Is It possible to train for a half marathon in four months?

I'm possibly the most unfit person on the planet, but I have signed myself up to do a half marathon in four months time! Is it possible for me to train myself up in time to do this race, or am I likely to have a heart attack en route?





If the former, then can anyone recommend any good training plans?|||The cardinal rule of training for a long distance race like a half or full marathon is to respect the distance. These races require lots of time and dedication, and you must be willing to put forth a great deal of effort, especially if you are an inexperienced runner. There is no one who crosses the finish line for the first time who thinks that it was a walk in the park.





Most half marathon training programs consist of training for 12 weeks or 3 months (see link #1 for a sample program). They expect you to be able to comfortably run about 3 to 4 miles before the first day. If you are not used to running, getting your mileage up to that point should be your first step. Then you can proceed with the half marathon training program. With a four month deadline, you have the time, but you will have to work during that time.





I would highly recommend that you join a local half marathon training program. You can search for them at the Active.com website (see link #2). Training groups will tell you all of the pitfalls that are associated with training for a half marathon so that you do not get injured during your training. Also, they can provide crucial support for you when your training begins to seem too difficult and you begin to consider quitting.





Good luck on your training~!|||give yourself more time, I think you should do it next year, but that is only by the description you gave me.|||You can definitely do it. Most half marathon training plans are only 9 weeks long. In the weeks leading up to the official 9 week start just get a good base of miles in. Don't worry about speed, just focus on building endurance. I would suggest looking up a training plan on the Internet. There are plenty of beginners plans out there. Good Luck! Keep it fun.|||Sure you can. You may not be the fastest, but it's worth a shot. Plus they won't shoot you if you have to stop and walk. If you are new to jogging, start out by Jogging three minutes and walking two for 30 mins the first week. Gradually increase the number of minutes you are running. When you are ten weeks out, go to runnersworld.com and look at their half-marathon training plan, this will help you build endurance.





Be sure to warm up, cool down, and stretch often to avoid any setbacks because your body is new to this.|||I agree with Amanda....sure you can....if you are okay with running/walking. That is the best way to get started....run until you are tired then walk until you recover, and you will find your walk breaks will get smaller and the running will be come longer. And start slow...as your fitness builds, you will get better....my guess is that you would mostly want to finish...so concentrate getting your fitness and endurance training. The runner's world website is are great source for training plans. My husband used the Hal Higden plan (I think) to train for a marathon....there is also a half plan too. Good luck to you....you can do ANYthing you set your mind to. Just stick to a plan and allow yourself down time prior to the race (about 2 weeks) like tapering back from the full training.