Pushing on from 10k to Half Marathon

[Joster]

I started running in January (50 years old never run before to give you context). I finished c25k and pushed on to 10k. Successfully ran 10k a few times over Spring and Summer so I know I can do it. Running tailed off a bit over the summer holidays and then work and new puppy mean routine a bit hit and miss.

Getting back into it now, want to push back up to 10k in next few weeks, definitely by end November. I know I can do it, I just need to get the legs moving properly again without rushing into it.

Is it realistic that I might manage HM in March? My local one has entries open this week and I don't know if I am biting off more than I can chew!

I will have three months (winter and cold though). Is this enough?

TIA for any tips and advice.

[misswobble Marathon]

The principle is the same. Increase distance by no more than 10% a week. A training plan is a good idea and will keep you running over the winter. You'll need to train through winter to get the training done. It's not as bad as it sounds but you have to expect some days when you just can't get out because of ice.

If you get the training runs in and pitch up at the race then hopefully you can manage it because you've trained for it. There is always the option of walking bits of it if you tire at any point

Pay attention to good diet and plenty of sleep (I know, it's not always possible)

Good luck!

[roseabi Ultramarathon]

Hi there! And a hearty welcome to the forum!!!

If you enjoy distance running there is nothing to stop you doing that half marathon!

I can't top misswobble 's advice 😊😊😊

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon]

I'm currently building back up to 10k. If everything goes to plan I hope to get there at the beginning of Dec. I have a half booked for end of March. I've made a plan and it seems to fit, so I think it's doable 😍. I agree with the others, if you want to do it then you should be able to. Good luck!

[Joster Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

Good luck to you too! I did 6k today for the first time in around 3 months and it went well, slowed the pace down to be sure of doing the distance. If I can add 1k per week up to 10k I'll be really pleased, target is 03/12/19. That then gives me 3 months almost exactly to get to HM (Cambridge on 08/03/20).

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Joster]

Very similar timescale although I have a couple of extra weeks to my HM. We've got this 😍

[Joster Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

I do hope so! Winter training has pros and cons! I started my C25K in Jan, so know I can deal with the cold and wet, but at that point the days were getting longer at least.... Cambridge HM in 2018 was almost cancelled due to snow.

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Joster]

I managed training for my first HM - March 2019 - through last winter without any real problem, but it wasn't a particularly bad winter to be fair.

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Joster]

Oops. I've got the date wrong for my half! 🙄 Have given myself an extra 2 weeks on my plan that I don't actually have 🤣🤣🤣🤬

[Joster Half Marathon]

Thanks all. I think if I enter for the Half it will focus the mind. I’m doing the London Winter 10k in early February so would be doing my half a month later but I will be training for the half as soon as I get back to comfortably doing 10k, hopefully in around four weeks. As long as I stay injury free I do believe I can do it!! Fighting talk!!

[aliboo70 Half Marathon in reply to Joster]

Good plan I think you'll be fine. The advice above is all great 😊ps I did the 1st winter 10k in 2015 it's good fun! x