Great North run - Emergency training!!!

[bekah]

Ive posted on 2 topic sections, so sorry if youve already read this!!

Im set to run the Great North Run in 1 month, but have been unable to train (on doctors advice) for the last 6 weeks due to internal injuries. Im feeling better but still not 100%, does anybody know a good training plan that can help me to prepare in such a short timespan? I regularly visited the gym and went out running before the injury, so still consider myself quite fit. I don't expect to run the whole thing, but dont want to embarass or further injure myself at the same time!!!

All help greatly appreciated as always!!

[BigMac]

Firstly, check with your doctor and get her/his advice. There is no shame in pulling out because of injury!!

If the Dr says 'OK' then - and only then - think about completing it. Your previous gym/running should stand you in good stead but if you couldn't run say 5 miles (preferably 10) before you stopped training then it might be asking too much to run a half marathon in only a month's time.

Adult walking pace is about 3-4mph, so you could walk the course and with a little jogging come in in under 3 hours - which would be no embarrassment.

[Belle Fast]

Interval training is a good way to increase your fitness (I do 1 minute cycling hard and then 1 minute recovery, ie cycling more slowly, but it works just as well for running). Your heart is still beating fast during the less intensive exercise period, so you get the training effect, but have some recovery time and so hopefully can keep going. Also, regular shorter training has a better effect on fitness than longer and less often, I've heard. Hope this makes sense... good luck with it!