Could I train for a half marathon by May?

annieee

Apologies again for Newbie question!

I am up to 6 miles now in my long (long for me!) runs at weekends.

I train twice a week with a club at the track.

Would it be feasible for me to do the Kildare Half Marathon in May - would I have to up my training, add another day maybe?

Would it be ok to up my long run by a mile or so every week, gradually building up to the 13 miles?

The longest I've run so far is the Enniscorthy 10k a couple of weeks ago.

Thanks in advance! I appreciate the advice I get here.

Krusty_Clown

What does your coach say? He/she would be best positioned to answer this question.
However, generally speaking, 3 months is plenty of time to go from 6.2 to 13.1 miles. All of Hal Higdon's programs are 3 months long. Why don't you take a look at them and compare them to your current training schedule? you could at least follow the long run format:
http://www.halhigdon.com/halfmarathon/index.htm
The intermediate program starts from around 5/6 mile long runs.

petermijackson

I started training for the Ballybunion Half Marathon 11th of January but didn't get a lot done in the first few weeks with the weather so been training proper since the 25th and feeling good for the Half Marathon sp Yes I do think you have a enough time.

As for your training I train almost everyday (yes I have had my bad weeks), I'm following the Hal Higdon's Half Intermediate Training for no other reason as I thought I could do more than what was in the Novice

I think it is possible but you'll get out of it what you put in

annieee

Thanks for your replies.

I just wanted someone to tell me it is possible!

I'll have a chat with my coach next week.

Cheers for the link too.

Gonzales

annieee wrote: »

Apologies again for Newbie question!

I am up to 6 miles now in my long (long for me!) runs at weekends.

I train twice a week with a club at the track.

Would it be feasible for me to do the Kildare Half Marathon in May - would I have to up my training, add another day maybe?

Would it be ok to up my long run by a mile or so every week, gradually building up to the 13 miles?

The longest I've run so far is the Enniscorthy 10k a couple of weeks ago.

Thanks in advance! I appreciate the advice I get here.

In a word, yes, you definitely can do it.

annieee

Would I be ok sticking to the three days training?

(Hard to find time, 2 small kids, I'm sure I'm not the only one!)

Bearing in mind my goal would be to finish the half, not perform any amazing time or anything.

Krusty_Clown

annieee wrote: »

Would I be ok sticking to the three days training?

Absolutely. If you're doing two track sessions a week and long runs at the weekends, you'll have absolutely no problems of completing a half marathon. Just set realistic expectations on what you can achieve, based on what you put into it (finishing time). If you wanted though, you could try and fit in some additional 'homework' that could potentially improve your performance, like core strengthening, flexibility, etc.

What time did you do the Enniscorthy 10k in?

annieee

Krusty_Clown wrote: »

What time did you do the Enniscorthy 10k in?

*Ahem* I'd rather not say.

It was under the hour, put it like that!

But seeing as it was my first 10k I wasn't sure of pacing so I think I took it too easy at the start. But that was just inexperience I guess. I'll do better next time!

I only started running in August - couch to 5k - so I'm pleased with my progress so far.

Krusty_Clown

That is great progress. Well done. Next step, sub 2:10 for the half.