HalfMarathons -Recommendations?

[El Gordo]

The first time, in 2002, it was about 2:32. This year was 2:20. If I can eventually do a half in under 2 hours, I'll be happy, but that's a bit of a way off yet.

My 10ks is just a few minutes faster than yours. I've been hovering around 60 minutes all year but haven't quite dipped beneath it. I think I'm about 20 annoying seconds off it still.

As it's your first half marathon, I'd say your primary target should be the distance itself. Just aim to get round comfortably, and to enjoy the experience. As long as you train moderately well, I'd say you can expect to do it in 2:30, plus or minus 5 minutes. If you got very serious about training you could come in well under that time, but to be honest, I wouldn't necessarily recommend that approach. Just aim to steadily increase your fitness, and if possible, do a long run once a week, starting from 5 or 6 miles, and gradually working your way up to 10 miles or beyond. If you can eventually run 13 miles or more in training, all well and good, but as I said earlier, as long as you can get to 10 without self-destructing, you will be absolutely fine. I know 13 might sound like a mountainous task but you'll be amazed at what you can do as long as you approach it intelligently, and follow some kind of plan.

Make sure you keep us informed of your progress.

Cheers

Andy