Thinking of attempting a 1/2 marathon

[Mark2024]

Early 60s, BMI ~ 29.5, exercising about 35 minutes 5 times a week.

Is it a realistic goal to attempt a 1/2 marathon? Is it really that hard?

Asking because I saw a running shoes deal on Amazon. Many of the reviewers mentioned they are running marathons.

 

[braumeister]

If you're in reasonably good condition, it's perfectly possible and a great lifetime achievement. My only caveat is that you may want to check with your doctor to see if there might be anything of concern. Probably not, but better safe than sorry.

I ran my first full marathon at 58, a few more after that, and a great many half marathons.

Here are just a couple of suggestions for training, but you can find many more online:

Half Marathon Training

Marathon Training Plans

 

[MarieIG]

You may want to get clearance from your doctor and discuss with him/ her the process of starting a training program.

 

[Mark2024]

Thanks for the suggestions. My primary physician has multiple pictures of him doing triathlons. I will check with him.

 

[MarieIG]

Thanks for the suggestions. My primary physician has multiple pictures of him doing triathlons. I will check with him.

So there's a good chance he would be willing to work with you!

 

[RetiredAt49]

Go for it! I was an avid full marathon runner… beat my Boston qualifying time by 30+ minutes in my 40’s. I believe anyone can run a half marathon with a little training. However, in order to place in the top x, you’ll need to train hard especially when placing well for a full marathon.

 

[mystang52]

Presuming no medical barriers, yes a Half Marathon is attainable. I suggest you find one that is reasonably flat, for your first one. Equally important is you find one scheduled for at least 4 months hence, better yet longer. Training for any longer distance race involves increasing your weekly mileage at a slow and steady rate. Especially for new runners, you risk injury by adding too much mileage too quickly.

 

[Mark2024]

Presuming no medical barriers, yes a Half Marathon is attainable. I suggest you find one that is reasonably flat, for your first one. Equally important is you find one scheduled for at least 4 months hence, better yet longer. Training for any longer distance raise involves increasing your weekly mileage at a slow and steady rate. Especially for new runners, you risk injury by adding too much mileage too quickly.

The most I have ever done recently is about 4 miles. I was very tired but more really bored.

 

[aja8888]

I have ran a couple of full marathons (years ago). The good thing about a 1/2 marathon is you won't "hit the wall" at 20 + miles out.

 

[braumeister]

The most I have ever done recently is about 4 miles. I was very tired but more really bored.

Since you're probably overweight, remember that running hard causes a lot of pounding on the joints which can lead to injury.

Just look for one of the training plans with a goal of "to finish" rather than a time goal.

 

[Aerides]

How far can you currently run?

If not at all, a typical couch-to-5k plan is around 10-12 weeks. If you can put in the time (daily short runs, a couple of longs per week, getting longer each time), you'll get from there to a decent chance at a half in another 3-4 months after that. Expect some injuries though, don't sign up and pay for the race until you are ready.

Asking because you saw shoes on sale sounds...odd. The amount of training to go from couch-to-half will probably wear them out before race day.

 

[captain3d]

The most I have ever done recently is about 4 miles. I was very tired but more really bored.

This sounds like you don’t like running. In that case why do it? 4 miles is just a warm up for people who like running.

 

[Midpack]

You may want to get clearance from your doctor and discuss with him/ her the process of starting a training program.

+1. You may well be able to handle it.

A cautionary tale: I ran a full marathon at age 30 just to see if I could do it, but I could not do it today even if I wanted to. I am an active 69 yo, BMI 27 (8% overweight ), and I play golf & pickleball several times a week and exercise walk daily. About a year ago I decided I'd up my pace to a slow run just for the added exercise. Started off OK, but after about a month, my knee really started to hurt - there really wasn't any warning that was going to happen, I went from feeling fine to hardly able to walk almost overnight. It took months to recover, so while I will continue to walk every day 2 to 8 (golf) miles a day, I will never again try to run - the impact is more than my joints will allow. I choose cardio that's easier on my joints now like brisk walking, rowing, biking, swimming.

If you're able, more power to you! Just work up to it slowly, we're not kids anymore...and we don't bounce back as fast!

 

[braumeister]

+1. I ran a full marathon at age 30 just to see if I could do it, but I could not do it today even if I wanted to. I am 69 yo and I exercise walk daily, and I decided I'd up my pace to slow run just for the added exercise. Started off OK, but after about a month, my knee really started to hurt - there really wasn't any warning that was going to happen. It took months to recover, so while I will continue to walk every day 2 to 8 (golf) miles a day, I will never again try to run.

FWIW, there is a large community of walkers who do half marathons. DW is one of them, and has completed a walking half in all 50 states and DC, with well over 80 in total.

50 States Half Marathon Club

 

[aja8888]

On another note about running long distances, when I was starting out (late 20's) and got serious, it took about 6 months to train for my first marathon.

And I was running with an experienced marathoner every other day. Eventually, I got strong enough (muscles, cardio system) and was at 149 pounds, 5' 11". Then for 20+ years I ran 12 months of the year, even in snow and ice back east. My wife thought I was a nut case.

Now at late 70's my two new hips are doing just fine, but I still have both my original knees!

 

[Mr. Tightwad]

When you run your race, wear a new pair of shoes, not some worn out pair. Not completely brand new, but a new pair that you have walked around the house in for at least an hour, maybe ran one workout in. If completely new you'd be asking for blisters.

 

[RE2Boys]

All extremely good advice given here, I really want to emphasize the slow build up of mileage over an extended period of time, I've made that mistake in my younger years and it always resulted in injuries. Listen to your body at all times, and if something hurts, cut back the mileage. I'd give yourself at least six months to train for the half.

I've trained and completed 8 marathons, the last when I was 42 years old. Kids put a stop to serious training and when I tried to pick up the training program about five years later, my knees really hurt if I ran on any type of pavement.

I still enjoy going out once or twice a week, but I'm strictly limited to forest trails/tractor or ATV trails these day, about 4 miles. And I need to lift the knees to avoid catching a root or rock or mini-stump or risk taking a header into the ground. I'm now 73.

The doctor check up is a good idea. After my quad bypass ( a total out of the blue surprise 4 years ago with no warning, I quizzed the doc about my activities and rate myself extremely fortunate that even though I had symptoms of a mild heart attack, no test indicates any myocardial damage. In fact his exact words were that I can resume marathon training. But my knees disagree.

 

[H2ODude]

Just because you can do something doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a good idea. I’ve tried to maintain good aerobic exercise since my thirties and at 72 I’d say it’s served me well. Those 7 mile runs 4-5 times a week have been replaced by trail biking and gym machines. I’d much rather run but every time I try, even only 2-3 miles, my knees scream. Plantar fasciitis also ended the regular running. But I’d say it’s been a life of enjoyable exercise, in the woods when I could, and it is the basis of my mental as well as physical health. Yeah, ran one marathon at 52 (Grandfather Mtn) so I could check that box. I did it to join my son before he entered Peace Corps and only had about 2-3 months to up my routine to make it …. Enjoyable? Anyway, I’d ask yourself exactly what would a 1/2 marathon achieve for you? After my one marathon I pretty much gave up running for months. Run? Ugh. Consider a sustainable goal that IMO would not only give you longer term benefit but not have the punishment of reaching so far. After a while it might well be something that not only looks like fun but would be much more achievable. Best of luck!

 

[braumeister]

When you run your race, wear a new pair of shoes, not some worn out pair. Not completely brand new, but a new pair that you have walked around the house in for at least an hour, maybe ran one workout in. If completely new you'd be asking for blisters.

I don't think that's such a good idea. Fairly new, yes. But an hour or two isn't nearly enough to start breaking them in. Also, running shoes are much better built than they used to be.

The one little tradition I've maintained is to always wear a brand new pair of running socks for a race. The extra cushioning just feels good, even if it's only in my mind.

 

[RunningBum]

This sounds like you don’t like running. In that case why do it? 4 miles is just a warm up for people who like running.

+1. You got bored running 4 miles, and the trigger to run a half is that you see other people doing them that are getting the shoes you are looking at. Not a real good reason IMO. Train for and run a 10K and see how that goes, and see if you still want to do a half marathon.

 

[topnotcher]

+1. You got bored running 4 miles, and the trigger to run a half is that you see other people doing them that are getting the shoes you are looking at. Not a real good reason IMO. Train for and run a 10K and see how that goes, and see if you still want to do a half marathon.

+1 Spot on. Start small, work your way up. Pay close attention to pain. Don't ignore it.

 

[Ronstar]

Early 60s, BMI ~ 29.5, exercising about 35 minutes 5 times a week.

Is it a realistic goal to attempt a 1/2 marathon? Is it really that hard?

Asking because I saw a running shoes deal on Amazon. Many of the reviewers mentioned they are running marathons.

If your body can handle long distance running, I see no reason why you can't run a half marathon.

If you get enough training, anything is possible. Everyone is different, but I suppose if you get up to 20 or so training miles per week, building up to weekly long runs of 10 miles, then a half marathon would be achievable in 4 or 5 months.

I've been doing distance running for 45 years, having run my most recent marathon at 61 years old, 6 years ago. I won't do another marathon due to the strain on my joints. But half marathons are far less stressful.

I could see any runner in decent shape being able to run a half marathon into their 70's. The key is keeping away from injuries. Just keep the knees, hips, ankles, and back healthy and pain free.

 

[braumeister]

Train for and run a 10K and see how that goes, and see if you still want to do a half marathon.

I would certainly concur with that. The people with the most useful advice on this subject are those who fully consider themselves runners, and who love doing it. As a result, they may not give a beginner the best possible advice.
That's why it's best to search out a lot of training advice and select the parts most suitable.

 

[erkevin]

https://www.halhigdon.com/training-programs/half-marathon-training/novice-1-half-marathon/

Also, find two different pairs of running shoes. Different shoes stress the feet in different way, on different points. Rotate them. It also allows the foam to recover between runs (I ran over a dozen half-thons at over 200 lbs).

 

[Dtail]

Why are you interested in running a half marathon if you get bored after 4 miles?
What end result do you hope to achieve?