Is 11 weeks long enough to train for a Half Marathon from 5km?

[PhoebeMcPeePee]

I'm looking at the Royal Parks HM on 12th October so 14 weeks off. I used to run (2+ years ago) and slowly getting back into it with couch to 5km but only on week 6 of 9 so realistically once I've finished, will have 11 weeks to the HM. Is this too quick?

I used to run 3-4 times a week but stopped due to injury about 2 years ago & then lost all motivation & interest thanks to crushing peri-menopause. I'm now very out of shape (but injury recovered), 1.5 stone heavier but even 5 weeks in, can already feel the benefits to my mental health and need to keep going so don't want to risk injury. I do however love a challenge and did lots of HM/10km runs and these always kept me interested and motivated.

Yes it’s doable. I did half marathon training across 12 weeks. Just train to finish nor train to complete in a fast time.
you also don’t need to do the full distance in training. I went up to 10 miles in training. I knew I could do 5k in addition to that to get me over the line

*not

I did something similar when I was much younger, so it's doable. I think my concern, like you, would be the greater risk of injury now. However, if you set your goal as "finish HM" without any expectations of doing it in a particular time, or accept that you might walk some of the way, it's definitely possible.

It’s doable especially as you have experience. I did a HM post-covid with only a couple of 5km training runs behind me to check my legs still worked, having barely run at all for 18 months or so. I had intended to withdraw but remembered how much I paid to enter so decided just to give it a go. I had previously (pre-covid) run a number of 10K / HM races.
I actually rather enjoyed it (also Royal Parks). Manage your expectations around time, take walk breaks when you need to and enjoy the beautiful scenery!
A lot of the struggle is mental and I think knowing that you can run that distance will help.

Really good point about training to finish not get a PB. If I could just finish this one even with a couple of strategically placed recovery walks it would be a huge achievement compared to where I am now. I am still dithering about this or there's a 10km I've enjoyed in the past in mid September which might be more sensible given my current state!

If you were a new runner I'd say no due to the risk of injury in stepping up the mileage so rapidly.

But as you've done halves and 10ks before - and you're only aiming to finish, not to PB! - you'll be fine.

I would spend the next two months, after you finish c25k, building your base and getting miles in your legs, with the aim of getting at least two 10 mile longer runs under your belt by mid September. That leaves you time for a three week taper so you feel fresh on the day.

I think it's doable, but it would be easier if you were younger and fitter and it probably won't be a very enjoyable experience! I would focus on making 10km a comfortable distance before you even think about signing up for a half.

Yes it’s doable, but the ballot for Royal Parks is closed. Unless you’re entering with a charity place?

I work for a charity that has charity places available so getting a place was the easy part but I do think you are all right - doable but possibly a stretch and potential for injury or not actually being able to run it.

I've booked a place at a lovely 10km in September that I've done a few times in the past - a few big hills so definitely a challenge from where I am now especially given I've got 2 holidays between now & then and not even up to 5km yet.

I've got my eye on a half marathon in February which will give me a nice winter training plan but right now I just need to keep motivated and stay injury free.

Yes. I’m training for the Big Half in September. Basically only started properly last month after having the best part of a year off running. I managed a 10km run last weekend. It’s slow and not pretty but I’m very much aiming for finishing than trying for a PB (I ran a couple of half’s in 2019).

Yes, it's very do-able. Hal Higdon's training plans are excellent and usually 12 weeks long, but if you're already in a running routine up to 5km by the time you start then you can skip week 1 giving you exactly 11 weeks to train. www.halhigdon.com/training-programs/half-marathon-training/novice-1-half-marathon/