How long did it take you to train for a half marathon?
 

I ran my first 5k last weekend, and another today. I think it's safe to say I've been bitten by the 'racing' bug (I use that word loosely as what I'm doing is hardly racing ;) ). I'm planning on signing up for a bigger race in September (in addition to any more 5ks that may come my way between now and then). I initially thought I would sign up for the quarter since 3.1 is the farthest I've done... but it's still so far away, I'm wondering if I would have adequate time to train for the half?

For those of you who have done it, how long did you train? What was your starting level? Any other thoughts/advice?

A few years ago I began running in April with my first 5k at the beginning of June ..... I then completed a half-marathon at the end of October .... I followed a 12 week beginner programme for the half marathon .... to begin the training they just wanted you to be able to run for 20/30 minutes ...

I think you have enough time ... but I would find a good beginners programme to follow ....
Good luck

I have a goal of running a half, and haven't made it (I seem to get injured >8 miles). Running it by September would be pushing it and make you more injury prone. I hang out on the runner's world forums, there's a lot of good training threads there.

Good luck!

I did a 16 week program for my first and am doing a 14 week for my second.

My first half marathon is this September and I'm following Hal Higdon's Novice Half-marathon program (halhigdon.com). It is 12 weeks in length.

My program was 12 weeks in length, but I only completed 8 of those before I signed up for an earlier half marathon than what I had originally planned on. My high mileage for weekend runs at that time was a mere 9 miles. In my mind, another 4.2 miles wasn't much. And, for me, it wasn't. I completed the half. Not in a great time, 2:19, but I completed it, injury free, and felt great. I say "go for it". Just my opinion.

Life is short. Running makes it longer!