Ok, I have been trying to get myself ready for some sort of race this year but for on reason or another (health specifically) it has not turned out. I was going to do a 5K in July. That did not happen due to the above mentioned health problems. They have not gone away but I am dealing with them.

I just found out that there is a Half marathon -trail race- toward the end of October. Should I at least go for this? Or am I trying something to soon and to fast without proper preparation. Since this is trail it is more difficult than asphalt. That part has me concerned. If I recall, last time I did a "big run" on dirt (4 miles) it took me about 1.5 hours. Not only that, in the trail running book that I have it says go by time and not distance. I know I can do 2 miles in about one half hour or 4 miles in a hour (according to theory). That means right now, I would finish the half in about 3.5 hours or a little less.

I was mentally thinking this through, and if I start at 2 miles where I am now and add .5 miles every week, that would put me about 10 miles by the time the race comes around. Is it ok to add the .5 miles in training on trails when everywhere it says to increase by time and not distance?

Am I nuts in trying to see if I can do this? Is this realstically possible?

I would appreciate all wisdom and advise from all of you who have more experience than I do.

Thanks,
Red Rock