JuniperJen's Keeping It Consistent Group - FULL (Page 28)

Kristen, it took me about 26 weeks. So half a year. I first did a 10k running group which was 10 weeks and a few weeks after that ended I was convinced to do the half marathon group which was 16 weeks.  Most plans start off gently so I don't see why you couldn't build to this October.

It's all about your own comfort level, though - but what helped me decide was looking at a plan and the first few weeks were even easier than I was doing than when training for the 10k.  Take a look at plans and see if the beginning feels like it's do-able on your current fitness. Don't look too far though, the long runs sound scary at first but when you take it week by week it's suddenly very manageable.  And stay with the beginner plans, the intermediate/advanced ones seem scary too.

For example, here's Hal Higdon's begginer plan: http://www.halhigdon.com/halfmarathon/novice.htm  (he has the longest run at 10 miles - I think I did 12 when I trained - i have the plan that I could send to you if you wanted)

I did a modified 14 week training plan.  I used Hal Higdon's 10 week plan and added a couple of weeks into because I was really nervous.  The longest run I did was 11.5 miles and I did the 1/2 just fine.  When starting the plan I think the most I had run was 4 miles, you can do it! 

It took me 7 months to do my first 1/2 marathon.  I first started running in March and the was a race in October that had a 6 mile option and 1/2 marathon.  After I ran my first 5K in April I thought the 6 mile race would be a nice goal, no way I could do 13.1 by October.

Over the next 6 months I did races of 4 miles, 7 miles, 10K and a 15K.  Surprise surprise I can run, and decided I could do the 1/2 and had a great time!

Never thought I could run any of those distance, but slowly increased my miles and it worked out well.  Good luck!

Thanks everyone for all the feedback on training for a 1/2 marathon!  Sounds like it's do-able.  I never in a million years would have thought I'd be considering this if you asked me a year ago... 

Robby - The one I'm actually thinking of doing is the Mohawk Hudson River/Marine Corps Reserves 1/2 Marathon in Albany on Oct 9th.  My parents still live in the area and I hear the course is either flat or downhill, which is nice for a first-timer like me!  Have you ever run this race?

I went for a nice run outside today, FINALLY!  It's about 50 degrees here!! 

Happy Monday everyone!!

I don't mean to be so cheerful but I am so very excited!!! I bought a bike yesterday!!!  I really didn't mean to but we went to the spring bike show and sale to take a peek around and the LBS closest to me had a great deal on a Felt B12 in my size.  I forgot the picture at home.  My husband got them to throw in a fluid trainer for $50 off as well.  :D

But, I don't have it yet. I have to call to go for a fitting but you can bet that will happen quickly.

It is BEAUTIFUL but i am a little sheepish - not sure what I'll do with such a powerful bike and I know the first few outdoor rides will be pretty scary or pathetically slow. 

Had a really crappy run yesterday...I remember why I run right when I get up!!!  Ran at 1:30 yesterday afternoon, after I had eaten lunch and felt sick the entire run.  No good.  The weekend was not so great.  Because of all the rain St. Louis got Friday into Saturday am our basement flooded and it is a huge mess . 

Oh well...on a positive note I have my first race since Thanksgiving this coming Saturday and I am really excited about it!!  It is a St. Patricks Day 5 mile run.  I can't wait!!!

Hope everyone's weekend was good!