sort of new to running - need your help

Small increments. Increase your non-stop distance by 1/10 mile per week (or more if it works for you).

Totally possible! I would recommend doing the Galloway method to build your cardiovascular endurance up to longer distance (walk a minute/run whatever is comforatable) then slowly switch to less walking. When I went to higher mileages (full marathon, woot!) I just slowed my pace from about 11 to 13 when I first started upping it, so I wasn't winded as quickly, that helped a lot.

Hi, i have been running for a year now, on and off. I love it too!

I started off doing the couch 2 5k programme, then the Gateway to 8k and then Bupa half marathon training plan. Like you, it took awhile before i had the endurance to run anything over 5k non stop but the interval training of Gateway to 8k really helped. Varying my running and incorporating hill work and speed training really helped as well.

By the way, I started running in Sep 10 and did one of the hilliest half marathons in July 11, so you'll be fine! You can def do it!!

Good luck

You've mastered the 5K, which is HUGE! Congrats! I found that setting a goal race for a further distance, then training for it by following a training program helped me tremendously. I like Hal Higdon's plans. If you follow the beginner, you do a couple of shorter runs during the week, followed by a longer run on the weekend. This plan has you slowly building your endurance by increasing the distance of long runs each week.

I know for me personally I can run a greater distance outside compared to on the treadmill. For some reason..running on a treadmill even if it's just a mile..it is a struggle for me. However, outside..I can easily do 3 miles and have even worked up to 5 miles before (working on that again) So if possible..if you could most of your running outside that would prob help increase your pace...I also remember reading an article in a running magazine how if you run on a track it also helps increase your pace. Good luck to you

The following is from an article I read...

One of the biggest challenges beginner runners face is increasing their distance. As they try to push their runs a little bit farther, new runners often face physical and mental obstacles. If you're just getting started with running, try some of these strategies to make your runs longer -- and more enjoyable. Just remember that, in order to prevent injuries, you should not increase your weekly mileage by more than 10% each week.
Make Sure You Warm-up
A good warm-up before running can prevent all sorts of problems, such as side stitches and muscle tightness, that could sabotage your run. And -- along those same lines -- don't forget to cool down for at least five minutes at the end of your run, too.

Run Outside
Let's face it: Running on the treadmill can sometimes be, well, boring. Although treadmill running may be a little easier physically, it can be a much more difficult mental challenge. So, if weather and safety permits, get yourself outside for your runs. The fresh air, scenery, and new routes may distract you so much that you'll run longer than you normally would on that old treadmill.
Do a Run/Walk Combination
Don't put pressure on yourself to run the entire length of your desired distance. By doing a run/walk combination, you'll be able to cover more distance and you'll still get a great workout. And, don't worry, you'll slowly build the fitness -- and confidence -- you need to run longer without walking.
Stop and Stretch
"I had to stop running because my calf/quad/hamstring was tight." Tightness in various muscles is a common reason why beginner runners (as well as more experienced ones) end their runs early. Often, if you're feeling tightness in a muscle, a little mid-run stretching can go a long way. Try stretching the affected body part for about 30 seconds and then try continuing your run. Of course, if you're feeling pain that doesn't get better as you warm-up, you may need to stop running. (Find out more about when it's OK to run through pain.)
Run with Other People
Many of the beginner runners I coach remark that they never would be able to run long without their running partners. Whether it's because of peer pressure, the distraction of conversation, the motivational support, or maybe a combination of all three, runners who buddy up with friends usually find that they can run longer. If you usually run alone, ask a friend or family member to join you, or find a running group near you.
Prevent Side Stitches
While you may think that side stitches are an inevitable part of running, you can actually avoid them. Follow these steps to preventing side stitches, so they don't force you to cut your runs short.
Run at a Conversational Pace
One of the most common reasons why beginner runners stop running before they reach their goal distance is because they're running too fast. When you're first getting started with running, you really should be running at a conversational pace, which means that you can very easily talk in complete sentences while running. If you're gasping for air, you're definitely going too fast.

Add Strength Training
Strength training helps your body better deal with the stresses of running. Your muscles will be able to perform longer before getting fatigued, which means you can go for more miles. All it takes is two or three 15- to 20-minute strength-training sessions a week to build more muscle mass.

Congratulations on running your first 5k! I love to hear that people are enjoying the sport. I started running when I was 5 years old with my father who was a track coach. I have been running for more than 30 years and it's still my go to exercise. No frills needed, just a pair of shoes and the road. Back to your questions: My first recommendation is to get off the treadmill and get outside. Fall is a wonderful time to be out there. The miles go by much faster when the scenery changes (at least for me). My second suggestion is to alternate running and walking. Run for a mile then walk for a 1/2 mile, then go back to running for a 1/2 mile, walk for a 1/2 mi etc. If you want a plan that has been around for years try looking into Jeff Galloway's method. I have heard many people swear by it. It's a run/walk plan as well. On a slightly different topic, I'd also recommend you have a good pair of running shoes to prevent injury. Go to a reputable shoe store that will take time to look at the way you run and fit you properly. Another thing, increasing distance is a leading cause of injury so be sure to ramp up slowly. I see no reason why you shouldn't be able to do a 1/2 by next Sept though. Best of luck!
Keri

I started with Couch to 5k about a year ago. I have now finished 3 half marathons and I am training for a full marathon.

I love running but I am not fast and that is not really my goal. I agree with Anne, check out Jeff Galloway. I use his method to train and it has increased my endurance far beyond what I thought I could do. This has keep me enjoying running and I have lost weight and feel much healthier. I also allows me to run long distances and then still have energy left for my job, family and life!

The basic idea is that you alternate running and walking segments. For example, I run for 3 minutes, walk for 1, run for 3. I got a timer called a Gymboss that is helpful, $20 on Amazon. Anyway, this keeps you from getting as tired and helps me to enjoy running more. At this point, I'd rather run 13 miles doing intervals of run/walk/run than 5k non stop.

I am a BIG fan of Jeff Galloway! Friend me if you have any questions.

Have you tried interval training?

For example jog slowly for 60 seconds, sprint for 30 seconds, jog for 60 seconds and so on. It works well because the slow jogging gives you a recovery period before each sprint but still it's really good for both fat burning and improving endurance - apparantly even better than just straight running.

I'm not an expert on it or anything but it helped me When I started running I could only go about 2k before having to stop but I built it up to 10k eventually!

Anything is possible. I love to run to. I stopped for a while but I started up again and when I did, I actually started with brisk walking and after 2 weeks running. I do 40 minutes when I run. To increase my speed, I do speed intervals. I do 10-15 min of my usual speed 4.0 and alternate to 4.5 for 5 min, then go back to 4.5 for 10-15 min. I did this before when I used to run about 15 miles weekly, and it helped me alot. Hope this helps, good luck.