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Chat to other fitness enthusiasts on our Exercise forum.

Chat to other fitness enthusiasts on our Exercise forum.

Exercise

Is a half marathon a good idea or is it just the endorphins talking?

19 replies

Miloarmadillo2 · 13/05/2018 22:38

I did my second ever 10k today in 61mins. There is a local half marathon in September and I'm tempted. Realistically I struggle to fit in 3 runs a week but could do it for a fixed period of training for a half. I have not really completed enough training for the 10k, only regularly run 5k, so am to some extent winging it and I know that wouldn't work for a longer distance. Is it achievable for a time-poor person?

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RunMummyRun68 · 13/05/2018 23:06

I often train for a half on just one longish run a week

Work full time and have 5 dc so it's only way really. That's a good time for a 10k. I'd say go for it!!

Growingboys · 13/05/2018 23:09

Definitely doable. I did my first HM this year and have practically zero full time. Managed to train by running in work lunch breaks and getting up early at the weekend.

Do it. You won't regret it!

Growingboys · 13/05/2018 23:10

Zero FREE time not full! It's the work that's full time!

Miloarmadillo2 · 14/05/2018 07:05

Oh my! I think I may have caught the running bug seriously trying to work out how I can fit this in. Six people from my running club did the London marathon this year and they are very inspiring...

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crayoladreamz · 14/05/2018 07:09

The most important run is the long run. You cannot miss that one out.

Run it at a slow easy pace just make it a little longer every week. Then if you can fit in other runs make them shorter and snappier.

You can definitely do it. Don't aim for a time, just aim to get round.

RunMummyRun68 · 14/05/2018 07:13

I did London marathon this year too. Was bloody amazing

Which half are you looking at?

AuntieStella · 14/05/2018 07:16

I've definitely acquired the running addiction, and having said 'never again' after my first half earlier this year, I'm considering signing up for an autumn one (as a charity I want to support has places).

I run 10ks reliably, and when training for the half, I would aim to do a longer run (9+ miles) at least once a fortnight, with a 'challenge' run (hills or intervals) in the weeks I couldn't find time for a long.

You can (probably) wing it for a half - because you don't need to think about nutrition, hydration and anti-chafing in the ways you need to when you start going longer than that. Just turn up and keep running - think of it as a 10k, a 15 minute walking break, then another 10k?

Miloarmadillo2 · 14/05/2018 07:18

Bristol

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Boatsnack3 · 14/05/2018 07:21

I'm doing my first half in 2 weeks and I haven't managed 3 runs per week since before Christmas. The snow and a niggly knee have meant I'm way behind on training but I'm pretty sure I can manage the 13 miles it won't be a quick but given I couldn't run for a bus a year ago I'll be happy.

Miloarmadillo2 · 14/05/2018 13:40

Good luck boatsnack !

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Sammysquiz · 14/05/2018 21:33

I did the Bristol 10km yesterday too and got a very similar time to you (I was a bit slower)! I’ve got a place in the Bristol Half - my training-plan is to do 2 shortish runs a week (5-7km) but including speed intervals, and then do a long-run each week that’s 1km longer than the weeks before. So next weeks will be 11km, then 12km etc etc. The half is 22km, but its still quite far away so you can build up slowly.

When I was running the 10km I was thinking ‘god I hate this, I want to walk, I feel too hot, I’m never going to do another race’ and then within minutes of finishing I was like ‘ooooh I think I’ll run a half-marathon next’!!

SkiGirl007 · 14/05/2018 21:36

Get to 10m on your long run and yes you can do it. It depends how quickly your body adapts to training, it took me 6mths to move from 10kto HM and it still nearly fliping finished me off. I done 2x10m runs before it but found it a challenge but I’m mid 40s, overweight and creaky joints , if your fit, healthy weight & younger it should in theory be easier. Good luck!

Igottastartthinkingbee · 14/05/2018 21:41

Definitely achievable!! I went from 10k races to a 10 mile. Then stepped up to a half marathon. Get a beginners training plan and see how it fits into your life. I think I did two shorter (but more intense) runs and one longer one the weekend. That run gradually builds to 12 miles a couple of weeks before the race. Then tapers back down again. Good luck!

Igottastartthinkingbee · 14/05/2018 21:42

Hello ski!

christinarossetti · 14/05/2018 21:44

Yes! I started running 4 years ago, did a 10km in May then a half in the autumn. Also time poor.

Perfectly possible. Good luck!

SocksRock · 14/05/2018 21:46

I did my first half on Friday just gone! You have plenty of time, just make sure you get one long run a week in and shorter ones when you can. I run lunchtimes, today was 5.5km of utter glorious weather, then a long one early doors on a weekend

Miloarmadillo2 · 15/05/2018 11:14

sammy that was my exact thought process! I have a colleague at work already doing the Bristol Half and she is egging me on. She does have a 10 yr youth advantage and legs that are about twice as long though so not sure I should listen!

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Sammysquiz · 15/05/2018 11:42

If all else fails we can slope off together half-way round the route and go for a pint

Miloarmadillo2 · 15/05/2018 19:33

sammy you're on!

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