Training for a half marathon

[Prettypumpkin]

How long does a non runner need to train for a half marathon?

I'm not a runner but I'd quite like to do the GNR next year. A group near me run a beginners course starting in two weeks time. It's an intro to running and obviously I'd need to build up from there.

Tbh I've just started a new job, my youngest has just started school and I'm feeling a bit stressed and out of sorts. I dont feel committed right now. Could I start that kind of training after xmas? That's when the next beginners group runs.

In reality I'll probably only manage two or maybe three runs a week, could I get good enough in that time? Or am I wasting my time? A friend is trying to be helpful and saying I need to push myself now and definitely need a year to get up to standard

Any tips would be great

Should add the GNR is next September

Well yes, it is entirely possible. Joining a group is definitely the best idea, will push and encourage you more than if you run on your own.
I agree with your friend though, start now and think how fit you will be by the new year.
I'm sure you have heard of couch to 5k, that would be a fantastic start.
Good luck.

There are quite a few half marathon training plans online which are normally done over 12 weeks - however they working from being able to run to start with (usually can run 5k or 30 mins - and that doesn’t mean you need to run 5k in 30 mins!). Then the plan usually works on 2 shorter, speedier run; 1 steady run and then 1 longer run (which gradually increases in distance the nearer to the HM you get).
I have gone to nothing to a half marathon so it is def doable - and I am very slow (some days I think I can walk quicker than I can run!)
I would spend some time just building up to the 5k mark then some time being able to run 5k comfortably. You will then know if you want to start increasing and going further.
Good luck!
I’m doing my 3rd HM next sun........ 😂

I trained for a half marathon from being a non runner (though signed up for a 5k and 10k along the way). I would say 6 months is fine. I think I started in December/January (but after a bout of severe pneumonia that left me in hospital for 3 days that autumn). The race was in July. It was fine! I’m still not fast, but I was able to finish is a perfectly reasonable but slow time and it wasn’t hard.