10k to half marathon?

[fellyjish]

I've fairly recently started running again and for the first time I really enjoy it!

I'm doing a 10k just before Xmas and think I can do it in about an hour.

I want to give myself a new challenge for the new year but due to a number of other commitments it has to be start of March (or not until the summer).

Is that enough training tube? I'm also dying other types of exercise so building up general and running fitness!

I really want to but worry I'd be setting myself up for a fall!

Absolutely! There are some really good online training plans so just find one that suits you best.

I would strongly suggest going and getting your running gait checked and getting trainers as appropriate.

I was really daunted about going up to a half as it was for “proper” runners, however, I now like doing that distance which I never thought I would ever say.

Good luck!

Thanks @Shenanagins for the quick and positive reply!

It does feel a very daunting distance...!!

You'll be fine. The step up from 10k to a half isn't particularly big IME. If you do the 10k in an hour, you'll probably be looking at around 2:20 to 2:30 for the half, depending on the course.

You just need to spend January and February upping the distance of your long run. I'd want to have done at least 3 runs of 10 miles or over before you start your 2-week taper. Which half is it, btw? Good luck!

This might also sound weird, but I think halves are actually easier than 10ks. 10ks are fast, whereas halves are more about endurance, without being so long that they're a huge challenge.

There are loads of training plans online but it's certainly doable - the more time you take the better but I did train for my first half in 8 weeks.

Long runs:

Week 1 - 10k
Week 2 - 12k
Week 3 - 14k
Week 4 - 16k
Week 5 - 18k
Week 6 - depends, I know you should start tapering but I did 19k
Week 7 - slow 10k
Week 8 - half (21k)

Interspersed with:

1 or 2 shorter runs a week
1 or 2 gym session/circuits a week
1 yoga a week

Once I had done one half, as long as I did a 10k pretty regularly (minimum once a fortnight) I could then just start from week 3 or 4 if there was another half coming up.

10k to HM is relatively easy compared to up to 5k and 5k to 10k. There's lots of beginners plans that gradually build up the long run. I agree that a few 10 mile runs is a good base to be at before a taper and race day. Plans will vary on frequency of runs and cross-training. Cross training suits me better than too many runs.