half marathon training

Question
Hello,

I am just wondering how long you figure is needed to train
for my first half marathon....I've been running 5km to 8km
races during the summer...HOWEVER 4 days ago I injured my
tailbone (I know you do not deal with injuries).  So I know
I am not set back 5-6 weeks (at least) and I plan to run my
half marathon in Jan....how many weeks at the LEAST do I
need to run the race...I am just looking to complete not
anything spectacular, however I must maintain at least a
16min mile or I will be pulled from the race.  

Thanks for your help

Amy  

Answer
Facts:
I looked at the calendar, and it said that there is like 16  weeks until January. That would give you 10 weeks.

Experience:
When I ran mine, I trained from when fresh out of cross-country for 3 months, but I wanted to be competitive also. You would have 2 - 1/2 months.

Here's my opinion:
You are at a pretty normal level of activity right now. Once you go on your tailbone, I don't know how long it will take you to get back to that level. But like I said, I don't know that much about injuries, so I don't know how long it will take. I would suggest trying to do workouts in the pool, and trying to strengthen all your other muscles through activities that don't aggravate it. I think that you can do it, but it will take a little more work. Plus, 16 min/mile isn't that hard, that is basically walking.

Final Judgement:
I believe you can do it because 16 is walking and you are already active; but, I warn you that you don't want to get out of shape, so try and do the other workouts, and I know you can do it.

Good luck!