The length of time required to train for a first half marathon depends upon a number of factors. But one of the reasons for the popularity of half marathons is that most people are able to compete in their first event within a relatively short period of time - often as little as 3 months.
The idea of running a full, 26.2 mile marathon is something which is extremely daunting for most of us. However, the proliferation of half marathons, and huge numbers of people of all ages who have participated in them, shows how achievable they are for ordinary people.
The basic idea of training for any event is what's called progressive overload. Start with what you can do. Some people may already be able to run, but many beginners probably haven't run in years. In which case they should start with walking. You may think that walking won't do you much good, but if you haven't participated in any form of exercise for some time you, walking for 30 minutes a day every day of the week will start to make noticeable differences to your body in just a couple of weeks. You'll be able to go faster, and still not get so out of breath. And you'll probably start to lose a few pounds, as long as you haven't started treating yourself to a pizza every day as a reward for all that exercise!
One of the great things about mass participation half marathons is that everybody is in the same boat. Sure there are the elite runners at the front who want to set a world record. But you probably won't see them except for on the TV highlights. The large majority will be people just like you - who want to get fit and have a bit of fun, possibly raising some money for their favourite charity on the way. They are not so fiercely competitive that it becomes a drain. And the shared endurance, not to mention cheering crowd of spectators, gives a genuinely life enhancing boost. There is no pressure to achieve a particular time, other than that which you put upon yourself.
So, if your target just to get round the circuit before the organisers put away the cones (typically 4 hours) most people can complete enough training in a few months. If you are a bit more competitive and are aiming for 2 or 2.5 hours, 6 months should give you all the time you need to build up your endurance and speed, steadily each week. If you want to break the world record, it will almost certainly take a little longer!
Find out more about training for a half marathon at www.erunningweightloss.com/halfmarathontraining
Rob Knowles used to be a sedentary, overweight office dweller. He still wastes his days trying to earn an honest living in an office, but he did take up running, he lost some weight and now he just won't stop going on about it!
© 2012 Rob Knowles
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