For those familiar with Fitness

[Kate Moss]

Hello,
Just after some honest opinions...

Plymouth half marathon is at the end of May and I am tempted to take part to raise money for a charity.
However.. i do absolutely NO exercise what so ever and haven't for a long time. Is it unrealistic to think that i can get myself fit and healthy enough in 5 months to run 13 odd miles?

What do you think?


Thanks

kate

[Bluefish]

No, get out there training, 13 miles is not that far ;)

[MisterTommyH]

5 Months is plenty of time. Spend about a month working on general fitness (getting used to running) then fall into a 12 week training plan) - Plenty of these available online for all kinds of abilities. If you're just looking to finish pick a beginners plan, if you're looking for a time (say 2 hours) go for an intermediate plan and see where you go from there.

Plenty of advice on runnersworld.co.uk forums

It is a brilliant feeling crossing that line for the first time.......you might even get hooked.

[Viney]

More to do with running than fitness. What i do know is that you start with a run round the block, then increase the distance as you go on. Also get some PROPER running shoes and dont skimp on them.

You'll be fine.

[anna]

The runners of the forum will be along shortly, but IMHO it is plenty of time to work up to it.

http://www.c25k.com/

The above is a 9 week program designed to help someone go from the couch to be able to run a 5km it might be a good place to start, and then to add to it.

Like I said though people with far more running experience then I have will be along shortly.

[Ed]

The course is fairly flat apart from a long drag up a hill through Saltram Park, although it's a fairly gentle hill, and then that beast of a hill from the Barbican up to The Hoe.

Who said anything about running 13 miles - I did it about 10 years ago, lots of peeps were walking.

[stewie]

Yes, its defo do'able, check out this site for info, support etc
www.fetcheveryone.com (http://www.fetcheveryone.com)
you'll do it if you want to do it, start by run/walking and dont be afraid to stop if you're struggling slightly, get yourself some decent trainers and dont overdo it, pop into the running thread anytime and ask for any advice you want, and dont forget to enjoy it :D

[the_lone_wolf]

As above, if you want to do it you won't have a problem getting ready in five months, don't go all out because you're highly likely to injure yourself and that's a real git of a setback, start slowly and you'll be amazed how quickly your fitness improves

Don't know much about running myself, but I'd recommend finding a decent running shoe that fits correctly. My dad (OK, he's in his sixties) had knee problems on the treadmill at the gym and went to a centre where they measure your stride, pressure of your sole and all manner of variables, recommended him a different shoe and he's been fine since.

Do you know someone who wants to do the same event? Having a partner who must achieve the same goal is a great motivator to stop you flaking during the low periods

Good luck:cool:

[stewie]

http://www.frankelfordsports.co.uk/
might help :)

[andrewsmith]

5 months is more than enough!

My mate trained for the Great North Run in 11 weeks

[Kate Moss]

Ok, i think il do it!

[GeneticBubble]

Train carrying the heaviest weights you can get or wearing all the clothes you own, that way when it comes to event day and your only wearing your running clothes you will feel stupidly light.

i dont know if that would actually work but sounds good on paper :rolleyes:

[krhall]

You'll do it no problem, but start training now...join the running thread, there is loads of useful advice on there and talk to Sarah. She went from virtually nothing to a super marathon in a really short space of time so would be an excellent reference point for getting started. She is now running mental things like Grim etc.

You will need good running shoes, with gait analysis and running socks. Don't go cheap on your first pair, they make such an incredible difference to injuries and aches they are worth ever penny.

Seems Frank Elford gets very good write ups, if you can find a sweatshop they do a 30 day guarantee so if you don't get on with the shoes you can change them even if you have piled on 300 miles or more.

[the_lone_wolf]

Train carrying the heaviest weights you can get or wearing all the clothes you own

Sounds like a recipe for heatstroke to me....;)

[stewie]

Train carrying the heaviest weights you can get or wearing all the clothes you own, that way when it comes to event day and your only wearing your running clothes you will feel stupidly light.

i dont know if that would actually work but sounds good on paper :rolleyes:
Might be a bit early for resistance training ;)