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Original poster

Half marathon madness!

21 replies

Watto1 · 02/03/2014 14:11

I'm in need of advice please! I've somehow managed to agree to run a half marathon. It will be roughly this time next year. Problem is, I am a terrible runner! I am approx 2 stone overweight and not very fit. I go to a spinning class twice a week and am a wreck afterwards.

Am I stupid to even consider it? Is going from being unable to run for more than a minute or 2 without stopping to being able to run 13 miles doable in 12 months? I really want to do this as it is for a charity very close to my heart.

Thanks in advance

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MrsBobHale · 02/03/2014 15:00

Yes I'd say this was doable, and you are already doing some exercise with spinning class so you're not starting from rock bottom.

I started running from being unable to walk up the stairs without a rest, at about 1.5 stone overweight. That was 9 yrs ago. C25K didn't exist then, but I did a similar method. Start by running for 30 seconds, walk for 30 seconds, then upped it to 1 min / 30 secs and then just tried to run non-stop for 5 mins, have a rest then do it again.

I would suggest that you find yourself a 5k run to do around May, a 10k around November, and tackle each one in turn, and don't worry too much about the half until you're up to running 10k. Then start a half marathon training schedule with about 3 months to go.

Also if you can join a running club once you've got a 5k under your belt it will help massively.

Good luck!

Original poster
Watto1 · 02/03/2014 16:04

Thank you MrsBob I'll take that on board. It's scary though!

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EauRouge · 02/03/2014 16:06

I finished C25k almost a year ago and just ran my first half marathon this morning! Not a bad time and it wasn't that hard (not so bad that I wouldn't do it again). It's definitely doable in a year. I was doing no exercise at all when I started running so you've got an advantage there.

Good luck!

CMOTDibbler · 02/03/2014 16:07

Loads of time! Get started on C25k now, then run 5k consistently for a couple of months, maybe do a race for life in the summer, increase one run a week by 1k a week till you do 10k, then follow one of the training plans (I like the Womens Running mag one) for the half.

I was a non runner last spring - had always hated running, couldn't run etc. Did a half in September, my next is in 3 weeks, and then another 5 weeks after that!

orangeflutie · 02/03/2014 16:41

You can do it! I just ran my first half this morning and never thought I would be able to. Go for itSmile

Original poster
Watto1 · 02/03/2014 16:45

Thanks all. I'm very impressed by your achievements. I feel inspired now!

Eau, I wonder if you were running the half marathon that went through my town today? Was it sponsored by admiral insurance by any chance?!

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Original poster
Watto1 · 02/03/2014 16:47

X-post! Same question to you Orange! I'm determined now.

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orangeflutie · 02/03/2014 17:04

Watto1 I ran the Eastbourne half this morning. Want to know which one EauRouge did nowSmile

Original poster
Watto1 · 02/03/2014 17:15

Not near me then orange. The Newport half marathon virtually went through my garden this morning. If I do it next year I could pop home for a cuppa at the 9 mile mark!

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EauRouge · 02/03/2014 17:19

No, mine was in Cambridgeshire. There are lots of HMs on today! Most people run them this time of year as a warm-up for the London marathon.

Well done on your first, orange- how was it? It was seriously windy here.

Sirzy · 02/03/2014 17:45

There is a thread for runners of all abilities on here - great for support and keeping each other motivated.

I started running in October, have my first 10k in May and first half in September so I hope it's doable! I am also still 2 stone overweight (having lost 4)

orangeflutie · 02/03/2014 18:06

Eau it was seriously windy in Eastbourne too but that's not that unusualSmile Lovely scenery. I tried to keep to the right pace and managed a chip time of 2.23.28 including loo stop. I'm quite tired now but happy.

Did you enjoy yours?

orangeflutie · 02/03/2014 18:08

Watto1 that's great you have a half so close to you, sounds perfect.

EauRouge · 02/03/2014 18:44

It was OK, it was very windy and there were more off-road bits than I expected. Even some of the paved bit had crap all over it from a recent flood so it wasn't very easy going. But I managed to squeak in under the 2:30 time limit, 2:29 something (haven't had the official result yet) so I'm pleased about that.

orangeflutie · 02/03/2014 19:54

Glad it went well EauRougeSmile

sarahandduck · 02/03/2014 20:00

Yes definitely doable. I started running a year ago on the couch to 5k, did a few 10ks then followed a 12 week training programme and completed my first half marathon today in 2:06. It feels amazing and I say go for it.

Original poster
Watto1 · 03/03/2014 09:44

Well done all of you. Reading your posts has really spurred me on. I've looked at C25K and it doesn't look too bad! Going to buy myself a decent pair of running shoes and get going. Don't think my battered old Reeboks are going to cut it!

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BlueChampagne · 03/03/2014 11:47

Seriously consider a new sports bra as well Watto1, and good luck! I did my first 10k last year and have signed up for a HM 1st June.

princessalbert · 03/03/2014 11:52

Yes, you can do it.

As said upthread aim for small goals as you go along.

C25K first. Then maybe find a parkrun and get some speed up doing that?

10K by late summer/autumn.

Then just keep at it - increasing your distances slightly, gradually until half marathon time.

I did one a couple of years ago - the furthest I had run in one session was 8 miles. I struggled with 13, but did a walk/run combo. I completed it, and will happily do it again.

Good shoes and sports bra are all you need.

gracehedley · 03/03/2014 22:34

Watto1 there is a nice 5k park run at Tredegar House in Newport, flat and quite forgiving underfoot. I do it sometimes. Something to aim for in the summer maybe? Smile

Original poster
Watto1 · 04/03/2014 08:07

I'll look into that grace. Thank you

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