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.

Plenty of time! Look up ‘jeffing’, it’s a really good run/walk method. Good luck!

Honestly it depends on your existing fitness level... if you are a relatively active person and a healthy ish weight yes fine. If you're 25 stone and never move then no you'll just hurt yourself!

Wow. Depends on your fitness level really but you’ll get round. It took me several years to get up the half marathon distance.
I wish you the best of luck!

If you haven't run don't go from nothing to loads of running in a short period or you will be injured and need to stop it all. If you don't have great fitness then maybe do a couple of swimming sessions a week to build up whilst protecting your legs. If you have got decent fitness maybe see if you can shorten C25k, I'd also recomend parkruns, you can walk or run or a bit of both (see comment above on Jeffing) I find parkrun very supportive, it's free, you're timed and you will see your times come down every week. In fact register now and find your nearest and go at 9am tomorrow. In the past I did that most weeks then I found the step up to a half marathon pretty easy as I'd add in a handful of long runs. You won't break any records training over such a short period, but you can do more than enough to get around, especially if you're a bit fit to start with.

Do check you are allowed to change bibs, it's often against the Ts&Cs and can invalidate insurance.

You'll be fine.

I went from 0 running to running half marathon distance in that time and i wasn't even following a training plan.

Find a training plan - i see the likes of Hal Higdon's half marathon training plan is 12 weeks. In the meantime build up your cardio base and do some strength training.

Look into 'jeffing' too.

Good Luck!

I misread the OP and thought it said marathon not half marathon, sorry!
I do think a half is achievable if you have a basic level of fitness, follow a good training plan and aren't bothered about your time. Good luck!