Prepare for a half marathon or for a 5k race? --Need some advice?

Question

As a challenge for my self I'd like to compete (for the first time) in a race, I want to prove to my self I CAN DO IT. At 1st, I considered a half marathon, but I read that if am a beginner, it'd better to do a 5 or 10 k instead and later 4 a 1/2 marathon. Please consider the following:

*The 1/2 marathon and 5k race i want to compete at is next january (same day) *I have 20 kg overweight * Just quit smoking * Been working out for 2 months now and running for 2 weeks *Am 25 male.

The question is what is more realistic? to train for a marathon or for the 5k? I know the training for each is different, so I need to focus on one of them from now. If I train for the next 6 months can I be fit enough for the half marathon or its better to go for the 5k? I dont want to put my health at risk by over trainign myself either.

Thanks a lot.

Answer 1

Your last statement says it all........

Train for the 5K, gradually lose that extra weight, eat healthy, and let your body adjust smoothly into your newer healthier lifestyle.   Remember, this should be  a life journey, not a destination.  Enjoy your first race.

Answer 2

Well, a half marathon is 21 km long. You can't just run that with so little training and being overweight.

The 5 km race is more realistic, but even so, you would have to train very hard if you want to have a good performance.

Answer 3

Just because a 5k is shorter, doesn't mean it's less rewarding. Do a couple practice runs. Time yourself. Keep trying to improve. By the race in January try and beat your time.

But remember! Don't ever start out to fast. There a bunch of (you know whats) that sprint out in the beginning and lose all their energy. I've learned this the hardway.

My first race was a fun run. Everyone started out so fast and so did I. I was like dang I'm doing good. Once I hit the 1 and a half mile mark, I was about to collapse. Finished the race though, got  my worst time.

Answer 4

Competing in a race is loads of fun, but with your current shape and condition you should only think about doing a 5K.  Esp. since your 20kg (44lbs.) overweight, that is a lot to carry extra while running and will cause your body problems if you try training for the 13.1 half mara. distance.  You can simply get on a schedule for training for a 5K and run 4-5 days a week and build up slowly to 15-20 miles a week.  5K's are so much more easy to accomplish and yet you can run one every weekend or two if your in good shape and recover well enough.  Hope this helped and good luck.

Answer 5

Nice going on the life style changes keep up the great work and you will run that ½ marathon.  With that being said, you will need about 4 months to prepare for your ½ marathon.  Typically to start a ½ marathon training schedule I recommend you be doing at lest 15 – 20 miles a week and comfortably able to run 4.5 miles.  

No matter what the distance you run it is a full race.  Whether it is a 5K run or a full marathon.  It’s your race and it’s a full race, so don’t think of it as just a 5K race.  You are running a 5K race and it’s your race and your distance.  

Most folks can run a 5K event after approx. 10 weeks of running.  Then they spring board that into a 10K event.  From there it’s a small leap to a ½ marathon.  My opinion, work towards a 5K race in approx 8 – 10 weeks, so that would put you about September, then in November look towards a 10K race event.

For a ½ I suggest a nice spring half maybe march or April.  Once you train for a ½, 10K and 5K races take care of themselves.  As for a full marathon, give it a year.

Harry