10k to 1/2 (to Full?)

I wanted to get some thoughts from the other runners on here about stepping up to the next level.  I have run 2 road course 5ks and 2 5k mud runs over the last 12 months.  

I started CrossFit in March and decided to see how that added to my running and I ran 10k about 2 months ago on a Saturday just for the heck of it.  Finished the 10k part in 1:15 approx.

I am looking at a Half Marathon in October, and I have read that if you can do a 10k, you can do a 1/2!?  Thoughts on that being true?

After the 10k run, my hips were pretty sore and feet were beat up (I run in barefoot Merrells) but otherwise ok.

So, just wanted to see how "easy"/difficult the transition was from 5k to 10k (done) to 10mi / to 1/2 to.... dare I say it a full marathon?

The reason I am asking, if the thought is that I "could" probably run a 1/2 right now as is...then I might could train to run a full marathon by October?

They had a Living Social special on the marathon, it was $10 more than the half and I can change at the last minute if needed.  So I am jumping in with both feet and signed up for the FULL marathon!!

Looking at signing up at a local CrossFit gym that also has an endurance (running) focus, hoping to get on a good training schedule so I am ready.

Sam

Of course you can do anything you set your mind (and body) to! However, I would encourage you to do your training with a group and with certified coaches. I've done 3 Half marathons, 2 with sorta-structured training groups and 1 with a professional training group and am currently training for my first Full (Marine Corps in Oct) with a training group. I LOVE the support, clinics, camaraderie, structure, and oversight that my running club offers - - it's well worth the money to me! 

If your CrossFit gym has a program that starts ASAP, then you might be ready for the Full by the end of October but most programs I've seen have you training 6 months for a Full and 3-4mo for a Half. Be prepared to invest a LOT of time out on the road - 1 long run, 1 mid-week run and 2 weekday runs, with 2 rest/crosstraining days. Also, if your Merrells are giving you fits, you might get refitted at your running store and let them know what your new distance goal is, as they may be good for 5-10ks but you might need something different for longer distances, especially if your body is screaming at you (aches & pains can sometimes be telling you that you're in the wrong shoe!). Good luck & happy running!!!

Ok, I am jealous about the MC Marathon, that looks to be a tough one to get into!!  (I might have to try for 2014, it looks like a great place to run!)

I took your advice and found a local running club and signed up, will try and hit some group runs with them over the next few months.  I am planning on using the Run-Walk-Run system by Jeff Galloway since my #1 goal is to finish and stay injury free.

The CF gym program was crazy busy so I bailed on that, running on my own and doing weight training at my local Planet Fitness.  Works out really well actually, round trip is a 5k from my house / the gym so I run down there, lift and then run home!

I am having to decide on whether or not to try the 8mm sole on the "road" glove shoe from Merrell, vs my current 4mm "trail" version.  Love the minimalist shoes, but as you said, got to keep the feet happy.

Sam

Congrats on joining your local club! I hope it works out for you and sounds like you're training smart

Tips for MCM: they sell out every year in the matter of hours (even when Active.com doesn't crash!) so I was online THE SECOND registration opened, and even so was pure luck that I got in. Those running with charities get guaranteed entry, often RRCA clubs can get certain reserved bibs for those training in their programs, and people who run in the Spring 17.75 miler get guaranteed entry upon completion. Just a few tips for anyone considering MCM....

You can totally do it! I went from 5k & 10K to marathon. Finished my first marathon 11 months post op from 400 pounds so you could totally do a half! Go Get em...

No doubt you can handle the half!  Increase you mileage a bit on weekends and dial in your nutrition and you are good to go!  Good Luck keep us posted!.