My husband and I are trying to get in better shape in 2013, and we've always wanted to run a race. There's a huge 1/2 marathon in our city in 17 weeks. Neither of us can even run a mile right now, but I've done Couch to 5K in the past and enjoyed it, and I thought we could do Couch to 10K in 14 weeks, and walk/run the 1/2 marathon (21K) to the best of our ability.
Any of you ran or walk/ran a 1/2 marathon or another race? Any words of advice or encouragement?
persimmon / 1180 posts
I have no advice, but wanted to wish you good luck during your training!
nectarine / 2750 posts
When I ran my first half marathon, I probably only trained for about 4 months beforehand, so it is about the same. 
Since you are starting from low mileage, just make sure you stick to your training plan so you don't get off track! The fact that you guys are doing it together will help you keep each other motivated.
I would also suggest to sign up for a few shorter races between now and then - it's fun to have those little accomplishments along the way so you don't feel like you are just training day in and day out.
cantaloupe / 6885 posts
My first half I started running in Feb for a May race. I used Hal Higdons training program.
I've run two marathons - the last one DH decided to do it with me. He had never run before and started in July (he built himself up to 4 miles by that point) for our Oct race. We didn't win any time trials but had a blast and were in awesome shape. Good luck!!
nectarine / 2797 posts
You can do it! I love the run/walk plans in Marathoning for Mortals. Just listen to you body if you start to have pain.
GOLD / squash / 13464 posts
I second following Hal Higdon's training plan. It was effective for me when training for a 10k. If you don't run at all it might be tough to get to a point where you can run the whole half... But you will definitely be able to finish it!
blogger / pomelo / 5361 posts
You can definitely do it in that amount of time! I always added one mile a week to my long run. I think I trained in about 15 weeks from basically running nothing; when I started, I could run a mile, but only when I really pushed myself and thought I would die. Also, don't give up if it seems awful at first. I didn't get really into it until I started running 6 or 7 miles on my long runs. That's the point where I started getting a euphoric feeling from knowing I was doing something that the majority of people never do. Good luck!!
pomegranate / 3275 posts
I just signed up for a half marathon! You can totally do it! Just make sure that you and DH hold each other accountable. Keep running! You would be surprised at how easy it is to add a mile each week
After my first half marathon I felt so proud of myself, and there is no words that describe how accomplished you will feel. Good luck!!!
GOLD / squash / 13464 posts
@daniellemybelle: ok. You've inspired me. I'm going to try for it too next Monday at my 6week post partum appt I should get clearance from my doc to start working out. That means I'll have 4 weeks to get myself back to running 3 miles (which shouldn't be too bad) and then I can start Hal's 12 week half marathon program and finish it for the April 27th race day. We'll see if I'm able to stick to it with a baby to care for....
pear / 1723 posts
You can do it! I would try to do at least a couple of double digit runs/walks prior to race day though. There was a huge difference for me between 6 mi and 13. On race day, consider starting out walking, I know it's anti climactic, but it is so easy to get caught up in the energy at the starting line and then you burn out too fast. If you know you are going to walk a good chunk anyway, starting walking will let you get nice and warm before running too....and you'll get to pass the folks who poop out early
blogger / cherry / 192 posts
absolutely! start running one or two miles a few times a week, then start with 3 miles on the weekend. each weekend, add another mile. before you know it, you'll be there! adding mileage slowly is the key. and don't worry if you have to walk or rest - it's your race, do what feels right
kiwi / 603 posts
you can totally do it! i've run 5 1/2 marathons and i generally train for 12 weeks, but i'm a runner anyways who runs 2-3xs a week for 4 miles. but if you can build up to 2-3 miles in your first couple weeks and then do a 12 week training session, it'll be a breeze. i've known people to train in only 8 but they did a walk/run.
I agree w/ @char54, Hal Higdons is a great program to use. You can train only 3 days a week. Good luck! It's such a great feeling of accomplishment.
cantaloupe / 6669 posts
Wow, thank you everyone for the encouragement! I feel way more sure I can do it now. I really need an outlet and a goal right now, anyway, so I'm getting pretty excited!
If I built up to being able to run 6mi in one stretch by race time, how should I think about breaking it up into run/walks? Run 1 mile/walk 1 mile?
@MerryC: Thanks for the tip about walking first - it does sound anti-climatic, but it makes sense!
@MamaMoose: YAY! If you can do it so soon after baby, then I can definitely do it! See you race day
pear / 1563 posts
You can totally do it! I ran/ walked a 10 miler with less prep time and got through it just fine. I will say that recovery is tougher if you haven't been putting in some volume over the previous weeks, so that's something to keep in mind.
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