Can I handle this?

[shellfish26]

I guess I'm just looking for some encouragement, and I would love to hear others' experiences. 

My local running club is starting a half marathon training group.  I really want to do it, but I am a bit scared because I feel like it's a huge step for me. 

Some background:  I started running a bit over a year ago, right before I turned 40.  When I started, I didn't really have any running goals, nor was I interested in doing any races.  But I have grown to really enjoy it.  As of now, my longest run was a 9.2 mile run about 2 weeks ago.   Most weeks, I do 1 or 2 longish runs of 5-7 miles on weekends and 2-3 miles 2-3 days during the week.  My pace is just around 9 minutes, but lately it's been under.  

To do the program, they recommend a base of 10-15 miles/week and a 6-13 minute pace, so I am there.  But I still can't get over worrying that it's going to be too hard. I'm also excited about the social aspect- my H is going to be working a lot this summer, so I am looking to make some friends. Which I think is my main motivation to do this.  

Ugh, am I being irrational? :^)  Any thoughts?? 

[al320]

DO IT!!

[sassystace]

Go for it!

[runaways]

If you can run 9 miles now, you're probably physically capable of going out and running a 13.1 tomorrow. Do iiitttt!!!

[venice2007]

Do it!!!! :-)

[texassmith]

It sounds great! Do it!

[HiC]

Yes, do it. If I can do it, you can totally do it. I mean it.

(Although I haven't done it yet....working on it.)

[trigal]

There is no reason you can't do it. Enjoy!

[agswife]

Do it, do it, do it!

[setsail1999]

Go for it!

[Brit]

Do it! You can totally do it!

[keweenawlove]

You can do it!

[kellydelq]

You got this, do it!!

[skwcm80]

Do it!!! When I started training for my first half, my weekly mileage was about 10 -11 miles/ week at 11 mm pace. I was able to run my half, I'm sure you'll be fine.

[kams]

Oh my gosh you just ran 9? You can absolutely do it!

[cinco]

Do it!

[sunshinejoy]

You can totally do this!  I just did my first 1/2 and it's amazing to cross the finish line and know that you did it.  Nothing like it :-)

[libbygrl109]

Definitely do it!

[Deleted]

Oh my gosh, you can so do it! Before my half, my training plan had my longest run at 11 miles and I was fine for the race. Do it!!!

[jene]

Do it!

[archaeominx]

You can totally do this!

[oliviapope]

I am about to start upping my mileage and am pretty nervous too, "what if I'm no good" line of thinking, but you'll never know if you don't try. So I'm just gonna go for it.

[sadlebred]

Do it!!

[shellfish26]

Eeee!   Thanks SO much for the encouragement-  that's exactly why I want to do this.  Right now, I'm pretty much the only one who cares how much I run, and I am getting bored with myself!    

Registration for the program begins on June 10, so I think I'm ready to do it!  I'm sure I'll have updates all summer!

[enfuego23]

I was nervous when I started my first running group last year - I liked it a lot - new people to talk to during long runs and the added bonus was I didn't have to worry about where I was running or water because the group provided all of that.

Looking forward to your updates:)

[pixy0stix]

You'll do awesome!

[bluedaisyus]

Do it! I think I'm signing up for a running group, too. It starts this Saturday, I'd better decide soon!

[taratru]

Yeah, if you can run 9 miles you could run a half right now.

You'll have fun!

[shorty20]

You'll do great, go for it!

[breezy8407]

yeah you are ready now!