Half Marathon Training: From Barbell to Bib Number: How I’m Training for My First Half Marathon (and How You Can Too)
Let’s get one thing straight: I’ve never been a runner. I love lifting. Give me a barbell, a decent playlist, and a good pump — I’m all in. Running, on the other hand? That’s been filed under “absolutely not” for most of my fitness journey.
But in May, my family and I committed to running 5K a day to raise funds for Velindre Cancer Centre, and something unexpected happened: I started to enjoy it.
Like, actually enjoy it.
Now I’ve done something wild: I’ve signed up for the Cardiff Half Marathon. That’s 13.1 miles. Me. Running. On purpose.
And I’m taking you along for the ride.
Wait… What Is a Half Marathon?
A half marathon is 13.1 miles (or 21.1 km) — and it’s one of the most popular race distances in the world. Why? Because it’s a serious challenge, but it’s also accessible to beginners with the right training.
You don’t need to be super fast or run every day. With a good plan and some consistency, even non-runners (like me!) can cross that finish line.
It’s long enough to push you outside your comfort zone — but short enough that it doesn’t take over your entire life. You can train for a half marathon in 10–16 weeks with just 3–4 runs per week.
Why I Chose the Cardiff Half
For starters, it’s an amazing event — one of the biggest and best-supported races in the UK. It’s local, it’s scenic, it’s full of energy, and it supports great causes like Velindre.
But also? I wanted something big. Something that would keep me focused. Something that felt impossible — until it wasn’t.
And that’s what the half marathon represents. It’s not just about running — it’s about proving to myself that I can do hard things, even the ones I once swore off.
What Training Looks Like (and What It Doesn’t)
Training for a half marathon doesn’t mean running every single day, or giving up lifting, or becoming a slave to the treadmill.
My approach is realistic and beginner-friendly:
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3–4 runs per week (including one longer run that gradually increases)
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Optional cross-training days (bike, walk, swim, yoga — whatever moves you)
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Strength sessions to keep those glutes firing and knees happy
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Built-in rest and recovery (because burnout is not the goal)
The Plan: Yours for £20
I’ve created a 12-Week Half Marathon Training Plan that’s perfect for beginners like me:
✅ Structured weekly schedule
✅ Pacing tips and run breakdowns
✅ Cross-training and mobility support
✅ Mental prep and race-day advice
✅ PDF format you can download and follow anywhere
It’s the exact plan I’m using, and it’s designed to take you from “I can’t even run for a bus” to “I just ran 13.1 miles!”
💸 Just £20 — and you get lifetime access.
If you’re thinking about your first race, want a new challenge, or just want to follow along with my journey, this is your sign.
Final Thoughts
I never thought I’d run a half marathon. But here I am — training, learning, growing, and sweating my way toward that finish line.
Whether you’re already a runner or just cardio-curious, this journey is about more than miles. It’s about finding out what you’re capable of when you step outside your comfort zone — and having a bit of fun along the way.
Let’s do it together. 💪🏃♀️
