Quote:
Originally Posted by EveLHaelf
I'm just curious if 7 months is enough time to go from beginner (I've been exercising for 12 weeks and my endurance has improved a bunch) to being able to do a half marathon???
It depends on your expectations. Do you think you can work up to walking 13.1 miles? If so, then yes, you can complete a half marathon. Many people walk half and even full marathons. The key is to check the race rules and look for the cutoff times and pick a half marathon that is walker-friendly, with a 16 mile per minute pace cutoff or longer. You can choose to run all or any part of the race, depending on your physical conditioning at the time, and still be assured of making the cutoff times.
I ran my first half marathon as a beginner runner with about that much lead time - BUT, I was already running 3 miles nonstop and was not significantly overweight at the time. And, at that, I still increased mileage too quickly, got a mild case of hip bursitis, had to take several weeks off, then ramp up mileage more slowly. The surest way to injury is to ramp up mileage too quickly in your enthusiasm, before your tendons, muscles and joints are ready for the high impact nature of running. It takes time for that conditioning to occur. It is also important to cross-train to strengthen your muscles, stretch often and effectively, and get good, properly fitting running shoes.
Don't get me wrong, I love half marathons. I'll be running my 10th in a couple of weeks. It's my absolute favorite race distance and a wonderful goal to set for yourself. Halhigdon.com is good, and also check out
www.jeffgalloway.com for beginner training schedules. He is an advocate of using run/walk intervals as a strategy for running distances that is easier on your body than nonstop running. It worked very well for me, and I STILL take walk breaks in my races, if only at the water stops.
It is a good idea to try at least one race beforehand - a 5K or 10K - to get a feel for the race experience. IMO there is no better motivator than to sign up for a race. It changes my perspective totally - I'm not just "working out", I'm training! I love the events, the crowds, the thrill of the finish line, and the pretty medal. That's why I keep signing up for more!
Please do keep us posted.