Could I be ready for a half marathon in November?

[moutonfou]

I started running a few months ago. I'm running 15k a week - mostly 5k distances (5k PB is 28 mins). I've run one 10k and did it in 1hr 2mins. I'll be doing another 10k in September and maybe another in October.

I've just spotted a half marathon in late November that is around one of my favourite places. If anything can keep me going through a HM, it will be that scenery.

The question is, would it be too much too soon?

I thought you were going to say from no running base! Yes, you can, easily.

Here's a great 12 wk programme to take you there.
www.halhigdon.com/training/51131/Half-Marathon-Novice-1-Training-Program

Loads of others on the net, too.

If you have the runkeeper app, there are some half mara programmes loaded into that, I think.

Eeek thanks RiversDisguise , it's scary! The HM I'm considering was only first run last year, and looking at the results there were a lot of club runners - very few people finished slower than 2hrs30. But as it's the second year I'd hope that word's got around a bit and some more slower runners might join (like me! )

Easily - no problem at all based on what you have said regarding training to date.

28min for 5k is a very solid time, though! I think you might surprise yourself.:)

Yep easily. I'm running a half in October and will start training in July. At present I do 2 X 5km runs a week which take about 30 minutes so slower than you.

I've done full and half marathons before and know it takes me 12 weeks training for a half and 18 for a marathon from my minimal running base I slip into when I'm not training for anything.

Well I've signed up! Thanks everyone

RiversDisguise thanks for the programme suggestion, I've struggled to find one that maps it out so clearly.

The fact that the long runs start at 6.5km and peak at 16km is a bit terrifying though when all I usually run is 5km!

TBH it's more boredom that holds me back than anything - will have to get thinking about ways to pass the time.

Hurrah! Now the fun of training for it begins.😆

You're very welcome. I like Hal Higdon's programme because it allows and encourages crosstraining- strength work is so important.

I struggle with boredom too. I download different mixes from youtube to run to- 160 bpm. Having a fresh mix keeps it vaguely interesting. But atm about an hour is my running max because I'm just too bored to continue. It's a struggle! !

Just did a half and for long run boredom I had audio books to listen to which was great. I started from slower than you in January and did 2.40 after going off too fast trying to keep up with the slowest club runners rather than sticking to my plan. Ran everything other than some hills where I alternated walking and running and had a really meh point at about 17km before finding a new lease of life with 3km to go - I ended up gaining 4 minutes on the bloke who had almost caught me 3km out between then and the finish.

Is anyone up for a half M support thread? I'm signed up to do my first half M in early September and it's all going to shit.
2 months ago I was easily running 15k and was as fit as I've ever been. I've now lost all motivation and haven't run in 17 days. Shit.

Oh no pikachu sorry to hear you've lost motivation. I'm sure it's all still there inside you - as soon as you get started again it will come back easily I'm sure!

Although I'm not there yet, I can imagine as the runs get longer towards a HM, a certain grind will set in. Perhaps plan a run somewhere really scenic or run a fun run to remind you why you do it? :)

I did races as quite a lot of my longer runs and for my longest ran back from Parkrun which definitely helped with motivation and not needing to do navigation

I did my first HM 6 months after starting running, its very doable. Make sure you do a couple of 10k races beforehand, for several reasons, you will get an idea of your time for a HM so you can pace yourself, you will have more race practice and they are excellent training (one 4 weeks before the HM is ideal). Good luck!