Runners: is 1/2 Marathon too ambitious?

If you have 10-12 weeks to complete the training and want to, then NO it's not too ambitious!! I'm completing (hopefully) my first next weekend and CAN. NOT. WAIT.

If you have the drive, you'll do awesome!!!!

the great thing about running is its relevent. It builds up as you do, Everytime you run, you will find the same distances easier and therefor be able to go more distance, or quicker.

Build up slowly im sure you will be able to do it, especially if your running 5k in 35minutes. Good Luck!

I'm assuming Emerald City and Columbus. See ya at Columbus!! Great job so far and good luck.

NOT AT ALL!!!! Follow a training plan and stick to it!
I trained for mine about a total of 6 months or so but only did "hardcore" training for about 2 possibly 3. My goal was to finish in under 2:45 and I am proud to say I finished both (within a week of each other) at under 2:30!

Its ambitious but not unachievable.

^^^ this. Depends what you would rather do, wait a bit longer and get a better pace etc or just do it!

I just did it and I completed it - in a slow time and I was feeling it for over a week after. I did another one this year and by the evening of the day after I was fine! Wish I'd given myself a bit longer. But then there are a lot of people out there who would say the opposite

Hope that helps! x

I'm signed up for Run like a Girl in October. I started running the beginning of last summer. I'm slightly slower than you (5k in 38 min, 10k in 78 minutes). I know I can do it, I will have to stick to the training plan. I know you can do it too!!!

Definitely do it!! You will love it! Just knowing that you have finished is the ultimate buzz - Don't worry too much about your time

I've done 2 x 10k runs this year so far and I have a half marathon in 10weeks. If I'm honest I did no training for either of my 10k's as I was just lazy and I managed them in around 1.26.

I'm hoping to just get my half finished the same day as everyone else lol

If it's a Great Run, run then they have a brilliant training app which really does help you, I'm a but under the 12week training plan but going to look into using it to get me through the GNR

**Good Luck**

I started the C25K program in mid September and ran my first 5K in mid November. I too was "bitten by the running bug", so I set out to run a 1/2 Marathon in April. I completed it with no problem. It wasn't easy, and my time wasn't spectacular, but I still got a medal! I say GO FOR IT!

I started the c25k program in October of last year and have been bitten by the running bug. I ran in my first 5k race in May and finished in around 35 minutes. My goal has never been speed, but completing something that challenges me. I'm signed up to run a quarter marathon in August.

My question is this: Would it be too ambitious for a beginning runner to run in a half marathon on October 20th?

I figure that since I'm already in training for the quarter, just keep up the training and keep increasing the mileage. I worry that if I wait until next year, maybe my interest in the sport would have waned or my fitness won't be as good as it is now. Right now, I'm only getting in 6-10 miles a week.

if you set your mind to it then yes you can do it especially because you said speed is not your goal. fyi speed is not my goal either; i did my first half on june 1st and it was GREAT! my goal was to run as long as i could without having to walk (made it to almost 10 miles)

It is ambitious but you can do it! As long as you have time to follow a training plan, you will do great! My first half is September 1st and I have already signed up for my 2nd (Tinkerbell Half) on January 19th

12-20 weeks is good, unless you are injured.

Best of luck!

Its ambitious but not unachievable.

I concur. Just temper your expectations. Make your goal to finish. Do all your training as easy runs. Don't feel compelled to add ANY type of speed work to your routine, regardless of what others may tell you. Easy running, time on your feet. That is what will get you where you want to be.

This.

I trained for a half last year, after only running for about 6-8 months. I was woefully unprepared and had too high of expectations. I dropped out of training and switched my bib to the 5K. This year, I'm training again, with a goal of completing and a solid training plan. I'm focusing on endurance rather than speed and I have a solid 1.5 years of running under my belt. I feel much more prepared.
Don't be afraid to walk some if you need it. Focus on getting it done. Build some buffer weeks into your training plan - that way if everything goes to hell in a handbasket, you have some wiggle room. Enjoy the process and savor the moment when you cross the finish line! Good luck!

Not too ambitious at all. When I did my Half last year, the most I had run was about 6.7 miles with most of my workouts being 45 mins long, maximum 60 mins, and considering a Half is 13 imagine the increased distance my legs had to endure. I did it in 1:57:28, so that's an extra 57 mins I had to go throw, but I did it and didn't stop once.

But before you do anything else, you need to lose the "Should I do this?" or "Am I being too ambitious?" attitude. A single doubt in your mind can lead to failure. Understand that a person's attitude to their lifestyle and training can define who s/he is and what s/he can accomplish. I may not know you, but let me tell you this right now, before anyone else does: You can do this.

That said, here is a good website that might help you with training and some tips, http://www.runteamkina.com/#!training