Thinking about signing up for a half marathon

OK here the thing, I was on the treadmill doing my usual run when someone approached me about signing up for a half marathon.  I've only been running for about 5 weeks and just am able to run for 15 minuets with out stopping at 5.5 which is a little over 1.5 miles, then I walk for 2 minutes then do another mile totaling about 3 miles. 

So, I did a little research on half marathon and training.... that's what like 13.5 miles wow.  The Marathon is in November so that will give about 3 months to training....  any suggestions/advice? 

Jade

it's actually only 13.1 miles ha! like that .4 miles is a big deal at that point.
Congrats on considering doing this.

That is not a lot of time.  I think most of the programs are a 12 week cycle
If you start now, you have half of August, Sept, and Oct. so you are pushing it on that 12 week cycle.
Not that it can't be done, I'm sure if you wanted to you could do it.  Especially if you went with one of the programs that incorporated walking.  Run the 1/2 marathon as an interval.  Plan on walking 1 mile walking a 1/4 and repeat or something like that.


Here are some training programs for 1/2 marathon. 

http://www.halhigdon.com/halfmarathon/index.htm

http://www.jeffgalloway.com/training/half_marathon.html

Scott

Don't think about it.  DO IT!

It's completely do-able!  You don't have to run the whole thing, but it's a neat experience.  In fact, the one I walked with my mom and sister was some of the most fun I've had at a race.

Go for it!

Linn 

I'm with Scott.  Don't think about it.  DO IT!

My husband and I did the Chicago Rock 'n' Roll 1/2 Marathon August 2nd and had a blast.

I am a power walker who adds jogging intervals.  We finished in 2:43:43 - a 12:30 minute mile.  Alternating walking and running is a great idea.  The goal for your first race should be to finish  and do it vertically.  You can work on speed in later races.

Ashley

BTW - We are already registered for our next race!

Oh yeah.  One more thing. 

I found a sticker at the Expo with the following quote:
"The miracle isn't that I finished.  The miracle is I had the courage to start."

How is that for motivation?!