Calling all Half + Marathoners - Am I Ready?

I can run 6.57 miles, with hills up to 3% incline and decline on return route, with a pace of approximately 10:40, without stopping/walking.

I can now run 8.84 miles, with incline/decline of up to 4%, with about 1 minute of walk time at around the 7 mile mark (on an up hill part of route). Other than that, I can run the route. My best pace is 11:00 for this distance.

I haven't tried a run longer than the 8.84 miles. I have a route to add to on to my 8.84 mile route, which will take me to 12.08 miles, complete with some long inclines.

ANYWAY....my question is:   If I can run the 8.84 miles, am I ready to try a half marathon? OR should I be able to run a longer distance without any stops?  My routes are hilly, some with long inclines, so I get a pretty good workout from them....just not sure how to tell when I am ready to atttempt a HALF.

It is a scary thought...but exciting as well.  I JUST DON'T KNOW HOW TO TELL IF I AM READY?

Thanks for your input......You are all so inspirational, I cannot believe I am even thinking of doing a Half!

You are absolutely ready for the half. I have used 10 miles as the bench mark. If you can do ten, you can do the half. You are only a week from the ten. Once you get it out of the way, you will have a better idea of what you will want to do for the second. If you want to go faster, longer, etc in training. In my opinion, there is no shame in walking, anyway.

 I agree with Scott, I went from around 8.8 to 10 in a week, and from there I was ready (ready is a relative word though, eh?) - and you're running a faster pace than me :)  

Dang right you are ready.

Sign up and do it!!!!!!!!!!!!

Congratulations!

You are ready.  I never did anything longer than 8 miles before my first 1/2 marathon.
I did my 8 mile run then got sick as a dog for a couple weeks.  Race day came around and the couple weeks "rest" and the excitement of the day carried me to the end.
I ran my second 1/2 marathon 20 days later and it was even easier and it was run faster, just because I knew what to expect.

You can do it.

Scott

You are ready for sure! You go, you can do it! I did a little over 9 miles before my half and did fine. Good luck to you!
Lisa

Thanks for the input everyone! I guess I have the mindset that I need to be able to run 13.2 miles, non-stop in order to even attempt a half. I know, I know, stupid mindset!

I am going to start searching www.active.com and www.runnersworld.com to see if I can find a half to participate in after my 10K on June 6th.

I am going to try my 8.84 again tomorrow, and see how it feels. Then plan to increase to 10 next weekend... then the following increase to 11 or 12.

I guess it is just a matter of reframing my anxiety to excitement!  I AM EXCITED TO KNOW THAT I CAN DO A HALF  (and finish, with some walking or without).

Thanks for the encouragement and I will keep ya posted on what I find (wish my friends were into this as much as me! Would be nice to have some company when I do my first half!)

Kathy

Whether YOU think you are ready or not, YOU are right! IMHO I say go for the 1/2...

Thanks Dan! I am now convincing my DH that my running is not going to ruin me later in life. The 180 lbs. I was carrying definatley would have ruined me!  He's very worried and I am careful to not misread his concern for lack of support.

I shared your blog with him...he was in awe!

Thanks for the support!

Kathy

Just piling on...yes! You should absolutely do it. And really, do you care that much how fast you are? What an accomplishment just to finish right? I know it's not for a while, but I run the Vegas 1/2 marathon every December. You get to run the length of the vegas strip and then stay around for spa activities and a show - a little decadence with your accomplishment.

You can read about all the races I've entered here: inchbyinch.typepad.com

Let us know how it goes!

JB