Progressing as a runner

[Deleted]

I've wanted to get back into running and there is a half marathon that I would really love to run in this October. The problem is that I don't run at all right now The last time I raced was 10 years ago and I have not gone on any type of run for a few months. I had surgery a month ago so I haven't had any serious physical activity in the past 5 weeks. I'm cleared by my dr. to do whatever I want now. I am planning on registering for a 5k in June to get my feet wet.

So do you think it's realistic to be ready for a half marathon in 6 months if I start training now? Did you race in shorter races first and progress to longer races?

[Mushe]

It may depend on your general fitness level, but for me, I started C210k in March, and did my first half in October, so 7 months. I was more than ready.

I did do some 10ks along the way.

[kimmib77]

I started C25k in January 2009 and didn't do my first half until October 2010 but I was probably ready way before that, I was just chicken I ran quite a bit of 10k's in that time frame though. I definitely think it is possible to build up to the half distance in 6 months. Good luck!

[derbycitycook]

I think it's definitely possible. There are some great training plans out there. I started with Couch to 5k and used the Hal Higdon half training plan. It will obviously take some work, and everyone is different.

Good luck!

[atlas]

I think it is totally possible. A lot of the marathon training plans I do say that with a base, 4-5 months training is great, without a base it extends to 6 or so. Training for a half in 6 is totally doable in my mind. As long as you don't push yourself too hard too fast and then burn out.

I second the Hal Higdon rec. Also Jeff Galloway is great - he is a big fan of walking a minute every mile.

good luck!!

[Susie]

It's possible for some people I think, but I needed to progress slower than that. I tried to go from 5k-ish to half marathon in the space of about 9 months, and wound up with a stress fracture, and a little tendonitis. It's a reasonable thing to try for, but increase carefully and listen to your body, and don't force it.

[mrsjthompson]

I think that's totally possible. I second trying Jeff Galloway, or a Coach Jenny run/walk plan.