SO SAD :(

you can TOTALLY do a half marathon by june. I say do it! Not for your friend but for you...why cheat yourself by letting excuses get in the way. Check out my blog for motivation on this running thing....i was certinally NOT a runner until I made myself into one and I started out at 200 lbs and no ability to run around even a track!

You can do it!

I would be let down too, because if I took my friend that never ran a half before and decided to put my time in to help her then she backs out, I am short of a partner, running buddy, etc, but in the end it's your body and your decision...My running buddy backed out on me a month before the race and I was really sad because there was nobody to do long runs with.

I definitely think 4 months is sufficient to train for a half marathon... I was never a runner before and I didn't start training until late june, and my first HM was in November 2010

I also understand that it can be scary or it can seem like you can't do it/aren't capable, its normal. Maybe you need to rethink backing out and explaining to her that you are overwhelmed?

It's also different if you are injured... recovery from injuries can pull you back...


Eh, either way, don't give up the goal. It's a good goal

I'm new here, and you don't know me from a hill of beans..
But here is my advice. If you are happy with your choice.. Then don't second guess it.
But I would explain to my friend fully- my reasons on backing out.

I think your wise for your decision. I say that because I permanently injured myself to were I will never race again. If you take it slow, you can go for many, many years. Do you think you could walk the marathon? If that is a possibility......otherwise, you need to listen to YOUR body. If she is your friend, she will get over it eventually. It takes time.

Is there a time limit on the 1/2 marathon you're signed up for? Would it be possible to make a compromise with yourself (if you're interested, of course)? Rather than backing out completely, could you run for as long as you can and then walk the remaining distance? I'm not a runner, and don't claim to know how much training you require, but I have walked two marathons and I know how amazing it is to cross the finish line and feel like you can conquer anything. I understand you're nervous, but you shouldn't sell yourself short. If this is something you were looking forward to, but are scared you're not ready, there's plenty of time between now and June to train if you're committed, and you'll feel so great if you're able to accomplish your goal!
You know better than anyone what your current situation is and what your limitations are, but I would like to pose a question: Why not just try it and see how you do? If nothing else, you gain experience and you get a nice trip to Vegas with your friend.

I ran my first marathon Feb. 6, this year. I'm 46, never overweight but was definitely out of shape, a junk food junkie and had knee and back issues. Sept of 2010 i couldn't run to my mailbox and I have a short driveway. A lot of prayers, 4 months of training, improved eating habits and I ran 26.2 miles in 4 hours and 29 minutes. This was such an AWESOME experience that has changed my life. Maybe your friend wants you to experience that. Full or 1/2 is an amazing accomplishment. I don't know where you are in your training but for me the first month was tough and a little defeating, could you be experiencing the drain before the gain? My friend, who I considered a coach, and running buddy told me; Your body CAN do it if you train it. Your "head" has to know you can do it. Don't let the "bad" runs get you down, we all have them, and keep picturing yourself crossing the finish line. I spoke with and read about quite a few "runners" and they all had the same advice. I took the advice to heart. My "coach" had to downgrade to the 1/2 a month before the race but continued to help as much as she could with long runs. I ran it "alone" with her advice in my head. It was AMAZING! I am now starting to train with a another friend (my "coach" moved) for our first 1/2. I'm so excited to be able to be a part of her experience as this is her first race. I would be sad if she decided to postpone because it is so worth the hard work, pain and time it takes to prepare. The self discipline you gain is a huge asset as well as the benefits of improved health. It's not for everyone but I pray you give it a fair chance. Even if you never did another race it would be a great experience. Whatever your decision keep on track for a heathy life! Blessings!

I agree! top runners say that they are no different than anyone else, except that they can tolerate the pain and not let their mind stop them. I'm going through that now - painful run yesterday after a hard long day at work, so I was tired and wanted to stop, but I talked myself into getting through the pain and moving forward. Next run will be better, I'm sure.