Half Marathon.

[Run1976]

Hi all,

I’m considering running a half marathon sometime next year.

I’m currently running between 5k and 12k 3 times a week, how many k’s do you think I need to be running regularly before entering a half marathon?

I don’t really have the time to follow a proper training programme due to family commitments, so I will just have to do what I can.

Do you still think a half marathon is achievable?

Thanks in advance

Mark.

[AlMorr Half Marathon]

Iam sure it is Run1976, good luck for your HM sometime next year, if you don't wish to follow a official Half Marathon plan then you could try the 10% rule or run 500 metres or 1K more each week gradually increasing the distance that you run, I did it that way from 5K to 10K then from 10 to 16K or ten miles.

[Cmoi Marathon]

Given what you're already running, I'd say it's certainly achievable. I did my first HM without any sort of plan, just by keeping on running one day. 😉

A more prudent approach would be to increase the distance of your long run gradually, as suggested by AlMorr.

Of course, if finishing in a particular time is important to you, you should probably look at some HM plans to see what they suggest, even if you're not going to follow them.

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon]

Definitely doable! Try to follow a few simple rules.

Aim to have run at least 16k before the race. Build up to that distance gradually with one long low run every week to two weeks.

Make sure you have a lighter week every four or five weeks for recovery. Other than that, you don't need to follow a formal plan and can fit your running round all the other life stuff that gets in the way 😀

You can make the shorter runs count for more by including speed runs and/or hill runs (but no more than one of the harder runs per week so you don't overdo things).

Oh - and make sure it's fun!!!

[Hidden]

Thanks for this topic, it's very interesting to read the replies!

[rssnfrssn]

Based on my own experience, also choose your first HM carefully. My first course was 'undulating' which was much more demanding, given I'd focussed on training for the distance and not hills into the bargain! A flat and friendly course will be a much nicer intro to the distance.

[nowster Metric Marathon]

Absolutely you can. Whilst I've not run a HM race, I have done a HM distance (last month).

Theoretically from 12km you could build up to a HM in about two months, so you have plenty of time.

Simply add a bit onto each weekly long run. You don't need to do as much as 10%. Either 500m or 1km will do. You can also consolidate at a particular distance for a couple of weeks before moving on. You can have recovery weeks where you run a much shorter distance. You have the time.

As others have said, if you can routinely do 10 miles you can do a HM on the day.

If you know the characteristics of the course you've entered for, train for those characteristics (eg. hills or flat).

[misswobble Marathon]

Chuck some hill work into your training 🙂💪

Gently does it, incremental increases in distance will get you there

Have fun 🙂

[Macrun Half Marathon]

If you get up to around 16k as the other runners have said you should have no problem getting over the line. The atmosphere of the day will help big time. Good luck and enjoy the moment.😁