So if I've never done any running before, how long does it take to train to do a half marathon?

8 replies

Mumbojumbo · 27/12/2006 19:00

Looking for some guidance from mumsnetters out there. I'm thinking about my new year's resolutions (as you do), and having shed 2.5 stone in the latter part of this year, I feel like I need a challenge for next year. I am a convert to exercise classes at my local leisure centre and try and go 2-3 times a week. I really feel motivated to aim for something "big" next year (and to try and raise some money for charity too). How long, realistically, would it take to train to do a half marathon? Am I mad to even consider it, being somewhat over 40 (OK, 42!).

TIA
mj

Happy new year to one and all.

OP posts:

hatwoman · 27/12/2006 19:08

hi mumbo jumbo - try posting here . and have a look at the runners world webistre for training schedules. without properly working it out I would say that if you are reasonably fit you could probably get up to half marathon in 10 weeks, maybe a bit longer if you are really starting from nothing - but do check out runners world. And you are absolutely not mad to contemplate it - it will give you a real buzz. and definitely worth having a target as it will keep you motivated.

Furball · 27/12/2006 19:14

bupa has a good site and claim you can train for 10km in 8 weeks

Make sure you have proper running shoes that are well fitted, go to a proper sports shoe shop and buy the most expensive you can afford.

Good Luck

DeepPann007 · 27/12/2006 19:56

mumbo - well done on the weight loss!! I remember a quote from a golfer last year who was overweight, and he said "Nothing tastes as good as slim feels." I thought that was brilliant.

Do it. Would seriously take the advice and get your feet looked at first, to see if you pronate, or supinate, or neither. Will affect the running shoes you buy, and whether you need orthotics slipping in there.

As Bruce and Tess never say, "Keep Running!"

handlemecarefully · 27/12/2006 20:14

If you have never run before I think a half marathon is a little ambitious. Why not do some 5k (3 mile) and 10K (6 mile) runs first - there are plenty around, to see how you get on.

I've run on and off for years and have done up to 10kms....I would consider training for a half marathon but then I've been doing the ole running thing for a while

handlemecarefully · 27/12/2006 20:15

Cancer research organise some great sponsored 10km runs - usually in nice places like the grounds of Stately homes

Original poster

Mumbojumbo · 27/12/2006 21:12

Thanks so much for the advice. I will check out the runners world website. I don't want to be over ambitious and fail, as that is not what this is about. I'm really motivated at the moment!

OP posts:

rhubarbcat · 28/12/2006 17:34

I've got a good book called The Runners Handbook - has all sorts of training schedules in it. It got me running, and more importantly kept me running.

Never entered any races, but just do it for exercise.

pooka · 28/12/2006 17:55

DH and I trained for about 6 months to do the Great North Run, neither of us had run before and it was a hard slog at the beginning. We would literally run for the distance of 2 streetlights, then walk for one, gradually building up the distance we ran in proportion to the distance we walked. After a couple of months it was amazing how effortless it felt. We'd run twice in the week for an hour a time (about 6 miles I think) and on a Sunday we'd run for about the half-marathon distance which took longer.
I can honeslty say that I have never been as fit and I ate like a HORSE!

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