I have just agreed to run at least part of a half marathon in May. I am NOT FIT. How can I do it without dropping dead in the process?

[castille]

Brother has suggested running a half marathon for the hospice that is caring for our Dad at the moment.

It's in May. I am 38 and haven't done any proper exercise for, a long time

Am not overweight, just unfit. And I have intermittent lower back pain since having DC3 3 years ago. We'd probably have to do it as a relay team because of the 4 of us only 1 is properly fit. But even as a relay...

Could I do it? And if so, how on earth do I go about it?

I really want to do it, but am clueless about running

Any advice from gym bunnies or hardened runners welcome

Well done for signing up! That brilliant

Log on to Runners World or Nike+ and get some programs to follow - start the beginners ones first and then when youve finished those start the half marathon ones

You will be fine - get some proper running shoes - go to a proper shop where they get you to run on treadmill - dont order from internet or sports direct - the staff arent properly trained and you need to make sure shoes are right.

Dont overdo it - do not run every night - follow the programs - they are designed to work

Good luck - youll be amazed at how quick you get your fitness up - i started a beginners running course in March last year and love it

Contact your local running group - see if there are any running beginners courses - where are you?

You have time. If you feel more comfortable, build in walk breaks. Plenty of people do half-marathons, and marathons, using run-walk strategies.

There is lots of support and advice on Runners World website - go to the beginners' section and there are plenty people just like you, or who were like you not so long ago.

And definitely get your gait analysed in a running shop so you get the best shoes for your running style.

And a good sports bra!!!

Have fun!

Heck I was half hoping you would say it just isn't possible, which would then be a valid excuse!

But thank you for encouraging. Quite relieved you think I can do it, both for my Dad and for my own feeble level of fitness.

Local running group is full of scary competitive types, but runnersworld.com looks good, am feeling motivated. Need a bit of kit and a LOT of self discipline, but if my bro can do it, so can I!

I would check out your local running club - some of them are like that but i know a couple that is mainly ladies that are just out for gentle exercise and very friendly.

Can you not get someone else to run with you? A friend or will your brother run and help - its helpful when you can feel yourself flagging

Running club courses all start in September, I am told. Very silly.

Can't train with my brother, we don't live in the same country! DH would but one of us needs to be at home for the DC. I'll see how I get on alone and try and rope someone in if my enthusiasm wains.

But as I'm doing it for Dad I hope I can keep going.

Castille,you need to go to runnersworld.co.uk (the .com one is the US site).

You will do it because of your motivation - good luck and if you go to runnersworld.co.uk, come and find me in the Runners Arms pub (my name is the same as on here!).

Thank you, will do when I get this show on the road

Can you buy a copy of this month's runners world, as they have got some good articles for beginners.

It may be worth asking around, and see if you can find a running club that caters for all levels. I run with a club, and we have different groups that run together - really fast down to really slow. Its very informal, and peoople can run with the group they feel comfortable with.

Here how I started (when I was running by myself). I planned a short route round the block, and when I could get myself around that, I made the route a bit bigger. I kept doing this , but found I couldn't get above 3 miles by myself. This is when I joined the running club (or even find another friend to run with.)

Good luck - I am sure you can do it.

Ps - it might be worth trying pilates for your back - also good cross training for when you are running.