half marathon in 12weeks

*BlackSheep* · February 2012

Do you think I can go from a non runner to 1/2 in 12 wweks? The last 2weeks I have ran/walked 2miles mwf.

Do you all think it's do able?

All the training programs I've seen even for novice are for people who can alreaddy run 3 miles.

Any advice???

Sassystace · February 2012

I'm sure it's possible, especially if you plan to do a run/walk/run type program. Is it advisable? Probably not. It sounds like a recipe for injury. Why not start with a 5k or a 10k in a few months and work up to a half in the Fall or something? 2 miles and 13.1 is a big difference. I started running in August of last year and am doing my first half in May...not sure how 'ready' I will be but I'm working on it and trying my best to stay injury-free with a slow and steady approach to training and adding miles.

GRKaters · February 2012

I wouldn't recommend it. What's so special about the race in 12 weeks?

aswartzw · February 2012

I would want a solid non-stop running base of 3 miles before considering a 12-week half marathon program. Even if you aim for a run/walk half, I just don't see how your body is conditioned well enough now to handle the increase in mileage without injury.

*BlackSheep* · February 2012

GRKaters:
I wouldn't recommend it. What's so special about the race in 12 weeks?

The race is here in town. It is a really flat run. I've heard that a lot of Marathoners come here to qualify for the bigger races.

I am not too concerned with a great time, So I wouldn't be too upset if I did wake some of it.

GRKaters · February 2012

Since many first-time half marathon plans top out at 10 or 12 miles for the long training runs, that really doesn't give you *any* wiggle room for illness, travel, burnout, etc.

DarkoGirl · February 2012

I agree with pp that most programs ask that you have a solid 3 mile run before you start training. That being said, last year I did my first and trained really hard during the spring and burned out in the summer, then september cam along and the race was in 3 weeks and I managed with not a great time and I walked about 4 miles of it, but I blistered and cramped pretty badly. There is a 10 weeks to half marathon that I use on personalrunningtrainer dot com.

kristinanddan · February 2012

Could you survive it? Probably. You'll also probably end up miserable. A run/walk of 2 miles is one thing, going 13 miles is something completely different. You don't even know if you'll enjoy running that distance.

I would do it next year.

ebeth_msn · February 2012

my advice would be to give yourself more time. at least 6 months if not longer. maybe try to do a 5K/10K first before you dive into training for a half?

kat.in.the.hat · February 2012

ebeth_msn:
my advice would be to give yourself more time. at least 6 months if not longer. maybe try to do a 5K/10K first before you dive into training for a half?

very good advice.

Like others have said, it's doable, but not advisable. I'd really try to have more running under your belt before attempting a half.

IndyGirl02 · February 2012

aswartzw:
Even if you aim for a run/walk half, I just don't see how your body is conditioned well enough now to handle the increase in mileage without injury.

This is the key. Your risk for injury is high if you increase your running (from zero to 10-13 miles in 12 weeks) so quickly.

A friend of mine just started running a few weeks ago. She got so excited about it and felt so great, that she went from running a weekly total of 3 miles in the second week to 9 miles in the third week. Now she's completely sidelined with knee pain because she did too much too soon.

gt7301b · February 2012

Find a 5K or a 10K to do. There is a huge difference between 2 miles and 13.1. Take it easy so you don't get injured.

shorty20 · February 2012

I agree, I wouldn't do it. 13 miles is seriously far. Yes, you could probably finish, but it wouldn't be the smartest thing to do. So many people end up injured because they try to do too much, too soon. Build up your base first.

Maybe you could volunteer at the race this year instead?

*BlackSheep* · February 2012

kat.in.the.hat:

ebeth_msn:
my advice would be to give yourself more time. at least 6 months if not longer. maybe try to do a 5K/10K first before you dive into training for a half?

very good advice.

Like others have said, it's doable, but not advisable. I'd really try to have more running under your belt before attempting a half.

Well I think I will try to do the half, but if need be I can jump down to the 10k.

I use to run a lot since I was in the Marine Corps and I fell that I am in good shape. But I'll take it day by day.

Thank you again for your input.

IndyGirl02 · February 2012

Welp. Good luck!

misskrysbaby · February 2012

aswartzw:
A friend of mine just started running a few weeks ago. She got so excited about it and felt so great, that she went from running a weekly total of 3 miles in the second week to 9 miles in the third week. Now she's completely sidelined with knee pain because she did too much too soon.

Yep, that's exactly what happened to me. After my wedding I wanted to start running again and signed myself up for a half that was in three months. I jumped right into it face first, went from all of 0 miles to running 4 or 5 per run and hurt my knees something fierce. I had the wrong shoes, no running base, and was trying to do it on a dreadmill. Yikes! So, I decided to skip the half, worked on building up my knees with the stationary bike and intermittent short runs, and now am back up to 6 or 7 miles a run. Took me 3 months to get here though.

kylara111 · February 2012

You can do it but as others have said it won't be easy. It will take dedication and you will have to be careful so that you don't overdo it and get hurt.

I went from 5k to half (which is this weekend). That was hard enough. One girl racing with me wanted to do it too and she was only run/walking 5ks. She did the training program run/walking and finished it injury-free. She will do ok, but has acknowledged that it was tough and she's worried about the upcoming race but she will finish. It can be done and if you think you can do it, go for it!

Good luck!

half marathon in 12weeks

Re: half marathon in 12weeks

2012 Reading Challenge

Choose Another Board

Search Boards