Half marathon- can I do it?

I need something to motivate me to stay in shape and work out over the summer, and I'm really interested in the idea of doing a half marathon. The thing is, I've never been a long-distance runner. I played soccer until I was 17, I'm now almost 19 and in relatively good shape, and have always been a decent short distance runner (up to 3 miles). The half marathon would probably be in late July or August, so if I start training hard-core relatively soon, is it feasible for me to be able to do this? Or should I aim for a 5k or 10k instead?

Thanks!
Vanessa

Hi Vanessa and welcome to Calorie-Count!

I am also aiming to run my first half-marathon sometime late spring or summer and am probably in a similar position running-wise.

I've been training using Hal Hingdon's novice Half Marathon Training Schedule.  Runner friends of mine have assured me this is completely realistic and fairly easy to follow.  Apparently it's not a bad idea to do a 5k/10k during your training for the half as well, to get used to the racing environment.

Anyway, I'm sure there are others on here with more experience that can pipe up, but it sounds like a goal you should definitely be able to accomplish!

After a 10-year break, I ran only my second Half marathon last year. I also used Hal Hingdon's program, but only had six weeks preperation time. Obviously, this goes out against any advice out there, but I survived ot without any permanent damage, running it in 2 hours and 1 minute.

If a 41 year old ex-smoker can do it, it should be a breeze for you.

I have never been a long distance runner- actually a runner at all- but on Jan. 2nd I needed something to motivate me.  I decided that I would train for a 1/2 marathon.  I decided to use Jeff Galloways training schedule (www.runinjuryfree.com) because he recommends walking breaks.  Anyway, As of today, I am 20 pounds lighter, and running 5 miles 3x per week, and a long run on Sat.  This past Saturday I ran 11 miles.  If I can do it, (only able to run about 1/2 mile on Jan. 2nd) then I know you can do it too! Just follow the schedule.  I highly recommend walk breaks!!!! I run 1 mile, walk .1 mile.  It keeps me motivated and able to reach my goal. 

I think we are on the same boat: I am thinking about signing up for a half-marathon but am really imitated by the distance.  I am trying to get back to shape by doing two 45-min run each week.  I feel that I could make it with half of a year's dedicated training.  So I would say "go for it" to you.

You will do great!

Thanks Erik for that link...that is so helpful! I need some structure and guidance in this area as I am starting to run again but kind of feel lost in how to approach training. 

I am like you Vanessa and am thinking about signing up for a race to motivate me to train!  I am a former college vball player and am looking for ways to increase my fitness level and get my weight back down to when I used to play regularly.  The only difference now is that I can't eat whatever I want like I did in college!

My next goal: TO GET MY BUTT OUT OF BED EARLY SO I CAN RUN BEFORE WORK!!!  (It seems like when I try to run after work, stuff comes up and it never happens!! ugh!)

How do other folks motivate themselves to get up in the wee hours of the morning to run?

Hey! I am just popping in for support. You need to change your title to Half marathon-I can do it! If you don't think you can, you probably never will. You are always capable of more than you give yourself credit for. The plan Erik shared is exellent and there are plenty of runners and want to be runners here to answer questions, share stories and support you. 

I will say this; I am a better distance runner now than I was in high school. The reason is that now I really make sure my diet is geared toward what my body needs based on the workouts I do. Plenty of carbs for running days and plenty of protein for lifting days. Also, weight training has helped immensely with endurance.

Good Luck!

"How do other folks motivate themselves to get up in the wee hours of the morning to run?"

That is actually the hardest part for me. Though an early riser, getting up at 04:30 is just a little to early for me. However, like you, I will never run if i keep it for after work (it doesn't help that I usually have 14+ hours working day).

How do i motivate myself? By telling myself how pleased I will feel with myself after the run. Not much of a motivation, but it works, at least for me.

I'm also planning on running the Toronto Half-Marathon on October!  I'm so excited to start training once classes are over in a couple of weeks!  Goodluck to all of you who are planning on running your first half this year :)

I have run one 1/2 marathon before (about 18 mo ago) and am planning on running another in August.  I also am using the Jeff Galloway method.  I had never been a serious runner before, running occasionally and then stopping again.  I am 46 and a mother of 3.  My youngest son who was only 13 at the time, thought it would be fun and I wanted to encourage him, so we signed up!  I ran it pretty slow, but I finished in 2 hours and 4o minutes.  If I can do it, so can you!!! 

Thanks to everyone for the advice and inspiration!

I'm gonna do it!

Vanessa