice a week - I do other things as well.....
Have a look at Hidden s posts, this lady is amazing, she has decided to run 2018km in 2018 for charity.....the uplift in her mileage from where she started from is scary, I certainly couldn’t do it....I would be broken...! but she is well on course to complete it....
Have a look at some training plans, there are loads of free ones about, remember they are guides only, but will give you an idea of the build up of weekly mileages needed to be in a good state to complete the full distance you’re aiming for. Be completely honest with yourself regarding the work and time needed to get to your goal.
Whatever you decide to do, take care of your self, let us know how it goes and good luck with it!
All the best
Mx
Ps 13.1 miles is a long way! 🏃♀️😉
Really fantastic advice. Thank you. Going to pass on the half marathon it’s totally unrealistic so early in the year and aim for 5k and see how I feel. Small steps first.
I must tell you, I never set out to be a ‘runner’ whatever one of those is, and if anyone had told me I would end up running half marathons - and enjoying them, I’d have thought they were crackers! I started C25K to be ‘busy’ and move about for 1/2 an hour.......I have no idea what happened....🤷♀️...(I think I was determined to finish it! -and in no small part thanks to the support here - then I went to parkrun.......and that was that...like minded friends...events...etc.,) ......I’ve even started cycling.....🤪🚴♀️.....my daughter now refers to me as , my mum...the athlete....😂 (in the loosest possible sense you understand....) 😂
Mx
So inspirational to read this. Id love my daughters to think their mum is sporty or a runner. It’s one of the reasons I chose to run. Practise what I preach.
It’s too soon What’s the hurry 🤷♀️
It sounds over-ambitious to me and has injury potential written all over it.
Slow and steady is the mantra Are you trying to compete with your running friends? Don’t! 😳
There’s no substitute for doing the work! Slow, diligent work to build those running legs over time It takes patience. Like a good cheese or a fine wine 😁
It’s great though 💪😃👍. Well worth it Take a look at our Ju-Ju’s 10 is The Magic Number programme when you’ve graduated 🙂
Thanks for the advice. Point taken. There is no hurry at all. Going to chill out and take it steady. 5k would be amazing to start with. Half marathon can wait until I’m ready albeit 6 months or 3 years.
Half marathon - doable or foolhardy? 
training for a half-marathon
Oxford Half Marathon - I did it! 
First half marathon completed 
1st HALF MARATHON Done 
