Question: How long does it take to train for a 1/2 marathon and how long should you
have already been running to consider doing one and also what is a decent
pace time for someone to have to consider doing a 1/2 marathon....so that
they don't come in dead last! :)
Answer:
This kind of question is really hard to answer, because people are so
variable. Most 1/2 marathons have a _lot_ of people participating, so
you have very little chance of coming in exactly last. Some people are
disappointed if they don't break 6min/mile; others are happy with 10
or 12 minute miles, or with finishing at all, or (better yet) with finishing
and still being able to walk normally the next day. Some people (particularly
those that are in good shape from other sports) can train for a month or
two and run 13.1 miles comfortably; others need to train for _years_ to
be able to run that far without hurting themselves. I'd say you should get
to the point where you don't think 10 miles is a very long run, before
you do the 1/2 marathon. Realize that for distance running, you have to
develop more than just endurance; your bones and joints have to adapt to
the stress. This takes time and work. The good part is that most people
can do it if they train consistently, with a gradually increasing schedule,
etc. Don't over do it and injure yourself.
The stock answer is probably something like this: figure out how many miles
a week you run now. This should include one "long" run that is about twice
as long as your "normal" day. Take some time to rest (days off, or light
training days) every week. Increase your mileage no more than about 10%
per week, until you are running something like 25-30 miles a week for a
few weeks, and a 10miler is no big deal. Don't worry about "speedwork"
- (finish a few races before you try to finish them fast). Run the
13.1, and wear the T-shirt at every possible opportunity.
