Has anyone done a 1/2 marathon?

bim38106 · April 2010

I've never been a huge runner, but I did use to run 3 miles daily when I was in college... ya, that was like 7 years ago, I know

A friend of mine (who has a 5 mo DS) is running a 1/2 marathon (13-some miles) and I'm actually considering joining her.

Am I crazy?!??

There's also the option to do a 5k (3.1 miles) and that sounds much more manageable for me right now

So.... considering the fact that I'm at my pp weight (which is a good weight, not overweight) but I am so not at all in shape and haven't been working out besides the occasional walk and chasing DD1 around... should I stick w/ a 5k and maybe try for the 1/2 marathon next year?

How hard is it really?

CTJourney · April 2010

I've done a handful of 1/2 marathons and a few full marathons. My first race ever was actually a 1/2 marathon. They are tons of fun, and a manageable distance. The training isn't too terribly grueling, and I think you will do just fine. I think you should go for it and do the half!

Alex17 · April 2010

It's hard.

When is the race?

You can't really just wing it running a 1/2 marathon. you will hate life. You need to train for that distance.

ETA: if you have enough time to train for it, I say go for it! But if it's like, next month then opt for the 5K. And find a longer race farther out in the future.

bim38106 · April 2010

oops, I meant to say that the race is early Oct. Training starts in June.

Alex17 · April 2010

bim38106:
oops, I meant to say that the race is early Oct. Training starts in June.

Do it then! That's plenty of time to train!

You can check out www.runnersworld.com for tips/training plans etc.

I just signed up for a half on Halloween! It's my motivation to get my butt back in gear. Before getting KU I was running 3-4 days a week. I miss it so much!

kattyleigh · April 2010

Do it!! I've done a ton of halfs and fulls. I recommend the book Marathoning for Mortals as a great place to start. GL!

MaybeBabyTime · April 2010

Yup! I have done 2 marathons, 2 halfs and a triathalon.

I have a half marathon is 2 weeks and 6 days. Eek! I ran 10 miles the other day...its probably the highest I will get before race day.

I have actually ran a half without ever running more than 5mi and it was fine. Do I recommend it? No.

Its a great accomplishment.When is the race?

CTJourney · April 2010

I also always liked Hal Higdon's training plans when starting out with long distance running. All of his training plans can be found on his website halhigdon.com

Good luck to you!

RBC · April 2010

Do it! You'll have a blast. Make sure you are enjoying it though. There will be highs and lows during training specially since you haven't been running. GL!

SeaMama · April 2010

I have been an avid runner for 15 years but serious and steady for the last 5. I ran my first 1/2 marathon in Nov 08 and it was hard. And I trained for it for 4 months - after being in great regular running shape.

I am hoping to do another half - but I need to build up my overall fitness back to pre-pg level before I start the training to avoid getting hurt.

I'd be careful if I were you - especially post - pg you are so much more susceptible to injury. It depends on when the 1/2 is - but if it's in less than 6 months I wouldn't do it if I were you. Some will disagree - just my 2 cents.

ddr262 · April 2010

I mainly run fulls (doing my 15th a week from today!! Yea!!) but also love running the half! They are so much fun. You have more than enough time to train, I think. The references above are great training resources. Runner's World will create customized training plans based on your goal and the amount of time you are able to commit to training. Go for it!! You have a buddy to run with and that makes it even more fun. GL and keep us updated!

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