Should I?

[Tasha99]

Is there anyone here who has done c25k, bridge to 10k and then successfully gone onto HM? How was the training? I’m not sure if I should move up to HM but thinking, with the cooler weather due in a couple of weeks, it could be doable. Would love to read some success stories. Thank you!

[Hillrunner2201 Marathon]

Lots of people on here have done exactly that, so I would say go for it!

I completed c25k over 3 years ago. I was happy with that and didn't have plans to run further so carried on with 3 5k runs a week for about 10 months. Then I wondered if I could run 10k. I felt inspired after buying some 'proper' running kit and hearing about a work colleague that had done a 10k. Because I'd consolidated for a long time, I didn't find it difficult and built up to 10k in a few runs. I didn't enter a 10k race but I knew there was a local hm in a few months and entered that feeling it was an exciting challenge but very scary. I used a hm training plan for guidance rather than religiously following it. I found training for the hm more challenging that getting up to 10k, but I really enjoyed it. I've done several hm races since then and a marathon last year. I would say that finishing c25k is the most difficult challenge; running 10k, hm or further is just about building up gradually to run further. I think it's important not to rush into increasing distances too soon after completing c25k as it takes a long time to build up 'runners legs' that are strong enough to do longer distances without injury. Rest days are important for this reason too. Good luck!

[Tasha99 Marathon in reply to Hillrunner2201]

Thank you! Well done too on your success! You’ve done fabulously!

[Lordi Marathon]

Hi Tasha99, I started C25k last autumn (2017) graduated C25k then B210k in rapid succession in Jan 2018 then ran my first HM in May this year. For me, C25k was the hardest part (just getting basic fitness and used to running), after C25k training the 10k distance then comes with much less "relative' effort/pain. I moved up to a HM race and didn't run farther than 16km before race day (which was a mistake as a died around 18-19km race day). I'm 56 and no spring chicken so it's do-able. Now training (badly) for my first marathon (Tallin in Estonia in early Sept). The hot weather is giving me grief at the mo like everyone else, so if I were you I wouldn't push the distance too much just now, better to start in earnest when the weather cools down. Don't focus on your time for 5/10/21km just focus on finishing. As a running buddy of mine says "I'm a completer not a competer!".

[Tasha99 Marathon in reply to Lordi]

Well done on your progress! You’ve done brilliantly! I’ll definitely consider it for the future, but like you say, it’ll be something I do when the weather cools down...if I do it! Thank you 👌🏽

[roseabi Ultramarathon]

Hi Tasha! And a humongous, group-hug-tastic welcome to the forum!!!!!

Great post. I did not take that path to the half marathon, so all I can add is: If you want to do a half marathon then you should do a half marathon! They are great fun 😊

[Tasha99 Marathon in reply to roseabi]

Thank you! I’ll decide over the next few weeks I guess 🤷🏽‍♀️

[misswobble Marathon]

Slow running builds legs - and rest days of course - but it takes 18 to 24 months

Take plenty of time to slowly build distance. Don’t be in a hurry! Patience 🙂

[Tasha99 Marathon in reply to misswobble]

Thank you 👌🏽 18 months from starting running would be next September - GNR month 👍🏽 🤔

[Tbae Metric Marathon]

Hi Tasha,

We are all different.🤔

I think I started C25k around the same time as you this year.🤔

At 75 I was in no rush but comfortably got to 10K, in a relatively short period of time ,it just happened.🤔

Of course I do not have your pace, but I do have many hours of slow running as a result.

When I did my one and only HM and because of slow pace I only built upto one 15k.Had done maybe 6x10k’s, 1x12k. I think I did a 11k and a strength session two days before my HM.🙈Not the perceived wisdom.Read up on it retrospectively, but it meant more.🤔👏👏

Just felt good , locked it in and decided I was going that evening.

Comfortable run upto 15k, with crunch ups and rewards each 5k.

The last 6.1k was less comfortable, never been there.🙈😂.220 mins🙈😂. Long shift.😂

Ran every step of the way,practised feeding and drinking on the hoof.

Now into pace improvement on the 10/08/18, started Freestyle streaking , and cannot wait to get clear of this hedge cutting.Heading to 7x5k and a weekly 35 km and then review.🤔

Why don’t you take part in JuJu’s three challenges on Strava.🤔

10K, distance, HM over all of August.🤔👍

Wish I could , but these lovely hedges.🙈

Like Abi’s advice if you want to do

an HM, do it.👏👏👍

You have your own guidance and experience in your own very quick route to 10K.🤔

With your good pace and if you slow that down you will be safe and at least you can get an early taste of HM and early info., to choose further.🤔

I say go for it.👍

Take care of you.

You can do it very safely just by building up your one long easy weekly run to 15k -18k🤔

Go you.💥🏃‍♀️💥

Even the weather is now not a problem early morning or late evening.👍👏👏

I laughed when I re read your post. Success stories.🙈😂😂

I am slower than the lamp posts but hey ho, happy as Larry.👍👏👏

[Tasha99 Marathon in reply to Tbae]

Thank you Tbae for your wise words. I’m still not certain it’s what I want to do but I’ll mull it over in the next few weeks while the weather cools off. I think I’m neither fast nor a long distance runner. Definitely need some more core strength either way! I’m sure I’ll work out what I prefer as time goes by. I guess we’re all very new to running still 👍🏽

[Tbae Metric Marathon in reply to Tasha99]

Yes very new.

And the good thing we can shuffle a long and with the help of this forum we can try out stuff safely and progress and give ourselves other choices.

Even lack of core strength can be a little forgiving until we acquire it all in good time.

As JuJu advises core strength is for your running longevity and I guess with that and other things sustains your journey.🌟👏👏

Atb., Tasha.💥🏃‍♀️💥

[Tasha99 Marathon in reply to Tbae]

😍

[Hidden in reply to Tbae]

My experience too, in my 70s, not fast but seem to be building endurance with y slow running, I can run for getting on for two hours with no stop or walk break - but would i be too slow to finish a half in time?

[Tbae Metric Marathon in reply to Hidden]

Yes Flick it is a dilemma.🤔

At 10 mins/km it is 210 mins + , big shift🙈, of course you finish in time.More about the practicalities of servicing yourself over 3.5 hours.Must say all on my own that was not a problem.In an event, do not think I could handle that pressure perhaps.🤔

Hope you managed to find Mike’s links and his post.👏👏

But 10 k’s and 2hours worth are great.👏👏

I am looking at building to 7x5k per week for 3weeks and on the fourth week just do 2x5k + 1x10k.

For me I like JuJu’s idea of HM marathon readiness or banked fitness and of course streaking.

Of course I am a very new and a novice runner and have scaled it back to 10K readiness.

Good luck with your 10K and monthly challenge.💥🏃‍♀️💥

[Sqkr Half Marathon]

Arguably everyone who has ever done a half marathon basically takes that path? I doubt there are too many people who just run one from scratch, everyone has some kind of plan (even just a tiny one) and that is all C25k and the Bridge are 🙂 So essentially everyone has done exactly that 😁

[Tasha99 Marathon in reply to Sqkr]

I guess you’re right 😂

[Sandyw]

Hi, I did c25k then gradually built up to 10k before extending to the half marathon. The training is a commitment but once your signed up for your race it gives you the focus you need. Can’t say I enjoyed the training towards the end and have since preferred to sit at 10k distance, but hey you never know until you try give it a go.

[Tasha99 Marathon in reply to Sandyw]

Thank you for your advice 👌🏽

[ClareO65 Half Marathon]

Hi Tasha, I started C25K in February and I’m due to run a HM in October. I have currently run 15k as my longest run and it was tough. I’m sure I’ll get there but it does feel like a slog getting my head around the long runs (as well as finding the training time as a full time working mother of 2). Now I know you are a teacher and I never think it’s wise to decide anything in the Summer holidays (I am also a teacher!) as we feel fresher and like we can do anything 😂 That said, having seen your posts I think you have grit and if you want to do it you will. I think once I’ve done the HM I’ll enjoy some time running 5 and 10kms for a while. I do think the timing of my HM should work as my longest runs will be in the summer holidays (with a few in Sept 😫) - do think carefully about when you’ll do it and check the training plan against term times.

[Tasha99 Marathon in reply to ClareO65]

Ok thanks. Good advice. I don’t particularly enjoy running 10k so I don’t know why I’m thinking of doing HM. I get bored. I’ll just see how it goes. Fitting in the runs is hard as I’m a single mum and I need to gym it too. I’ll keep mulling it over 👍🏽

[ClareO65 Half Marathon in reply to Tasha99]

Doing the training for the HM has made me realise that a full marathon (which I was considering) would require more time than I currently have and I’m not convinced I’d like the training. I’d probably need to join a club to stop the boredom of runs any longer than 15-18K. I think you have to go with how you feel and not push beyond what makes you keep at it ☺️

[Tasha99 Marathon in reply to ClareO65]

I’ll see how it goes 😍

[mfamilias Half Marathon]

It sounds to me that you want to, so just keep running, gradually increase your distance, then sign up when you are ready. IMHO, you have to give yourself time to get there, unless you're a performance addict, in which case, go for it but be careful

I finished C25K in May 2015, ran my first official 10k in Jan 2016, then was happy with around that distance until I decided to sign up for a HM to raise money for a charity who helped friends of mine. It was a good motivator - I followed a Myasics plan and ran the HM in June 2017. I've done two more since - haphazard training in progress for the 4th, coming up in September.

[Tasha99 Marathon in reply to mfamilias]

Fantastic! Brilliant work! I’m currently getting sponsored for a 5 and 10k race - done the 5, the 10k is in September (although I have done several 10k runs on my own already), so waiting til next year for a HM would be sensible - people might get annoyed with my sponsorship demands and I’ll definitely do it for charity!

[Beccym Marathon]

Yes! I have done two and a couple of 10 miles.

Half you need to train for but not to commitment levelof a full

Go for it

[Tasha99 Marathon in reply to Beccym]

Well done! That’s fantastic to hear! It’s becoming more attainable 👌🏽Now it’s finding the time 🤔

[Hidden]

I've been wondering this too - though so far 12.25k is my longest run. With the heat, it's been hard to push it further.

[Tasha99 Marathon in reply to Hidden]

Roll on autumn Flick! 🏃🏾‍♀️💪🏽

[Hidden in reply to Tasha99]

chucking it down here for two days and cold

[Tasha99 Marathon in reply to Hidden]

But I’ve got a new found liking of autumnal weather! I only ever liked summer before 😂 There are a few of us, it seems, considering HM, so we could help each other along - if we indeed decide to go for it. We could all meet up for a HM next year if we’re successful 🤗

[Hidden in reply to Tasha99]

sounds like an excellent plan!

[ChrisAllen1 Half Marathon]

Hi Tasha, yes I started Couch to 5k in October last year and graduated early December, did Bridge to 10k in January and did a 10k in early February then managed the half marathon distance on May 19th. Haven't gone that far since although I did 18k yesterday. Good luck!!

[Tasha99 Marathon in reply to ChrisAllen1]

Wow well done! That’s encouraging! I need more core strength I think.

[ChrisAllen1 Half Marathon in reply to Tasha99]

A couple of weeks ago I started trying quick runs to improve my overall speed but only reflection that's not for me, if I can average about 7 mins per km and every couple of weeks go long mixed up with slightly quicker shorter ones I'm happy with that.