Finished my first 10k race a few weeks ago. My sister and her husband were in it. 55 min- but it was all downhill!!! It was alot of fun and I felt great afterwards. I am actually thinking I might be able to do a half marathon by the fall. I think it becomes more mental stamina at that point.

Yes, if you finished a 10K in 55 minutes now you can absolutely be ready for a HM by fall. Expect to be a little slower per mile. Half's are my very favorite distance.

It is definitely more than just mental stamina. Half's get into the zone where you have to start considering fueling during the race. Some folks can do a half without fuel, but most find mid race fueling beneficial.

But it isnt a grueling distance. Halfs are in that nice zone where you get to go a little slower for a little longer and they can be magical.

Ditto - HM are my favorite distance too!! Long enough to be a challenge, but nearly as challenging as a full marathon distance. Usually they are full blown "big events" too, which are tons of fun. You can definitely be ready for a HM distance, you'll just need to train up for it. runnersworld.com has some great HM training schedules, depending on your fitness level and your goals.