Half Marathon Training for Women: What We Wish We Knew Before Our First + Pacing, Fueling & What Actually Matters

Women’s Running Collective Podcast Episode 69: Training for Your First Half Marathon

Episode 69

In this episode, Hayles & Jussie kick things off with a catch-up on the week that was, including a fun trip to Sydney for the ASICS Gel Nimbus 28 launch… and a not-so-fun run-in with an aggressive runner at Centennial Park (because apparently even runners need etiquette reminders 🙃).

From there, we dive deep into everything you need to know about training for your first half marathon. Whether you’re eyeing the start line for the first time or just want to feel more confident in your training, this episode is packed with practical tips, personal stories, and reassurance that you’re doing better than you think.

We chat fueling (yes, carbs are your friend), pacing, easy runs, hills, recovery, cross-training, and why the right shoes can genuinely change your running life. We also talk about the magic of running with friends, setting realistic goals, and remembering why you started in the first place.

As always, there are a few laughs, a few tangents, and some very real moments because training isn’t perfect, and neither are we.

If you’re training for your first half marathon (or thinking about it), this one’s for you 💕

Time Stamps

00:00 – Welcome to the Women’s Running Collective 00:32 – Celebrating Episode 69 🎉 01:07 – Running adventures in Sydney & the ASICS launch 02:19 – A not-so-kind runner encounter (and why kindness matters) 06:29 – Current training sessions & new goals 10:17 – Gold Coast Half Marathon prep 11:11 – Half marathon training tips for beginners 24:19 – Why proper running shoes really matter 27:55 – First marathon memories & questionable grooming choices 28:22 – Grossie McGross face & glue mishaps (you’ll have to listen 😂) 29:21 – Lessons we learned the hard way in marathon training 30:54 – Fueling: what, when, and why it matters 32:50 – Recovery, rest days & listening to your body 41:38 – Setting realistic and achievable race day goals 48:52 – Key components of half marathon training 50:30 – Final thoughts, recommendations & wrap-up

See you next week xo Hayles and Jussie