Day 1 of half marathon training- anyone else?

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I’ve signed up to a half marathon in March and today is my first day of training.
It feels huge and unachievable.
I strength train regularly and run park run each week (average 28 mins). Furthest I’ve ever run is 10k and it took me a good while to work up to that distance.
I have 11 weeks and my training program is based on 3 runs and I’m using the Runna App. I (plan) to continue to strength train 2/3 times a week in between but go lighter on weights as often try to work to PB and heavy load.
I don’t look like someone that exercises a lot but assume I have a relatively good base as have been consistently exercising for about 18 months. This new type of training might be just what I need to shed the excess fat and reveal my muscles.
Worries are the distance, keeping to the plan and fitting in long runs whilst it’s dark out. I work FT, have 3 children and a house to keep on top of. Oh and only 11 weeks to prepare.
Anyone want to keep me company whilst I navigate this? It’s something I’ve always wanted to do but feels overwhelming today (and it’s only day 1 and an easy 5.5k)

As someone who hates running and was adamant that a 10k was my limit, I did a half last year and am entered for another one later this year, so you absolutely will be able to do it!
I follow one of the Garmin plans and it asks which days you want to do long runs, so I do them at the weekend. I’m ticking over at the moment so do shorter runs on a treadmill in the evenings to avoid the cold and dark.
I think you need to book in definite times for training, so not just, ‘I’ll go sometime later this evening’, but, ‘I will be running at 5:30pm every Tuesday and Thursday.’ Can you organise to run straight from work so you don’t go home and get distracted?
Keep doing the weights, you will be stronger runner for it.
You will be amazed that in a couple of months you won’t think twice about doing an 8 mile easy run.

It's definitely doable if you regularly run 5k to start.

I always tell myself you get the first & last mile for free because the support carries you. So it's only really 11 miles. And if you need to walk a bit, you walk.

When I was training for a half I found it helpful to book some 10ks as part of the training plan - it's a bit more pleasurable than tramping out long runs alone. You can extend the run if need be.

But as Pp said, the most important thing is to committing to the plan & not allowing rain, snow or cold weather be an excuse. If you need to cut a run short, fair enough but you do need to be out there to get the miles into your legs.

I have a 10 mile in April & haven't run for ages - I've actually restarted C25k just to get going again but I know it's doable and I have base fitness, so no panic yet.

@MagpiePi thanks that’s a great tip re booking a time. That’s what works for me at the gym so why wouldn’t it work in this case. I’m in the office at work 2 days a week so I will make a promise myself to go out when I finish work. I used to try to do it at lunch but it’s all too much of a rush and so I never maintain it.
@WeeWigglet as ridiculous as it sounds I never give myself the permission to walk when I run. Maybe I need to allow myself that card to make it not seem so daunting. And just the 11 miles - I’ll take the other 2 for free as suggested!

Also very encouraging to hear you are both still keen to do another race - best of luck to you both!

I’m the same with walking - if I’m doing a run then i have to run all the way.
The thing that i find really difficult is going slowly enough on the long, easy runs. The program I use gives suggested paces for all the sessions but I am always too fast, even though i feel like I’m plodding.

Hi everyone. Joining to hold myself accountable. I have a half booked for early February and another in April. I'm easing back into running after some time off due to illness so I am aiming to just finish the first one before cut off. I'm running three times a week currently and cross training with yoga, walking and strength training. Did a very slow 8km this morning which was surprisingly good. How is everyone else doing?

@BearWoman ah fabulous!
I’ve just started out on my 1/2 training. I’m 4 runs in and did 21km this week in total. 2 easy runs and one interval run. I also did some weight training so feeling good.
I almost want to go ghost for the next 11 weeks and just concentrate on training, eating and sleeping (in between working, my family and housework). It just feels like such a hugh task- it’s so out of my comfort zone- and I want to give it my all.
Have you been out on any more runs? What program are you following? Weather here not great so taking a rest day today!

Well done everyone - will you be running in the snow (slush here) today?!

Unfortunately I've pulled a muscle in my back 😭 so walking has been a task, let a lone runs, but hoping to be back this week. I've been making sure I get my 10k steps & focusing on nutrition to try & not waste the time but its soooo frustrating.

Re: the walking during runs, I felt the same for ages, but I started running in a country park. I'd stop & enjoy the view, take photos & I realised I was enjoying it so much more when it was about being out & the movement, rather than pace & distance & pushing myself to a point where I was uncomfortable & wanting it to be over.

Don't get me wrong, I'd much prefer an hour non stop, but I prioritise enjoyment over the not walking as I get older.

I can so identify with wanting to purely concentrate on running and nutrition. The festive break was wonderful for getting enough sleep and eating properly and I can definitely feel a big difference in my running when I'm prioritising them. I did a 5km yesterday and it was one of those easy happy runs when you feel like you can go on forever. I have also added in some strength training and yoga for runners and I think that is also making a difference. I'm following the Runners World 8 week HM plan which has been easy to stick to so far.

@WeeWigglet i absolutely love your take on running- I do park run and often just have to take it all in (it’s beautiful) so completely get what you mean. Actually quite like cycling for the same reason but that’s a spring time activity (and I have an electric bike so lovely and relaxing).

I did a weight session first thing this morning, got a terrible chill and had an awful night sleep so feeling quite proud of myself for starting the week right.

Have a lovely week and happy training!

I did my first half last October and have another 2 planned this year plus a 20 mile, a marathon and 2x10Ks.

The last 4km was difficult and I hit a wall so I am stocking up on higher carb gels so I don't need to have as many and some Kendal mint cake for variety as well as my energy drink.

I slacked off over Christmas with my longest run being back in November which was 10 miles so restarting the distance feels a bit daunting but if I've done it once I can do it again.

Keep going with your training and you will be fine, keep the carbs up during the race and try not to think about the distance.