To train for a half marathon in 16 weeks?

[couch2wtf]

Can a COMPLETE beginner train for a half marathon in 16 weeks. Like, totally total running novice.

Due to a weird set of circs I have a place to run a half marathon in late April.

Is it possible to go from 0 to that in this time period? I have time to train, I guess I just would love to hear from experienced people if that’s even at all possible and if you’ve got any advice on where to start (apps, training plans, must do’s, can’t do’s etc.) I’m not looking to break any records, just get round tbh.

TIA from this panicked novice.

This is fine. Though I think you need to be fairly disciplined from now on. Stick to a programme if you can. For example, run/walk for ten minutes tomorrow!

Of course you can! There’s loads of training plans out there. Just don’t do too much too soon as it’ll result in injury.

Start slow, but start now. Download a training plan, loads out there. Stick at it. You’ll get there.

Of course you can. Just follow a plan and you’ll be fine. Strength train as well if you can

Yes you can do a "get round" plan

You can definitely do this.

get yourself some proper running trainers before you start

don't Build up too quickly - the couch to 5k as a 6 week start would be a good idea.

then use the next 7-8 weeks to get your longest run up to 10 miles. Don't overdo it. If you have no starting fitness then it might be a good idea to add some swimming/walking in and never run more than 3 times a week. Rest days are importantly.

Then use the last 2-3 weeks to reduce the mileage slightly (tapering)- enjoy your new fitness and let your body recover a little before race day.

good luck!

Thank you!! My sister has just found out she’s pregnant and so won’t be able to run, the race is for the local hospice that cared for our Dad so I figured I could give it a go and take her number.

The reassurance is helping my panic 🫨 It’ll definitely be a “get round” plan!

@ChnandlerBong thank you! This is really good advice!

What is your level of fitness now?

I trained for a half marathon in about that time and it was enough but I was quite fit when I started. I didn't run but I did other fitness classes so I could run a few miles the first time I tried. You should start slow and make sure to warm up and cool down to avoid injury.

@couch2wtf youre welcome! I’m the kid who never did PE but have now run over 29 marathons. Be warned- it’s quite addictive this running lark!

there might be local running clubs who’d welcome newbies in January if that would be helpful?

I did it on a 12 week plan, but I was in my 20s. Agree with other advice, find a plan and stick to it and get good shoes. If all else fails, you can run a mile, walk a mile - it might be slow but you can do it 💪

Yes you can, just find a good plan for a total beginner and follow it religiously. It will have some non running days with strength training or non running cardio like swimming, it’s important that you do these too.

Don’t increase your milage any more than is in the plan, or you will get injured and lose more time.

Sleep a lot, Eat Properly and don’t expect to lose weight .

I did it in 9 weeks. DH is an ultra runner (50-100 miles) and said 9wk was nowhere near enough for a half. Was tough but I did it. Never ran again though 😂

You might be a complete beginner but are you fit and active? Do you walk a fair bit and do any other sports/activities? I'd say it's perfectly doable - just don't overdo it and stick to a plan. If you just aim to complete it you can walk lots of it.

I'm sure you can do it OP. Mottiv has some good free running plans. My advice, do not skip the weekly long,slow run, nor the strength training session. This is to avoid injury -my priority at 41!

What is your fitness level now? Do you run at all? I'm going to be one of the pessimistic voices on here I'm afraid, if you don't at all atm!

Do you regularly exercise?

Definitely doable but will be more comfortable if you have a base level of fitness.

If you are reasonably fit, 16 weeks is long enough to train for a half marathon. 3 runs a week?

I did 0 to full marathon in the same time, but i was late 20's and quite active. Training 4 days a week.

Yes. Download a training programme from Runners World and follow it as closely as you can. Make sure you stretch after your runs.

Try and get to your local parkrun tomorrow morning.

I just signed up to couch to 5k with my local running club. It's over a 7 weeks period and that brings me up to the first 5k race at the end of February. It's all new to me, I had my first session on Thursday and my next one tomorrow. Well done on signing up 😀 maybe look in your area for couch to 5k programme for moral support. Well done on taking the first step!

Yes, just follow a proper disciplined plan a don't over do it. I got my place about this time (charity place) and was fine for the April London marathon, plus I'd not long quit smoking. I have always had a knee issue ever since though which is because I think I did too much in the final month.

Good luck and enjoy it!

16 weeks is probably not enough to get a good time. But that’s not the Ops objective. She wants to get round the course in honour of her late father and to support a very worthwhile charity.

She could probably walk 13 miles tomorrow. So she will be able to do much better than that in 16 weeks if she follows a training programme exactly.

By 13 or 14 weeks she will have done several long runs of around 13 miles and she will know the correct pace for her. She will then do the first half of the race at that pace or slower. Ideally slower.

Then she will know for sure that she can do the second half and can cross that finish line, by jogging or walking if necessary.

See - it’s not so hard. As long as you do the training, draw up a race plan and follow up, you will be fine.

The people who are not fine are the blokes who assume they are fit because they play 5 a side once a week, do no training , go out too fast and fall apart at 10 miles.

The Op is smart enough to ask for advice and take it 😁