I think it's definitely an achievable goal. I don't know of any apps, but if you live in an area where there are a lot of gyms, they probably have programs to help people train for these types of events. You definitely would want a trainer or coach, so you can avoid injuries!

You're inspiring! I'm trying to just be able to walk, to run or even jog is out of the question for me, but I plan to improve my ability to walk. I was just in Las Vegas for a few days and realized quickly that it is not a place for people with disabilities. I had to rent a scooter and found it was impossible to get around. At the airport I had to have a wheel chair, talk about depressing! I've got a 9 month old grandbaby who is crawling around like a whirlwind, I need to be able to catch up to him. So please keep us posted on your progress. It will be a motivator to me to continue my goals of being able to WALK a 5K this summer.

Anything is doable. You say you are not a runner or a jogger, yet you complete a 5K.

How often did you run before? Are you in a warm climate where you can train from now until then?

If running is what you love, then go for it. I personally would rather see you going to the gym and using all the aerobic machines that it has to offer.

Yes, you can. I have gone from a 10k to a half marathon in about 4 months so it can be done with the right training. You can start with the couch to 10k and go from there. You can also try Jeff Galloway’s run/walk program to start. A lot of my friends do this, especially those who haven’t run in a while. You can vary the time you run and walk, but usually work up to run 3 minutes and walk a minute.

I liked to do my one long run early on Saturday mornings when I was working but now I do them usually on Fridays. As to the hills, do hill repeats once a week. Start by finding a fairly steep hill, representative of one you will encounter in the course, then run about a mile or two to that hill at a warmup pace. Do 4 repeat runs of the hill (up and down) then take an easy jog back to your start point. You can change the hill location once you are comfortable with the hill. Later on you can try for some speed work if you want.

Another thing is to remember to take a day off each week and to do a day of cross training (weight training for runners, yoga, Pilates are all good) and incorporate good stretches after your runs, especially if you have some specific problem areas. Good luck!

Good comment by Outsideplaying. Start again with working towards 5K and 10K and then towards the half marathon. Yoga and Pilates will be good complements because a strong core is important to running. Weather could be a factor depending on where you live if you want to start training now. Running on a treadmill is boring and although it can be used in bad weather, you are going to need to run at least on a track or outside and learn how to propel your body and deal with grade changes. Also, SHOES! Get new shoes and *go to a running store where they will fit you* if you don't know your shoe/running style.

Also agree that if you go to the Y, they may also have a team that participates and trains in these events. I did C25K through the Y twice where we did the runs on our own but met with the running coach on Sat mornings for drills and workouts. But like Mtn said, I realize I don't really like running and my body is not built for it, but I'm glad I've done it. I've never done anything longer than 5 miles. It has not been my strongest activity. I am much better at cycling, and I have been doing Spin classes for 20 years! A new greenway is being built near my house and should be ready mid-summer 2018, so looking forward to biking more. Nothing here like when I live in VA mountains, where nothing was flat, and I was quite good at riding hills.

I'm also looking for a new challenge in 2018.

I'm also looking for a new challenge in 2018.

There are online challenges for push-ups. We should all do that one. The only way I'm running is if something is chasing me.

MRC, are you really interested in becoming a runner or just in need of a defined goal to make you get off the couch? If it's not running specifically, would creating a work-out calendar be a sufficiently motivating goal? Lift weights these 3 days, cardio these 3 days, increase weight on this date, change up cardio routine on that date, etc.

Thanks for your thoughtful and encouraging responses. I will look into the programs and apps. I've also been mulling the possibility of working with a personal trainer.

I don't necessarily want to take up running as a long-term activity. However, it would be nice to be able to head out the door and knock out a few miles without too much trouble. And I always wanted to complete a half marathon.

I don't consider myself a serious cyclist, but a few years ago I set a goal to participate in an extremely hilly, challenging 33-mile bike event in my area. It wasn't pretty, but I got 'er done! A proud moment.

I'd like to once again experience that feeling of physical accomplishment.

MRC, I totally understand. Even if you just start by trying for a 10k by spring, then maintain that for a while and work toward a half in the fall, you will see and feel results. I don’t know where you live, but in our SE area there are several half’s in the spring and late fall, giving people a chance to train when the weather is favorable. I personally hate the ‘dreadmill’ and will run in the cold or walk in the heat before I get on one.

Nothing to add but I do know for me that when I did my first half-marathon I joined a once-a-week clinic which really helped. They brought in a weekly speaker, helped with a stretching routine, and had different running abilities broken into groups. There is no point in joining a group that can whip off a 10k in 45 minutes if you're not at that level..

Be careful with the app that you choose, set yourself a realistic time goal and given that we're headed into winter (although I don't know where you are) make sure you have the gear and shoes that will make it comfortable for you to run in the winter conditions. There are also some walk/run apps for a half-marathon.

I am assuming you do not have cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or kidney disease that might affect your participation in a vigorous activity?

Gsciencechick, good to point that out. I do not, to my knowledge.

I agree with exercising outside as much as possible. Here in the Pacific Northwest we just get used to dodging raindrops!

I'm on the Cdn side of the PNW and I run in the trails 3 days a week even in torrential rain. I hear you on dodging the rain drops. And that's what I was thinking of when talking about being properly prepared.

Having the right rain jacket, hat (and those can be difficult to get fitting comfortably!) proper weight of tights when it's cold and rainy rather than warm and rainy (and there is a difference), proper shoes (gortex or not - I don't wear gortex shoes although some of my running buddies do), mitts or gloves for the rain. etc.

You absolutely can! My first race was a half with 6 months of training and I had no previous running experience. It was a hilly half and I was able to run it at a 9:40 pace. I started running in 2015 and have since run 1 full marathon, 7 half marathons, five 10 milers and assorted 5 and 10k's. It has been a life changing experience for me - definitely for the better! My best advice for someone just starting out is don't worry about your pace. Concentrate on covering the distance of your workouts at first, walk if you need to. My motto: If you want to run fast you have to run long, if you want to run long you have to run slow! Good luck!

Heck, that's inspiring, Caroline! Way to go. I like the advice about covering the distance. I am thinking of at least trying to walk the course very soon.

I've never done that before but I know elites do. It's a really good way to mentally prepare yourself. Seriously you should go for it! It seems daunting now but I am telling you there is no better feeling than when you cross the finish line!

Yes, you can! I just finished my first half in early November and am training for a full in March. It took me about 4-5 months of consistent training. I was previously a sporadic runner and had run about 25 10Ks. At the outset of my half marathon training, I was overrunning (about 25-30 miles a week) and started to get knee and foot pain. So I alternated running with high intensity interval training. My training plan consisted of:

Running - 3 days a week (usually one tempo/fast/hill run, one easy run and a long run on Saturdays -- increasing to an 11.5 miler at the peak of training and then tapering down the two weeks before the race)

High Intensity Interval Training (burpees, push ups, mountain climbers, jackknifes, squats, jumping lunges, etc) - 3 days a week for 30 mins/day

Sunday - rest or light yoga/stretching

This plan worked well for me. I downloaded the MapMyRun training app but didn't stick to it completely, because frankly there were days I didn't have time to run or didn't feel like it and could do HIIT instead. It's totally doable if you put your mind to it! Good luck! The half marathon was such a great experience, I loved it!

Me too!!! I've been increasingly sedentary the past 3 years, after recovering from a broken foot and the subsequent plantar fasciitis (not completely recovered from that) and haven't done much more than a long walk once a week recently; haven't been doing my weight training either which is so important to my posture and recovery from a neck injury and my fitness for my job.

I have signed up for the Cap City Half on April 28. Still haven't quite found the motivation to start training, though! Maybe we can encourage each other?

When I decided to train for a half to celebrate turning 50, I used the 14 week training program that was on the race's homepage -- designed by coach Jenny Hadfield. When I started I was already doing 4 miles 2-3 times per week. This training program worked beautifully -- at the end of the race I felt that I could go further -- for the cross training I went to the gym (it was mid-winter) and did either just the 20 minute machine circuit, or combined that with a short time on the elliptical, bike or rower.

You can find that program here: https://www.jennyhadfield.com/training-plans/half-marathon/

She has plans to train to walk, walk/run, and various levels of running (ie beginner, intermediate, and advanced) - all free.

ETA: I am an advocate of running laps on a local school's track when first starting while your body gets using to the impact stress. I had been running for over 30 years and never had joint issues, which I think is because I tended to do at least half if not more of my workouts on a track.

raee, good for you for signing up! Let's check in along the way to see how things are going. :)

I have started training using Active's C25K app. First few days on the treadmill, and then outside today (what a difference; I was really struggling out there).

Unfortunately, I'm having trouble with the app -- the timer keeps freezing! Not what you want to see when you're huffing up a hill.

Just ran another half marathon over the weekend and PR'd... sub 2 hour half - 9:01 pace! Amazing how much improvement I have seen since my first half marathon two years ago! Not bad for this 40 something year old. lol

Nicely done! I bet you feel wonderful.

I'm officially off the couch and training, with a 5K scheduled in February.