Training for a half marathon in a year, I'm starting now - any tips? Where do I start?

I used to go to my gym all the time, I was a proper gym rat really trying to lose weight. This was about a year ago. I've now got a diet consultant and I've lost weight by changing what I eat so don't really bother with the gym that much anymore.



I want to run the Bristol half marathon and I've got about a year to prepare for it.



How exactly should I go about doing this? Do I have to run at the gym all the time, or can I do core strengthening excersises such as the stair master? Will that help increase my stamina and fitness?

Training for a half marathon in a year, I'm starting now - any tips? Where do I start?
Start with this:

http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/...

(it's a program to get ready for a 5k)

then increase your distance and miliage after that.
Reply:First, I'd pick a training program from Hal Higdon or Furman First. Then, I'd checkout some sites like http://www.runthenation.com and http://www.runnersworld.com to find a great race in your area.
Reply:Whatever you run today, you will be able to run farther tomorrow.

So if i was running a marathon of 20 miles and i had 4 weeks then i would start out the fist day running a mile and inch in on 5 miles the next week. Then inch in on 10. Then the day before the marathon you should of ran about the same distance. It might sound crazy but if you add more distance little by little it will seem easy once you run the marathon.
Reply:it may not seem helpful but it is!



do a quick jog (pretty much about 30 seconds) to warm up your muscles before you start stretching. it helps prevent sore muscles, broken bones, ect.