STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

ladysi78250 · Dooney & Bourke

Half marathon in 13 weeks

jah · Dooney & Bourke

Honestly, no. Most of the good half marathon programs that I know of are 16-17 weeks long. That said, these programs expect that beginners can run a 3-4 mile distance. So, I would recommend you start a conditioning program to get to the point where you can run 3-4 miles comfortably and then from there start the half marathon training program of 16-17 weeks. Find another half that is the right timing, don't try to force your training into the marathon scheduling.

Or you could start with a shorter distance event? Do they have a 10K you could run?

gingembre1 · Kate Spade

13 weeks for a half marathon if you're basically starting from zero is kind of pushing it. The last thing you want to do is injure yourself!! Have you considered walking the half marathon? That's still a really big challenge. Otherwise, I would check into a shorter option, such as a 10k, as JAH mentioned, or even look into a marathon later in the year. Check into running groups in your area - a lot of specialty running stores have groups that run once or twice a week, and they usually accept people of all levels. Or have you thought about doing something like Team In Training or the AIDS marathon? They give you very detailed training plans, GREAT coaching, a support network, and you're supporting a great cause.