How long will it take me to prepare and run 1/2 marathon?

Question

I WOULD LIKE TO RUN 1/2 MARATHON IN OCTOBER, I HAVE BEEN RUNNING 3 MILLES 3 TIMES A WEEK IN THE LAST MONTH. I HAVE 4 MONTHS LEFT. IS THAT ENOUGH TIME FOR ME TO PRACTICE AND BE READY?

Answer 1

Most half marathon training programs consist of training for 12 weeks (see link #1 for a sample program). They expect you to be able to comfortably run about 3 to 4 miles before the first day. Since you already run 3 miles runs 3 times a week for the past month, I would consider you a very good candidate to train for a half marathon. I see no reason why you would not be able to complete it by October with the proper training.

I would highly recommend that you join a local half marathon training program. You can search for them at the Active.com website (see link #2). Training groups will tell you all of the pitfalls that are associated with training for a half marathon so that you do not get injured during your training. Also, they can provide crucial support for you when your training begins to seem too difficult and you begin to consider quitting.

Good luck on your training~!

Answer 2

The best advice any of us can give you is DON'T. I'd be willing to bet that your muscles would be just fine, you won't have any problem from an energy standpoint running a marathon. But it's not all about the muscles. An average person has almost enough energy stored to do a marathon. It's about your joints. You progressively build up to longer and longer miles to prepare your joints for the pounding they will take over 4-5 hours during a marathon. You really need to get out past 18-20 miles on your long run (I suggest 20, but even then the race will be more than 10k longer!), and you need 2-3 easy weeks of tapering off your mileage to fully recover before the marathon. If you had 2 1/2 months, I'd say go for it. With just 2 1/2 weeks, you don't even have enough time to taper, let alone prepare. Find another marathon, or check out the local one and see if it has a half being run with it. Most marathons also have a half marathon run concurrent, and you've already put in the work to be in half marathon shape. The 10 mile race could serve as a tune up, then take 8 or 10 days to taper back your mileage and recover for another 13 mile effort.

Answer 3

Interesting question. The only appropriate way of answering this all depends on what your expectations are in terms of where you place in the race? If you're hoping to do really well, then I would say 4 months is not sufficient. If you're hoping to finish the race in a manner that is pleasing and satisfying to you personally, then yes it's enough time. You need to determine and define was success means to you.

Regarding training, 3 miles 3 times a week is great, but you should incorporate gradual increasing of miles. Move up to 4 miles for 2 weeks, then maybe 6 the next month - you want to have at least ran a true 1/2 marathon at least once before you get to the real thing. It will do wonders for your mental health entering the real race.

Answer 4

Mmm, be very very careful not to hurt yourself. Do more distance training. Run more often. It's hard work to do this kind of thing, so be aware of what you're aup against. Check out www.runnersworld.com because they have some great workout plans for this kind of thing. You should be okay to do this in 4 months, just don't overdo it and don't get too lazy. Good luck! I'm going to try to run a 1/2 marathon this summer, too (during cross country season.. ouch.)

Answer 5

im not a marathon runner but my guess would be that u better start working harder. Most marathon runners run everyday i would think. Being that a half marathon is 12 miles...i think. You would have to atleast be able to run that. If you work hard from now until a week before the event...i think you can do it.

good luck

Answer 6

Yes, that's plenty of time. Try www.runnersworld.com for a training schedule.

Answer 7

What's your base? HOw long have you been running? What's your age, wt, ht?