Complete beginner...half marathon in early July...help!

Doooo

Hi everyone,

Well....I probably should've asked these questions about 2 months ago...but, better late than never I guess.

Myself and some friends are attempting our first half marathon (and our first race, ever), in early July.
The problem is...at the moment, we can't run at all

We have joined a gym, and were all given the same program, which is:

15 mins warm-up on the bike at level 5,
25 mins on the treadmill (we are currently walking at just under 7km per/hr),
then 20 mins on the cross-trainer @ level 5.
Then a few weights and sit ups, and a 5 min walk on the treadmill to cool down.

We were managing this about 3 times a week, and were out walking on other days too.
(Although,...we haven't been to the gym in over 2 weeks now, so will probably be starting from scratch again!).

The problem is though...I have tried to incorporate running into my 25 mins on the treadmill...but I can only run for about 1 minute max (at 8 km/hr), before I am completely out of breath. I then have to walk a bit slower, at about 6.3 km/hr, so I can get my breath back.
And I only manage that once in the entire 25 mins!


My question is a biggie........

What should I change, or add, or do, or not do, in order to train for a half marathon.
I realise completely that there is no way that I will be able to run it all, but it would be nice to be able to runs bits, then walk a bit, then jog, then walk etc, so that it doesn't take me four hours!

I have found a 5k training program http://www.halhigdon.com/5K%20Training/5-Knovice.htm and was wondering should I start following this plan first?
Although...I don't think I could manage running 1.5miles in the first week...
I have looked at the 12 week half marathon plan, but I wouldn't be able to even do the first week of it at the moment.

I have worked it out that there are 15 weeks until the run.....so all advice on where to start (at the very beginning), would be great.

The three of us are all girls in our mid twenties, if that is relevent.

Thanks so much in advance.

RayCun

Stop using the bike and the cross-trainer, concentrate on running.
Start an easy running programmer, like the couch to 5k that starts with walking and running and builds up to all running. That's still only 30 minutes running after 10 weeks, but its a good start.
Run outside, if possible
Get some decent runners - go to a shop that will do a gait analysis if you can
Consider joining a running club

RoyMcC

I'd go along with everthing Mr RayCun says there - excellent practical advice.

Pisco Sour

Yeh forget about the dreadmill!

Do all you running and walking outside!

My personal opinion would be to focus on doing a 5k, then a 10k, before you attempt a Half Marathon.

Start off small. Run 1 minute, walk 2 minutes, run 1 minutes, walk two minutes. Perhaps do this for 2km or so.

Then gradually each day increase the time you run, and decrease the time you walk, increasing the distance all the time.

You'll be surprised how quickly you will improve and eventually you wont need too many walk breaks at all.

Best of luck.

jb-ski

RayCun wrote: »

Stop using the bike and the cross-trainer, concentrate on running.
Start an easy running programmer, like the couch to 5k that starts with walking and running and builds up to all running. That's still only 30 minutes running after 10 weeks, but its a good start.
Run outside, if possible
Get some decent runners - go to a shop that will do a gait analysis if you can
Consider joining a running club

all great advice!

Check out a Fit4Life group in your area
http://www.athleticsireland.ie/content/?page_id=3156

also i have to plug Leixlip 5K on May 8th.:)
it'd be no harm to experience 'race' conditions a few times before a Half marathon.

Blazer

First off forget about the half marathon. It's way too soon.
Set yourselves the 10K instead.
You've basically 12 weeks to get to 13 miles which will be very very tough going for you judging by your post.
I'd advise someone only starting out (especially with the short time to the run) to aim for 5 or 10km.

Doooo

04072511 wrote: »

Yeh forget about the dreadmill!

Do all you running and walking outside!

My personal opinion would be to focus on doing a 5k, then a 10k, before you attempt a Half Marathon.

Thanks for all the advise everyone.

When you say focus on a 5k, then a 10k and then a half marathon...do you mean aim for 5k's, then 10k's and then in July do the half marathon.

Or do you mean pushing the half marathon back, and concentrating on smaller runs?

We're doing the half marathon in July either way, whether we run it or crawl it We are doing it for a charity & in memory of someone, so we won't be backing out of it.
It would be great to have a good stab at it though, and attempt it as best I can



RayCun, I'll have a look at that couch to 5k plan now. Thanks.
Maybe if I started doing this, and then after the ten weeks, spent the remaining 5 weeks building on it?

Pisco Sour

Doooo wrote: »

Thanks for all the advise everyone.

When you say focus on a 5k, then a 10k and then a half marathon...do you mean aim for 5k's, then 10k's and then in July do the half marathon.

Or do you mean pushing the half marathon back, and concentrating on smaller runs?

We're doing the half marathon in July either way, whether we run it or crawl it We are doing it for a charity & in memory of someone, so we won't be backing out of it.
It would be great to have a good stab at it though, and attempt it as best I can



RayCun, I'll have a look at that couch to 5k plan now. Thanks.
Maybe if I started doing this, and then after the ten weeks, spent the remaining 5 weeks building on it?

My advise would have been to put the half marathon back and focus on a 5k race first, then when you've cracked that move up to 10km, and then up to Half Marathon.

But seen as you are doing the Half Marathon for other reasons aswell, then my advice would be to still focus on 5km and 10kms, and try master those distances, and just have fun for the Half Marathon, walk most of it if you have to. Theres no rush. There will be other half marathons in the future which you'll be able to run faster.

Doooo

Berkut wrote: »

First off forget about the half marathon. It's way too soon.
Set yourselves the 10K instead.
You've basically 12 weeks to get to 13 miles which will be very very tough going for you judging by your post.
I'd advise someone only starting out (especially with the short time to the run) to aim for 5 or 10km.

I know your post is very good advise and makes a lot of sense, but crazy or not, we will be attempting the half marathon in July.
I know it is very soon, with only 15 weeks to train, but whether I walk it all, or manage to run a good percentage of it, I'll be doing it.

I realise that getting to a stage where I can run 13 miles, 15 weeks from now, is virtually impossible...so I am basically looking for advise on how to train between now and then, so that I can look back and say that I gave it my best shot

Doooo

04072511 wrote: »

My advise would have been to put the half marathon back and focus on a 5k race first, then when you've cracked that move up to 10km, and then up to Half Marathon.

But seen as you are doing the Half Marathon for other reasons aswell, then my advice would be to still focus on 5km and 10kms, and try master those distances, and just have fun for the Half Marathon, walk most of it if you have to. Theres no rush. There will be other half marathons in the future which you'll be able to run faster.

Thanks 04072511

That was my thinking aswell, that there is no way I'll be able to run 13 miles by then, so to just concentrate on being able to run 5km or 10km of it.

So would following the couch to 5km plan for the next 10 weeks, and then increasing that for the last 5 weeks, be the best idea?

Also, re. the suggestion of getting good quality runners...I didn't do this
I bought your average "running" runners in Champion Sports, or a similar shop. They are asics ones.
If I catch the running-bug after this marathon though, I will invest in other ones

RayCun

Doooo wrote: »

RayCun, I'll have a look at that couch to 5k plan now. Thanks.
Maybe if I started doing this, and then after the ten weeks, spent the remaining 5 weeks building on it?

I think it's your best bet. if you can only run for a minute now, you're not going to be able to run a half marathon in July. But if you do the 5k programme you should be able to run 30 minutes, walk 5, run 20 and so on at a sustainable pace around the course.

I think the 5k programme ends with 30 minutes running. You could extend that by 3-5 minutes in weeks 11-13. Take the last week of training very easy, just a couple of short runs.

There's a training logs subforum above. Lots of people set up running logs to keep themselves honest and give themselves more motivation - it's great to be able to look back at your earlier posts and see the progress you've made.

Doooo

RayCun wrote: »

I think it's your best bet. if you can only run for a minute now, you're not going to be able to run a half marathon in July. But if you do the 5k programme you should be able to run 30 minutes, walk 5, run 20 and so on at a sustainable pace around the course.

I think the 5k programme ends with 30 minutes running. You could extend that by 3-5 minutes in weeks 11-13. Take the last week of training very easy, just a couple of short runs.

There's a training logs subforum above. Lots of people set up running logs to keep themselves honest and give themselves more motivation - it's great to be able to look back at your earlier posts and see the progress you've made.

Thanks a million RayCun.
I might start one of those fitness logs, so that I can get advise etc.

I'm heading to the gym tonight, so will print off the couch to 5km now, and start at week one, and see how I get on

It says you can go by distance or time. In the gym it is easy to use either measurement, but when I take all your advise and start running outside it will be easier to measure it by time, so I'll go with time.

Thanks for all the advise, and keep it coming!

Someone I work with said it might be worth attempting a 5km, or the womens mini marathon, before the half marathon. Is this good advice?

Also, I will be away for 10 days in early May. Will this hinder my progress much? I mean, when I return, will I have to go back a week or two in the program, or will my fitness levels not fall by that much so quickly?


Thanks again.

RayCun

There are free couch-to-5k podcasts by Robert Ullrey on the iTunes store, I thought they were very useful. It does the timing for you, basically, so you don't have to fiddle with a watch, just run when he says run and walk when he says walk.

Yes, it would be good to do a couple of races before the half-marathon. It's good to have some intermediate goals to keep you motivated, and anyway they're usually a lot of fun.

You can bring your runners on holiday!
(or see how you're going closer to the date)

Doooo

RayCun wrote: »

You can bring your runners on holiday!
(or see how you're going closer to the date)

That's a good idea actually!

A run around Central Park might be nice...and it will help work off some calories

As for the podcast thingy, that sounds great!
I'll have a look into that tonight. Thanks

devilsad

I've just started too. I'm not as adventurous as you and I'm starting with a 10k, although I'll only have had 6 weeks training for this. I'm thankfully finding it reasonably easy going so far. You mentioned that you were running on the treadmill at 8km/hr and couldn't do it for more than a minute. Try slowing down. There must be a pace at which you can run without running out of breath, howver slow or at least being able run for longer than 1 minute. Start there and slowly build it up.

Doooo

devilsad wrote: »

I've just started too. I'm not as adventurous as you and I'm starting with a 10k, although I'll only have had 6 weeks training for this. I'm thankfully finding it reasonably easy going so far. You mentioned that you were running on the treadmill at 8km/hr and couldn't do it for more than a minute. Try slowing down. There must be a pace at which you can run without running out of breath, howver slow or at least being able run for longer than 1 minute. Start there and slowly build it up.

Yeah, you're probably right.
I tend to walk at between 6.7km - 7km per hour on the treadmill for the 25 mins.
I should probably try jogging at about 7.2km and see how long I last, instead of doing 8km/hr and running out of breath after 1 minute.

I'll try that this evening and report back

Pisco Sour

Doooo wrote: »

Yeah, you're probably right.
I tend to walk at between 6.7km - 7km per hour on the treadmill for the 25 mins.
I should probably try jogging at about 7.2km and see how long I last, instead of doing 8km/hr and running out of breath after 1 minute.

I'll try that this evening and report back

Honestly forget about the treadmill! I can tell you honestly I felt more exhausted after running 5 miles on the treamill (during the snow season) than I did after running 12-14 miles outdoors.

The boredom is a killer! 1 minute feels like about 10! The pace is constant on a treadmill, while on the road you can slow down and speed up as you wish! You can run uphill and downhill on the road! On a dreadmill you cant do any of this stuff. It doesnt replicate real running. Also you are running in a stuffy room at about 20 degrees, after a few minutes you'll be sweating.

My advise is if you are running a Half Marathon then the only way to train for it is to replicate the race conditions, i.e. run outside!

RentDayBlues

Doooo - I'm doing the 32 counties half marathon in July, is it the same one?

I did a little training in the gym earlier in the year but once I got out on the road I found it so hard. The treadmill feels so easy in comparison! I'd suggest getting out on the road as soon as possible as I felt I was back to square one.

I haven't been consistent in my training and I am now in week 3 of a 16 week program leading right up to the 03rd July. Although I do other sports I am really finding the running tough but I do intend to run the half marathon. It will be at my own pace and may be more of a job than a run but I will finish it.

Best of luck with the training and if you are by chance doing the same one, maybe you'll let me know who the training is going?

Doooo

RentDayBlues wrote: »

Doooo - I'm doing the 32 counties half marathon in July, is it the same one?

I did a little training in the gym earlier in the year but once I got out on the road I found it so hard. The treadmill feels so easy in comparison! I'd suggest getting out on the road as soon as possible as I felt I was back to square one.

I haven't been consistent in my training and I am now in week 3 of a 16 week program leading right up to the 03rd July. Although I do other sports I am really finding the running tough but I do intend to run the half marathon. It will be at my own pace and may be more of a job than a run but I will finish it.

Best of luck with the training and if you are by chance doing the same one, maybe you'll let me know who the training is going?

Hi RentDayBlues,

Unfortunately it isn't the same half marathon.
The one I am doing is the Achill Half Marathon.....which is meant to be full of hills, according to another thread on here that I just discovered

My only hesitation about starting my training outside...is I feel I'd look like a right eejit! Silly, I know. I think I'll have to persuade a friend or two to join me on the first couple of attempts. I would just feel so self conscious running outside infront of people, until I was a bit better at it

Running in the local park wouldn't be as bad as on public roads, but I wouldn't feel safe running there in the evenings once it starts getting dark.

I'll work on persuading my friends to join me, and keep using the treadmill in the meantime...

Keep me posted on how your training is going RentDayBlues!

markyboy

Doooo wrote: »

Also, re. the suggestion of getting good quality runners...I didn't do this
I bought your average "running" runners in Champion Sports, or a similar shop. They are asics ones.
If I catch the running-bug after this marathon though, I will invest in other ones

I started running early last year and the runners advice was the best I got. If you don't wear the right footwear your potentially heading into a world of pain. With the right ones your not. Go to a "proper" running shop and get fitted. Best €100 you'll ever spend. Good luck on your half marathon!

mloc123

Don't forget to put aside a few hundred for the orthotics that the physio will not doubt push on you when you get injured.

On a serious note, like others have said... 3 months to go from not running at all to a half isn't a great idea. Start with a 5k or 10k

southofnowhere

Doooo wrote: »

Hi RentDayBlues,

Unfortunately it isn't the same half marathon.
The one I am doing is the Achill Half Marathon.....which is meant to be full of hills, according to another thread on here that I just discovered

My only hesitation about starting my training outside...is I feel I'd look like a right eejit! Silly, I know. I think I'll have to persuade a friend or two to join me on the first couple of attempts. I would just feel so self conscious running outside infront of people, until I was a bit better at it

Running in the local park wouldn't be as bad as on public roads, but I wouldn't feel safe running there in the evenings once it starts getting dark.

I'll work on persuading my friends to join me, and keep using the treadmill in the meantime...

Keep me posted on how your training is going RentDayBlues!

Hey there,

You have already got some great advice on the running here, so I'll stick to the thing I know most about - looking stupid! I'm a beginner too. I just did a novice 5k programme and I'm aiming for a Half Marathon (end of June).

You should have seen me on the 1.5 mile runs (run is a strong word in this scenario) in the not too distant past, looking like a lad finishing a tough marathon - or two - as I battled up a very short strand!

Took me ages to catch and then pass walkers - many who I'm sure were contemplating 999 calls. I distinctly remember one day when there was a headwind and I was certain I was going backwards at one point.

Tonight I went out in the rain (for the first time) in my dusty jacket from the mid 90s and my bobble hat, looking every inch the eejit. Still finish every run looking like I just did ten times what I actually ran. But, you know what I don't care anymore. And what I have also realised is, neither does anyone else.

Apart from the odd stupid comment from a car full of moronic boy racers (if you go out at night), most people will be looking at you with admiration. Especially if you are struggling to keep the legs ticking over at times like me (no-one admires those fancy pants guys and girls flying around at ridiculous speeds, that's called envy!)

Anyway, if you have to walk for a while, or most of it, at the start, the best advice in here is forget the treadmill and just get out there. Hit the roads/beach/park and focus on how you feel, not how you look. Even the worst runs I've had so far are infinitely superior to anything I ever did on a treadmill.

The Rook

Doooo wrote: »

My only hesitation about starting my training outside...is I feel I'd look like a right eejit! Silly, I know. I think I'll have to persuade a friend or two to join me on the first couple of attempts. I would just feel so self conscious running outside infront of people, until I was a bit better at it

Hi Doooo,

The only thing I can say to that is the same thing I said to my wife when she started running ... once she leaves the house, and starts running, as far as the first person who sees you is concerned you could have just ran for hours and hours and this is the first time they've seen you, they don't know that you've just started out for your run!

Don't worry about looking silly ... look at runners in general ... we wear short shorts and a vest during the Summer, and in Winter we wear tights and woolly hats, we're ALWAYS going to look silly!!

buck65

Achill half marathon !? You lunatic you probably picked one of the toughest road races in the country !!
It is a cracker though, I ran it last year (my first half marathon too). I had no idea what it was like, someone mentioned that the end was a bit hilly. It basically starts in Keel aprox 10km inside the island. The first mile is flat and the road then gradually rises out of Keel, it is a long (over a mile) though moderate climb before turning left into the island.
The next 2 or 3 miles are fairly flat and I was feeling good up to the 6 mile point and beyond last year. From 7 miles onwards the road rises continuously until it peaks at 8-9 miles where there are 2 or 3 steep climbs. The last 2 or 3miles aren't too bad but there are plenty of bumps in the road.
Getting back into Keel is something to savour, that's for sure.
Definitely get out and find a few hilly routes to walk on. I would continue to run on the flat roads though. To be honest , as they come well into the race, you will be walking most of the steep hills in Achill so don't worry about running them.
The views are spectacular and it is well oranised with a bar-b-q at the end.
Have to agree about the treadmill , they should only be used on days when it is not possible to run outside. Get out into the open air and enjoy it.

Pisco Sour

I wouldnt worry about looking stupid when running. Have you ever heard of a certain Paula Radcliffe? She looked fairly ridiculous when she ran and she got on ok.

scargill

Doooo - you are just like me back in January. In fact when I read your original post I could've written it myself!

I too was/am a complete beginner. I had never run 20 yards before. I set a goal in the New Year to run a half marathon in early May. The timescales involved are nearly identical.

Getting started is the toughest thing. I used to dread going out for a run in case I met anyone I knew! To be honest - the people that you tend to pass are other people out walking/running/exercising so everyone is in the same boat!

I'm a guy in my mid-30's, so it's easier/safer for me to go out for night runs. You are probably better off teaming up with a friend.

This is the 12 week programme I am following: http://running.about.com/od/racetraining/a/basichalf.htm

Before I started this programme I did 4 weeks of walking/running to get my fitness up to a level where I could run a mile.

I started in week 1, (running 3 mins, walking 7) x 3 times
week 2 (running 5 mins, walking 5) x 3 times
etc,etc. Just decrease the walking portion and increase the running portion. I was doing this 3 or 4 times a week.

Getting up the mile level was difficult (running 10 minutes non-stop). But, to be honest, once I got over that hump running 2 miles was relatively easy.
My longest run to date is 7 miles (last weekend) - it was very tough. But I did it by gradually building up over the last 9 weeks or so.

You will be surprised at the progress you make if you do it regularly and gradually increase the distances. Push yourself to improve - but don't over do it, rest when you need to!

Other people's advice about setting smaller goals first is sensible. I did a 5k race last week (and wasn't last!!). I nearly threw up 8 weeks ago when I ran for 4 minutes - and now I can comfortably run 5k. If I can do it - anyone can!

Doing this also gives you a bit of encouragement that you are going in the right direction.

Anyway - it's not for me to give advice, there are plenty of experts on here - just passing on my experience so far as complete beginner.

Best of luck!

Doooo

southofnowhere wrote: »

Hey there,

You have already got some great advice on the running here, so I'll stick to the thing I know most about - looking stupid! I'm a beginner too. I just did a novice 5k programme and I'm aiming for a Half Marathon (end of June).

You should have seen me on the 1.5 mile runs (run is a strong word in this scenario) in the not too distant past, looking like a lad finishing a tough marathon - or two - as I battled up a very short strand!

Anyway, if you have to walk for a while, or most of it, at the start, the best advice in here is forget the treadmill and just get out there. Hit the roads/beach/park and focus on how you feel, not how you look. Even the worst runs I've had so far are infinitely superior to anything I ever did on a treadmill.

Thanks a million!
It's really reassuring to know that I'm not the only one who was worried about looking silly at the start!

The Rook wrote: »

Hi Doooo,

The only thing I can say to that is the same thing I said to my wife when she started running ... once she leaves the house, and starts running, as far as the first person who sees you is concerned you could have just ran for hours and hours and this is the first time they've seen you, they don't know that you've just started out for your run!

Don't worry about looking silly ... look at runners in general ... we wear short shorts and a vest during the Summer, and in Winter we wear tights and woolly hats, we're ALWAYS going to look silly!!

You are completely right! I've seen heaps of runners while out walking in the park, and always thought "Wow, they must've just ran 10 miles!", when in reality, they might have only ran 1km!

buck65 wrote: »

Achill half marathon !? You lunatic you probably picked one of the toughest road races in the country !!

....Whoops!!!

It is a cracker though, I ran it last year (my first half marathon too). I had no idea what it was like, someone mentioned that the end was a bit hilly. It basically starts in Keel aprox 10km inside the island. The first mile is flat and the road then gradually rises out of Keel, it is a long (over a mile) though moderate climb before turning left into the island.
The next 2 or 3 miles are fairly flat and I was feeling good up to the 6 mile point and beyond last year. From 7 miles onwards the road rises continuously until it peaks at 8-9 miles where there are 2 or 3 steep climbs. The last 2 or 3miles aren't too bad but there are plenty of bumps in the road.
Getting back into Keel is something to savour, that's for sure.
Definitely get out and find a few hilly routes to walk on. I would continue to run on the flat roads though. To be honest , as they come well into the race, you will be walking most of the steep hills in Achill so don't worry about running them.
The views are spectacular and it is well oranised with a bar-b-q at the end.
Have to agree about the treadmill , they should only be used on days when it is not possible to run outside. Get out into the open air and enjoy it.

I have been to Achill loads of times, and it really is stunning. I completely forgot how hilly it is in places though. You don't really take much notice when you are in a car....:o
The views during the marathon will be amazing. Hopefully that will help get me through!

scargill wrote: »

Doooo - you are just like me back in January. In fact when I read your original post I could've written it myself!

I too was/am a complete beginner. I had never run 20 yards before. I set a goal in the New Year to run a half marathon in early May. The timescales involved are nearly identical.

Getting started is the toughest thing. I used to dread going out for a run in case I met anyone I knew! To be honest - the people that you tend to pass are other people out walking/running/exercising so everyone is in the same boat!

I'm a guy in my mid-30's, so it's easier/safer for me to go out for night runs. You are probably better off teaming up with a friend.

This is the 12 week programme I am following: http://running.about.com/od/racetraining/a/basichalf.htm

Before I started this programme I did 4 weeks of walking/running to get my fitness up to a level where I could run a mile.

I started in week 1, (running 3 mins, walking 7) x 3 times
week 2 (running 5 mins, walking 5) x 3 times
etc,etc. Just decrease the walking portion and increase the running portion. I was doing this 3 or 4 times a week.

Getting up the mile level was difficult (running 10 minutes non-stop). But, to be honest, once I got over that hump running 2 miles was relatively easy.
My longest run to date is 7 miles (last weekend) - it was very tough. But I did it by gradually building up over the last 9 weeks or so.

You will be surprised at the progress you make if you do it regularly and gradually increase the distances. Push yourself to improve - but don't over do it, rest when you need to!

Other people's advice about setting smaller goals first is sensible. I did a 5k race last week (and wasn't last!!). I nearly threw up 8 weeks ago when I ran for 4 minutes - and now I can comfortably run 5k. If I can do it - anyone can!

Doing this also gives you a bit of encouragement that you are going in the right direction.

Anyway - it's not for me to give advice, there are plenty of experts on here - just passing on my experience so far as complete beginner.

Best of luck!

Wow!
That is really inspiring.
The fact that you went from barely being able to run for 4 minutes, to comfortably running 5k, in 8 weeks, is good news for me!

I started following this "couch to 5k" program today http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml
It gets you up to 5k over 8 weeks.
I found today tough though. Week one is 8 running intervals, each lasting 60 seconds, broken up by 90 seconds of walking in between.
I did 6 of the 8 running sections. I'm kinda kicking myself now though that I didn't push myself that bit harder and do all 8.

I will definitely complete all 8 on Friday though

My training program says to do it 3 times a week, with a day rest in between.
Should this be followed strictly?
Could I do an extra day some weeks, and is it always necessary to leave a rest day in between? Some weeks, depending on work etc, 2 days in a row might suit me better.


Thanks so much to everyone for all the great advice, tips etc.
Keep all the advice coming. I need all I can get!

RayCun

You should really leave a rest day between runs, because the rest day is when your muscles strengthen (as I understand it)
But you could do Mon - Wed - Fri - Sun - Tues - Thurs - Sat and gain an extra running day each fortnight like that.

Louisburgh lass

wow im so glad i read this, im signed up for a 10 mile run in Wicklow in August and just started training for it in the last week. Im almost hitting the 1 mile without stopping mark and really want to keep at it!! You all have given some brilliant tips that i'll definately be keeping in mind.

Best of luck Doooo with your training, were all in the same boat..;)

Doooo

Thanks again for all your advice.

Just a quick update. I fully completed todays part of the "Couch to 5k" program - week 1.
That's 8 x 60 second intervals of running, with 90 seconds of fast walking inbetween.

That's more running than I have ever done before...and I must admit, I felt great after it!

Only another 12.75 miles or so to go....

kit3

Hi Doooo

I did Achill last year - it was my first half too. I didn't do enough training for it at all but got around nevertheless. I must confess that I had to walk some of the hills at the end ! My aim for this year is to run it all ??? don't worry, plenty of people walk the whole thing so there's a big range of abilities there. Well worth it.

milliemae

Hiya,

Over weight middle aged woman here I also got the idea to do
a half marathon in may, I got this idea in Jan when snow and ice
everywhere I knew I had about 14 weeks to train this is how it went
for me I think you still have time you will be walking more than
running in July no doubt about it, as I will be in May..but you will
finish it just enjoy the day this was the training I have done so far

I started walking mon wed fri and sun 3 miles for about two weeks
I then started walking a bit jogging a bit ,the following two week

Start of month 2, I continued the weekly 3 miles but doing 5 on sunday
walk jogging on all days more walking than jogging its fair to say,
Again I did this for a few weeks, its amazing how fit you will get,
I again upped the the short walk/jogs to 5miles mon wed fri
and the sunday training to eight, it takes me 1hour to do the 5miles
not lighthning speed but I get it done and you will too,

I have four weeks left to my event am doing 5 miles during my
midweek training, I did my first 10 miles last sunday,
I am still walking as much as jogging but I do not care, do not
put so much presure on yourself walk the half marathon if you have
to lots and people will be walking also, I am going to enjoy
the event. the next event I may jog more of it.

I wish you all the best, bright evenings now get outdoors and
all you girls enjoy the training,:p

Sirpineapple

Check out fit4life. They've got a marathon schedule for beginners , i'm sure it wouldn't be too hard to half it

jb-ski

milliemae wrote: »

Hiya,

Over weight middle aged woman here I also got the idea to do
a half marathon in may, I got this idea in Jan when snow and ice
everywhere I knew I had about 14 weeks to train this is how it went
for me I think you still have time you will be walking more than
running in July no doubt about it, as I will be in May..but you will
finish it just enjoy the day this was the training I have done so far

I started walking mon wed fri and sun 3 miles for about two weeks
I then started walking a bit jogging a bit ,the following two week

Start of month 2, I continued the weekly 3 miles but doing 5 on sunday
walk jogging on all days more walking than jogging its fair to say,
Again I did this for a few weeks, its amazing how fit you will get,
I again upped the the short walk/jogs to 5miles mon wed fri
and the sunday training to eight, it takes me 1hour to do the 5miles
not lighthning speed but I get it done and you will too,

I have four weeks left to my event am doing 5 miles during my
midweek training, I did my first 10 miles last sunday,
I am still walking as much as jogging but I do not care, do not
put so much presure on yourself walk the half marathon if you have
to lots and people will be walking also, I am going to enjoy
the event. the next event I may jog more of it.

I wish you all the best, bright evenings now get outdoors and
all you girls enjoy the training,:p

Well done, Milliemae.

You have discovered the secret about running!

i'm involved with a Fit4Life group in Leixlip, this is exactly what we're trying to convince beginners every week.

it's amazing how quickly one progresses if you get out regularly.

Best of luck over the next few weeks,
jb

milliemae

Thanks JB yeah think Ive got the bug alright after years of stop
starting at a gym Ive discovered the right type of activity for
me, its not easy starting out but if you get out three/four times a week
it gets easier, music in the ears the right shoes and gear, its time
for me away from the family (headpeace) and its FREE. I recommend
it for everyone start slow and go at your own pace just remember
when the distant gets a more comfortable just push yourself on
a little further, I will not stop now,
thanks for comments I feel brilliant and am quite proud of myself,
especially last sunday when I did my first ever 10 miles, never
in a million years did I think I would ever do that,:P looking forward to
the summer ahead.

thanks again

knobblyknees

Hey,

The www.maximarathonkillarney.com is on the 17th of July. Really nice route. 15 mile route so its a bit closer to a full Marathon. Should be a good one.

Knobblyknees

Louisburgh lass

Doooo wrote: »

I know your post is very good advise and makes a lot of sense, but crazy or not, we will be attempting the half marathon in July.
I know it is very soon, with only 15 weeks to train, but whether I walk it all, or manage to run a good percentage of it, I'll be doing it.

I realise that getting to a stage where I can run 13 miles, 15 weeks from now, is virtually impossible...so I am basically looking for advise on how to train between now and then, so that I can look back and say that I gave it my best shot

Well Doooo how did you get on?
I hope your training went well as you were so determined to do it, you should be very proud of yourself, a great achievement!