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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

to think I could run a half marathon after 15 weeks training

26 replies

allthemoomins · 30/05/2016 20:29

I've always wanted to run the Great North Run and I've finally taken up running this week, starting with the couch to 5k app. The GNR is in September so I'd have 15 weeks to prepare. Have I got a hope in hell of being ready to run 13.1 miles by then? Or AIBU and should I wait until next year?

OP posts:

rookiemere · 30/05/2016 20:32

Do you actually have a place at the GNR - it's very popular so I thought you'd need to apply and you might not be successful.

On if you'd be ready for a half marathon within 15 weeks, well it's hard to tell - do you do any sports currently? If you're not doing any exercise currently it might be a good idea to build up to a 5k first ( which you're doing) - parkruns are great for these, do a 10k later this year and aim to do a half marathon early next year, to me that's a more realistic time frame.

AyeAmarok · 30/05/2016 20:33

Definitely doable.

Once you reach 5k comfortably, it's a lot easier to stretch out the distances. The first 5k is the hardest to get under your belt.

I've done it in less time than 15 weeks and it was fine. No need to put it off to next year. Just be sensible as injuries will really hamper you if you try and do too much to quickly.

Enjoy!

Original poster

allthemoomins · 30/05/2016 20:34

Thanks rookie, no place yet. Hoping to call the charity I'm interested in tomorrow and have a chat. I am a bit worried it's too ambitious. I'd definitely want to start with some smaller runs first!

To clarify, I am an absolute beginner to running.

OP posts:

Original poster

allthemoomins · 30/05/2016 20:35

Aye, thank you! I'm feeling so motivated after just a few runs!

OP posts:

Salene · 30/05/2016 20:38

Id never ran for a bus even and took up running seriously unfit and over weight

I did a marathon 4 months later, it took me 5 hours though 😂🙈. But still managed it.

Chasing2959 · 30/05/2016 20:42

Yes definitely good luck!

Heirhelp · 30/05/2016 20:43

A women on the BBC programme about weight loss, losers for love, did a half marathon after 10 weeks of training. the programme is currently on iPlayer.

RunRabbitRunRabbit · 30/05/2016 20:49

Yes ,definitely, as long as you faithfully follow a training plan.

AmberNectarine · 30/05/2016 20:50

My DH trained for a full marathon in 12w and got a sub-4h, so definitely possible!

lastqueenofscotland · 30/05/2016 20:53

I'd be very surprised if there are any places left... There are some nice halves that time of year else where.
But yeh that's more than enough time.

Saz12 · 30/05/2016 20:54

Couch to 5k will have you running 30mins after 8 weeks, so say 8 weeks to run 3 miles.
If you were to do your longest training run (hopefully of 9 or 10 miles) 2 weeks before the half marathon, then you can see that you would will be ramping up yr weekly long run mileage quite quickly. It would be challenging, but not impossible.

99GBPChargeToUseMyPostsJournos · 30/05/2016 20:58

Charity places usually go to experienced runners, as the charity wants to guarantee as much as possible the income from the run.

But there's no harm in asking!

Original poster

allthemoomins · 30/05/2016 20:59

I'll check for any places left and if not then aim for smaller runs, I'm excited though! I feel very motivated!

OP posts:

steppemum · 30/05/2016 21:04

I did couch to 5 last year, starting at Easter.
I stopped a bit over the summer, but if I had kept it going, yes I could have done it. But, I would have had to really keep going and keep the motivation up to do it.

Bluebolt · 30/05/2016 21:05

I find it takes three things to ramp up the millage, good trainers, good knees and being able to switch off the mind. As you can do 5k the 15 weeks is doable and TBH you do not even need to complete the whole distance prior as the event as support there and adrenalin are worth a few miles.

dimdommilpot · 30/05/2016 21:08

Ive just 'graduated' C25K. It took me 13 weeks due to illness, holiday and just not having chance to go 3x a week every week. I would not be able to do a half marathon in 2 weeks time. Good luck if you go for it.

Original poster

allthemoomins · 30/05/2016 21:24

Thanks everyone, I've just signed up to do a 5K run in July so that's going to be my immediate goal and I'll look into the GNR too. Hopefully I can keep up this motivation!

OP posts:

runningincircles12 · 30/05/2016 21:25

Yeah, you can do it but I would actually find a more intensive programme than the C25K. Bupa do a 12 week beginners training programme, but you do need to be able to run for 20-30 minutes. You can walk/run and I don't think it will take you 9 whole weeks to work up to running 5k.

However, a half marathon is a LONG way and when I ran one, I realised that I really did not enjoy it as it was just too far. I would try to do a couple of 10k runs instead.

ghostyslovesheep · 30/05/2016 21:27

The GNR is more than a 'half marathon' it's really tough and up hill for lots of it - not really a beginners race - I'd aim for next year and work on 5 and 10k's for now

ijustdontknowanymore · 30/05/2016 21:34

Definitely do it! I did my first half marathon having never run further than 5 miles and without any training (I was young, generally fit and healthy at the time). I took it slowly but I loved it. Couldn't walk for a week afterwards though :-). Good luck if you go for it!

BelfastBloke · 30/05/2016 21:35

The 'Fitness 22' app called '10k runner' gets you from Couch to 10k in 14 weeks. You run three times a week.

You can listen to your own music and podcasts, and it interrupts these to tell you when to jog and when to walk.

BelfastBloke · 30/05/2016 21:37

Presumably if at the end of it you can run 10k fairly comfortably, you could struggle thru a half-marathon.

deste · 30/05/2016 21:54

I did a full marathon after 4 months training so definitely do-able.

nephrofox · 30/05/2016 22:17

You be grand. I'm in it and am only just up to 8k post baby.

namechangedtoday15 · 30/05/2016 22:26

Yes absolutely but you'll need to be disciplined and stick to going out probably 3 or 4 times a week. Having done it a few times, it's the best half marathon to do for support but it is quite hilly in parts and certainly a challenge.

And I completely disagree that charity places go to experienced runners - actually someone who has never run before and who has a connection with the charity is likely to bring in far more sponsorship than someone who does half marathons and marathons all the time. Give them a ring and see what they say.

Good luck

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