half marathon by 6th April from not running at all?

[ditavonteesed]

doable? I did 2 5k and 2 10k runs a couple of years ago, just to prove to the world that i could do it (or to myself), am just thinking about what I would like to do this year and since I turn the dreaded 40 in May it would be nice to have a half arathon under my belt. However if it is completly unrealistic then I will forget it and maybe think about next year.

How's your fitness level now? Most half marathon plans I've seen assume that you can already run 5k. If you've no time limit and you don't mind walking for part of it then it's totally doable. When's the last time you went running and how far did you get?

Yes it's doable but you need to start training right now. There are loads of half marathon run plans online.

the last time I ran was a 10k race in decemeber about 2 years ago , I am walking fit and sure I could easily run 5k but wouldnt like to say any further than that.

I wont get chance to try till monday as on nights all weekend. I walk about 4 miles a day with dogs.

Yes, just about. Look up a training plan - they are often about 12 weeks long.

You might not be breaking any records but you've got long enough that you should be able to run all the way and (my personal ambition in these things) not come last.

Yes - if you have done 10k runs before and are confident you could run 5k, then it should be achievable - plus 6th April is my birthday so it's a good day to run. In fact it's good not to have too much time to train - keeps you focused.

As a base you need 3 runs a week - one core steady run of 20-40 mins( build up the time as you get fitter), some interval training of 20-30 mins and a longer run each week building up to about 2 hrs a couple of weeks before the half, then taper down.

Don't do it to lose weight - you will become more toned, but if you are trying to cut down your calorie intake whilst training, it's a recipe for disaster.

That is completely doable, gold.

If you think about it, that is 3.125 miles in 40 mins, which is roughly 4.8 miles an hour. A VERY brisk walk/slow jog. Just pace yourself. The c25k is only nine weeks long and is for complete beginners, people who don't necessarily believe it's possible (I didn't).

And I guarantee you won't be last :)

Its very do-able as you are quite fit already. Your only problem might be picking up an injury before the start due to upping your training so quickly. Most people start with niggles (shin pain, achilles etc) about 6-8 weeks into training so go very very carefully when building up the miles, and maybe try not to do it all on roads. I speak sadly from learning the hard way and seeing most friends go the same way with intense training.

Good luck though and you won't be last, but as my friend said, even if you are, you still finished before the millions that never got off the settee

I started from scratch and followed a 12 week training programme and managed to complete my first half marathon in Berlin last year so it's definitely doable! You really have to stick religiously to the training plan though and the 12 week one doesn't really allow time for any injuries or illness along the way. As long as you aren't aiming for a really ambitious time, you should definitely go for it! Good luck :)