I think you learn all the time.

I've now been running for a couple of years and started with a 1/2 mile run and then threw up and felt really ill, now I'm doing the Snowdonia marathon in a couple of weeks.

In the last few months I learned...

1. Don't run your shoes into the ground by doing 700 miles in them as you'll get shin spints or another injury as the shoes loose their support and cushioning. Use the shoe tracker on this site.

2. Speed work which improves you anarobic fitness make a BIG difference and since I've made a big effort to both understand it and introduce it into my training it's made a big difference. Remember the three corner stones of running - intervals - tempo - and long slow. I used to just concentrate on pushing distance and ignored interval training. You'll find more info on sites like this one on this type of running than I could possibley give.

It sounds as though you are progressing OK

Good luck.

Hi Brian

Like you I had done some cycling up to June of this year before I picked up a challenge of running a half marathon in late September.

So where to start? I bought a copy of Runners World - Complete Guide to Running and looked up their HM plans. (£9.99 from W H Smith or RW direct online shop).

When I felt strong I followed the Improver's Plan, when I was a bit down or slightly injured, tired or sore I followed the Beginner's Plan.

My first run was woeful! I walked for nine minutes to warm up and then really struggled, but slowly I noticed improvements as I followed the plan.

Two things really helped: perseverance and spacing out the effort. If you train two or even three consecutive days you will suffer fatigue and minor injury. If you train consistently you will have moments when you feel as if you are flying...

Another thing that really helped me gain confidence and fitness was to run at one of the Parkruns (9.00am every Saturday morning) somewhere near you. This does two things - gives you a benchmark and improves your stamina quite quickly because you will automatically run at an elevated pace over the 5k. You will surprise yourself and as your first run is a PB you have a target for the next one.  

From no running at all up to June and using the plans as described I got into good enough shape to run my first HM in 1:40:59.

My longest training runs were the race distance 13.1m once, which I ran in 2:02:00 then 10 m and 8.5 m. The rest of the time I was working the tempo/intervals/easy run program in the book. With over 10 m under your belt you have done enough to go the extra 3 miles and you could now build up your tempo by running at a faster pace.

Finally, I used the training log right here on this website - it is a great motivator to see the stas & graphs moving in your favour and if you open it up and it shouts at you No Runs This Week, what do you do? You get out there and get going again!

Good luck with the training - let the Plan be your friend and I bet you will get there much quicker than next March.