time frame for training for a race question

I plan to start running.  I have never been a runner.  A coworker is trying to talk me into doing a 10 mile cross country race the end of June.  Is it possible to be ready by then?  I also want to a do a tri this August.  It is a 1k swim, 25K bike, and 5k run.  I think I will be ready for that.    The 10 mile is the one I am not so sure about.

Yes.   Most marathon (26.2 miles) plans assume a 3-4 mile runing base and are 4-6 months in duration.  If you are starting with any base at all, it should be relatively easy for you to get there.  If you have never run a step it will be a longer process but definitely possible.  The most simple thing to do would be to establish a good running base (3-4 miles at a time) and at 8 weeks before the race start adding a mile each week to your long run (usually a weekend day).  That will get you there easliy with time to spare incase of injury or if something comes up.

If I were you, I'd search on Amazon or at a bookstore for a book about 1/2 marathon for beginners.  I prefer the bookstore because I get to peruse the book a bit before I buy.  Good luck.

I agree with Scott.  Although I don't peruse book stores, I do look for online training plans and have had some good luck finding free ones.

My story: began running in June 2004 and did my first 10k in early October same year.  Finished it in under an hour.  You may not be able to run the full 10 miles, but if you're running consistently, you'll be more than fit enough to finish the race.

Go for it!

Linn

If you are starting from nothing, I recommend the Couch-to-5K. I started it in Dec. and now I can run for 33 minutes straight. I've never been able to run successfully until I used this program. I'd get burned out or throw out my back from pushing too much in the beginning.

On my 11th month surgery anniversary, going from 400 pounds, I ran  a FULL 26.2 marathon going from barely being able to walk for 10 minutes and finished in under 5 hours. I have another FULL marathon this Saturday.... You will be ready for 10 miles if you work hard. Take care...

June is plenty of time but as some of the other guys suggested you may want to do a 5K and a 10K beforehand if for nothing else to get the feeling for the race-day environment.  The key is establishing a good running base and then building up from there.

Best of luck!

Chad
www.team464.com

Yes you can.  I just started running this past November and I just completed my first 1/2 marathon on Valentines Day.  The hardest part for me was getting it through my head that I can run even though I'm not very fast  but I can do it.