So I've been running for about 8 months, I only do 5 km every other day. I can usually do this within 30 mins, it used to take me 45 with some walking in between but I've slowly but surely cut the time down which I'm really proud of. I've been trying to increase the amount I run to 10 km, haven't made it all the way yet since I get tired around 7 km, but I am hopeful in getting there soon.
Anyway, there's a half-marathon coming up in May in my city and I'm considering signing up for it. Though I'm not sure I'll actually be capable of doing 21 km within 3 months of training. I'm honestly just scared that I won't be able to do it and make a fool out of myself. It just seems really daunting. I don't want to be blocking other people's way.
I guess I just want to know for people who have done one before, are you allowed to walk some of it? Any general tips? Am I just scaring myself for no reason?
First and foremost: You won't make a fool of yourself.
Secondly: Congrats on the progress you've already made!!
Thirdly: Of course you're "allowed" to walk. Unless your event has a
suuuuuuper strict cut-off time, you can just walk the final 8-10k. Or just walk for a km after every drink station.
Fourth...ly? Going from "being able to run 7km" to "finishing a half marathon" in 3 months ... i can't comment on how achievable that is, since 'finishing' can mean many things. Depending on how fast you wanna run (you run at a 6min/km pace, currently) and whether you're fine with doing some walking during the event, it's certainly super possible.
Again, nobody's gonna think any less of a runner who needs to resort to walking for a few hundred meters or more. It's actually the inverse for me. Like, the last time i wasn't able to finish a half marathon was in ... 2014 ... and the people cheering me on, trying to motivate me "Come on, Fliesen! You can do it! Let's go Fliesen! Almost there!" were a bit annoying 😆 ... like, "I'M SORRY, MY LEG'S CRAMPING, GET OFF MY BACK, WELL-MEANING PERSON ALONG THE TRACK!"
When do signups close? Do you think you'll only be motivated to increase your training if you've
already signed up? Otherwise i recommend you to wait a few weeks and sign up once you finish your first 10k training run.
While you don't need to do a full 21k before the race, it's definitely helpful (both physically and mentally) to at least have run for... 12-14k at least once before the race.