Could I still do a 1/2 marathon?

Question

I have until January 13th, 2008 to train for a 1/2 Marathon. Is it possible to successfully train for something like that in only 3 months? I have not previously been running, but I am 23 and in decent shape.

Answer 1

Oh, to be 23 again! I trained for a full marathon at that age in four months and came in around 3:20, so I would say you can do it!

But you will need to run smart. Go to http://www.runnersworld.com or get a book by a runner and get yourself a running schedule. You'll want to run carefully at first, just a few miles every other day, but each week you can increase the mileage of one of your runs. That one long run is the key to your training, all your other runs are designed to prepare you for it.

Make sure to keep track of the mileage on your shoes; they need to be replaced every 300-350 miles. Also don't go cheap on shoes or you'll get injured, you usually need to start around $80.

If you can, find a 10k race in December to get yourself used to running with large groups of people. I think you should go for a goal of a slow, steady pace because going too fast early and pooping out is the worst. If you go slow, you'll have lots of friendly people around you; that's what I always found.

Answer 2

Well, thats a little over a 9 minute mile if I calculated correctly. It's a good time, but with intense training could certainly be improved. I knew people in high school when I ran track that could run a 5 minute mile. But that doesn't mean they could keep that pace for a whole half marathon. Great job and good luck on any future marathons!

Answer 3

You can do it. Find a good 12-week plan and stick to it.

I trained for and successfully finished my first marathon on just six weeks' training, and that was coming out of a cast I'd been in for eight months. Part of my success was that I had absolutely no idea that six weeks isn't even close to enough time to train for a marathon. So ignorance was a tremendous asset that day; probably the only time in my life I could ever say that. :)

If you put your mind to it and don't panic or increase your distances too much each week, you will be fine.

Enjoy your race!

Answer 4

You absolutely can do this in 3 months. You time may not be the greatest but you can finish a 1/2 with just 3 months training.

I would skip the Runners World on-line trainer and use Jeff Galloway's training method. His method is MUCH less likely to result in an over training issue.

Answer 5

If your expectation is to just finish it is possible, a half marathon is a significant distance. Even most beginner programs assume you are coming in with 25K per week base. So you may find it a bit tough at first.

Find a training program and start in at the appropriate week. If you are comfortable doing the distances then you may be able to do the race. I would also approach the long runs with a run/walk interval, we usually go 10:1 run to walk (John Stanton). But you may have to go down to 5:1 run to walk (jeff Galloway).

Good luck
Harry

Answer 6

YOuth and stubborn persistence trumps many things, so it may be possible to do it in 3 months.

But I'd recommend you pick another half-M farther down the road. If you said there is a 5K in 3 months, or even a 10K in 3 months, I'd be more inclined to say Go for it. But what you risk is injury and disappointment. While your legs and lungs may be enough to get you there training-wise, you may stress your feet, ankles, knees and find you have to stop and recover.

Good Luck whatever your decision.

Answer 7

When I ran track, I used to do some stretches to warm up before I ran the distances I was doing at that time.
The things I did to get into shape was doing leg lifts , and squats. toe touches, swmming to expand the breathing to help ease my speed and balance.
Then I'd first walk the distance I was planning to run , both ways. By beginning with walking it one way two or three times a week, but resting if I got too tired during my walk. I always made sure to have water on me even on cool days. and to wear proper running shoes as well as a baseball cap or bandana around my head. Then in between my walking the distance of my races. I'd do the arobic stretches the other days.
I'd do that for two to three weeks , then I'd begin running the path you're to run, but run only half the way , then walk the other half. again following the same pattern of alternating my excercises with the running . I'd do that for 2 weeks, then I'd runn the whole distance one way, If I could , if I couldnt I'd walk a bit toi catch my breath then run again. By doing it this way I was preparing myself to run both ways. . I kept this up and altered it with time as to walking and running once I knew my distances were met the way I was hoping for.
But if you find trying to do the whole distance both ways. Then break it in two, and do half that distance you want then go back the other half.
But again it depends on your health and how far you push yourself. also make sure to cool off your muscles after each practice , by doing a few more stretches then using a cold pack or cold water like a bool bath or pool. etc.

You have to also make you are eating a good healthy balalnced diet, lots of fruits and vegetables , fresh preferably. Then make sure you drinking enough water. and fruit juices also cut out the caffeine drinks as they rob you of energy. and dont allow you to get the proper rest you need to do this

Check these links out to help you decide what way is best for you..

Answer 8

only one way to find out....depends on how far you think you can run now. if you cant run a mile now,prolly not. if you could go out and run for an hour, then give it a shot. lots of online running magazines/journals have programs that show you how to train in a limited amount of time. the farther you can start going now, the easier it will be. and good luck.

Answer 9

Look on www.runnersworld.com and click on training. it tells you all you need to know about the marathon and how to prepare...

Answer 10

Go For It