How do you train for a half marathon?

[losenotloose]

I have no idea! I generally don't run further than 5k so it seems an impossibility to me. Do you just gradually run further and further or is there some technique? I'd quite like to challenge myself but ahm scared I just can't do it!

There are LOTS of training programmes online. Just start looking. How many weeks until your event? How far can you comfortable run/week or per day now?

There are loads of programs online but I find it hard to stick to a regimented regime. What unusually finish carry on my normal running but do one 'long' run a week and increase that by a mile a week until I'm at the distance I need. Not very scientific but works for me!

No idea what happened with autocorrect there...should say 'what I usually do is...'

Google it.
Running a little bit further each week is basically it, unless you're aiming for a particular time.

I did royal parks half last year. They had a set of training programs depending on how experienced you are. I did the beginner one and it was good for me.

The most common idea is that (over weeks & weeks) you only slightly increase the distance of your other runs but then then one day a week (like maybe Saturday) you increase that one incrementally all the way up to the full distance or very close.

I'm such a diesel train style in exercise, I can't imagine that strategy working for me. Or if I tried it, I'd end up with injuries (plus failing to make the distance). Still, it's very popular. So must work for many.

I wouldn’t bother with a training programme per se.

I was very unfit in the beginning and trained myself by just running for 1min, walking for 1min then next time running for 2mins, walking for 1min etc until before long I was running for 20mins straight, then 30mins etc.

Also keep in mind that when the time comes that you think you are dying and just have to stop running, keep going and break through it as you will get a second wind pretty soon afterwards and the pain goes.

Great, this is starting to sound less impossible! It was the royal parks one I wanted to do. Haven't signed up yet! I just had a look and it said minimum sponsorship £350. Is that compulsory or can I just pay the entrance fee and not bother with sponsorship?

I suspect you can just pay the £350. There are cheaper events. :)

Just building up gradually. So long as you can run (say) 6 miles in training, you should be fine to run double 'on the day'

You can just pay the entrance fee - that is also overpriced for a very average event, to be honest.

Google 'half marathon training plan for beginners', but a rough rule of thumb is 4 runs a week with a long run on Sundays. The most you'll run in training is probably 10-11 miles. And increase your mileage by 10% per week. Most plans are 12 weeks long.

12 week plans are common and tend to build up the long run about 10-15 minutes (or equivilent distance) at a time up to around 10-12 miles and an easier recovery week every 4 weeks. The last couple of weeks will taper down in distance and intensity so you are fresh for race day.

If you have plenty of time before the training plan starts, it's worth building up to about 10k comfortably, that's actually a lot of the work without consuming too much time or energy.

Shorter runs may be structured in different ways with "easy" gentler paces, "intervals" with faster and slower bursts, or "tempo" runs where you build up the pace to boost stamina. Some plans are more running based, some have less shorter runs and cross training of other exercise which I favour for general strength and not overloading the muscles worked in running.

I tend to adapt plans and add extra time for a buffer for life getting in the way and work out dates like holidays that affect my avaliability. Something will always crop up!

Most fees for HMs are around £30ish. It's just a few really popular ones that are dearer or have sponsorship packages.

lose I've just signed up to the Royal Parks HM, I've never done one and am terrified! I'm doing a 10k in May then will begin training for the HM. I've always wanted to do Royal Parks and the date and location suit me. I'm running for a charity and need to raise £300 which I'm hoping I'll get through sponsorship as I've sponsored lots of people over the years.

You can't just pay the entry fee for Royal Parks.

You have to apply via the ballot, which was drawn last week (I was unlucky and no place this year). So all general entry places are sold out (they cost about £35 if you get one, and you have to pay that if you get a charity place too, as well as giving the charity whatever it's minimum fundraising obligation is).

It's charity place, win a place in a competition or forget it for this year.

I use this set of plans

www.cancerresearchuk.org/get-involved/find-an-event/training-for-an-event/half-marathon-training#Halfmarathonaccordion1

which are more based on time on your feet then on distance covered in that time. Basically, just keep running make one run longer , and do a reasonable amount of general fitness/other sports. And have rest days. And have fun!

Thank you!