In theory, if you’re physically able to run a 10K, then there’s a good chance you would also be able to run a half marathon. Of course, this isn’t a guarantee and can depend on a variety of factors including your levels of fitness and the types of training you’re used to.
As a 10K is shorter in distance than a half marathon, the experience of running both will likely differ. That is, if you’re able to comfortably finish a 10K, you would likely be able to complete a half marathon but your chances of enjoying the process are lower.
What is the distance of 10K in miles?
10 kilometers is approximately 6.2 miles in distance. This makes 5 kilometers roughly 3.1 miles. Obviously, it is completely up to you what unit you measure the distance in, but kilometers are a popular option as they provide rounder numbers and are easier to break down and work up to.
What is the distance of a half marathon in kilometers?
The term ‘half marathon’ is often used as a measure of distance, but to the uninitiated, it’s difficult to know exactly how long one is. In kilometers, a half marathon is just over 21 kilometers. This means a half marathon is roughly 13.1 miles in distance.
Reasons you could complete a half marathon if you can run a 10K
Being able to run a 10K sets you up nicely for running a half marathon, and there are several reasons for this. They are:
- Physical fitness
- Already running a considerable number of miles each week
- Mental preparedness
Let’s address each point in detail.
Physical fitness
This is arguably the most important factor when it comes to long distances; your body has to be capable of achieving such a feat. You won’t be able to jump straight into a half marathon and expect to complete it if you’ve never trained before.
Being able to run a 10K brings with it a certain level of physical fitness that would make you much more prepared for a half marathon. Your endurance levels will be higher, your lunch capacity is likely to be greater and your muscles will also be more conditioned to the stresses of long-distance running.
Already running a considerable number of miles each week
Following from this, if you’re able to run a 10K then that, in all likelihood, means you’re running a certain number of miles each week. This is because regular training is required to maintain the required fitness levels for a 10K race.
The same logic applies to a half marathon, so if you’re already regularly running each week then you are more predisposed to complete the required distance.
This is particularly true if you are adapting your running and training as time goes on, a process called progressive overload so that you are consistently making improvements. Such an upward trajectory would be an excellent starting point for preparing for a half marathon.
Mental preparedness
As important as physicality is when running a half marathon, so too is your mental state. Running a long distance is physically and mentally draining, and so you need to be prepared to deal with those challenges.
If you’re used to running 10K, then you will already be familiar with mental blocks and difficulties that crop up when running long distances, which would, in turn, stand you in good stead for a half marathon.
There would undoubtedly come a point in the race when you hit a psychological barrier and your mind tells you to stop; if you’ve already experienced this in the past and moved through it, then you would be able to do so again.
Related: How To Train Your Brain To Lose Weight
Reasons why you wouldn’t be able to complete a half marathon if you can run a 10k
Of course, being able to run a 10K does not guarantee that you would also be able to run a half marathon. Some of the reasons for this are:
- Improper training
- Insufficient weekly running volume
- Physical fitness
All of these issues are linked, but we will go into each in detail.
Improper training
As mentioned, it would be extremely difficult, and impossible for some, to complete a half marathon without any training. You need to prepare your body and mind for the task ahead, and this requires a focused training program.
As it’s roughly half the distance of a half-marathon, your training for a 10K is unlikely to be sufficient. If you are running the distance of a half marathon for the first time on race day, you’re likely to struggle a lot more than if you had built up to it in training.
Insufficient weekly running volume
Further to this, your weekly running volume is unlikely to be enough to prepare for a half marathon if you’ve only ever run a 10K. A half marathon naturally requires a higher level of fitness and endurance, so you would need to run more each week.
Physical fitness
Lastly, the lack of sufficient training will also mean your fitness levels aren’t quite where they should be for a half marathon. If you’ve never run that distance before, your body will not have a reference point on how to respond and your mind will not be certain that you can complete it.
Key differences between the half marathon and 10K
The most obvious difference between the two is distance – a 10K is 10 kilometers, or roughly 6.2 miles while a half marathon is approximately double that at roughly 21 kilometers, or 13.1 miles.
So, it stands to reason that a half marathon will require roughly double the amount of energy than a 10K. That being said, this doesn’t necessarily mean you would need to do double the amount of training.
By being able to run a 10K, you would already have a decent level of fitness, so further training would instead focus on preparing your body for the longer distance.
Related: My 9 Biggest Pet-Peeves During A Half Marathon Race!
How many more weeks of training do you need after a 10K to complete a half marathon?
The answer to this will be different for each person and depends on a variety of factors, though a good rule of thumb would be to aim for at least four weeks of additional training.
You would already be at a high level of fitness for the 10K, so you would then need to increase the distance and perhaps the volume of your running training each week.
Final thoughts
While it is theoretically possible to run a half marathon if you’re able to run a 10K, it’s advisable to complete some additional training and preparation before doing so.
Running a half marathon without the proper training is possible but it won’t be enjoyable, and you would be unlikely to properly take in the experience because of the exhaustion.
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References
https://www.runnersworld.com/uk/training/half-marathon/a764179/half-marathon-training-plans/