Could I run a half marathon in September?

[WalterWexler]

40yrs old.
Last ran a 1/2marathon 10yrs ago, in just over 2hrs.

Since then, life, children, promotions, house moves, bereavements etc have all taken their toll, but now I'm out the other side and ready to take care of myself again. I'm now also about 3stone heavier 😩.

First run last week was 4k and took me 35mins of walk/run.

Is it even remotely possible to run a half in about 8/9months' time? Should I give it longer and aim 10k in autumn and 1/2 marathon next year?

Definitely! You have plenty of time. Look for a 12 week plan, and spend the time before then getting comfortable running 5-8k. You'll be just fine!

Definitely, start parkrunning, you will see your progress each week. Once you can run that add in some longer runs and maybe even some hill
work. Unless you are hugely overweight this is so doable.

You’ve got loads of time! I did one with 8w build up from nothing a few years ago. The longest I ran in the 8w was 13k and I found it fine - the adrenaline gets you through!!

Yes, definitely.

Try running with a partner or a running club/group to motivate and keep yourself accountable.

If it's a popular race you've entered, they may have a training plan you could download, but there are plenty on the internet or even built into your fitness watch if you have one.

Yes. I did one in 2019 at older than that and having not run a single step since leaving school. I trained for three months.

Absolutely! You have plenty time to get to a base level of fitness again and then do a 16-week plan.

Yes you can!

Come and join us on the HM training thread. We are a friendly lot, all at different stages of fitness, speed and preparation. Loads of friendly supportive chat, motivation and tips.

In my first year of running, I completed C25k in the March and in the June got talked into an October HM after completing a 10k. There were some lulls in that time.
Ran 2:32, ran all the first 10mi and only walked much of the last 3mi because of digestive issues. I had the energy from training though. I was walking faster than runners despite the cramps.

Well Ive entered one in October. Keep fingers crossed for me for an injury free year!

🤞 Build up gently and you'll do it!
Strength work helps too.

Absolutely. I'd do a couch to 5K programme to get back into it. This is really useful to build up your muscles and stamina whilst minimising risk of injury.
You'll be happily running 5K by early May leaving a good few months to do a 1/2 marathon training program (10-12 weeks).