Embarking on a half marathon is a proper test - not just of your body, but your mindset too. It pushes you, questions your “why,” and, ultimately, proves what you’re capable of. This is the story of my first half marathon: how I got through the training, the setbacks, the nerves, and the finish line - all while raising money for a cause close to my heart.
Why I Decided to Run a Half Marathon
This run was more than just a personal challenge - it was the first step in my journey to running the full Athens Marathon in November 2025. But it wasn’t only about pushing my physical limits. I was also running for an incredible cause: Hospice Isle of Man.
I first volunteered with Hospice IOM back in 2015 and saw first-hand how much compassion and care they offer to patients and families during life’s hardest moments. The work they do is deeply meaningful - and completely reliant on donations. That made it an easy decision to lace up and raise funds for them.
Of course, I’d be lying if I said it was all selfless. I wanted to challenge myself - to see what I was made of, mentally and physically. And wow, did it deliver.
Crafting a Personal Half Marathon Training Plan
Let’s just say I didn’t have a personal coach or expensive setup. I bought a budget Garmin watch, and honestly, I was amased at what it could do.
It tracked everything - pace, distance, heart rate - and best of all, it let me build a personalised half marathon training plan. It adjusted week by week depending on progress (or setbacks), and even suggested sessions based on recovery and effort levels. Without it, I doubt I’d have made it to the start line feeling ready.
Training Challenges (And Weather That Nearly Broke Me)
Training wasn’t smooth. Between a packed work schedule, Christmas, getting sick, and just plain not feeling like it sometimes - I missed sessions. And yet, I kept bouncing back stronger.
I’ll never forget one mid-December run. Cold. Frosty. Rain turned to sleet. My hands were frozen. Breathing felt like inhaling ice. I set out from the Sea Terminal after finishing early for the day. Heading along the prom and up through Onchan. Each step felt harder than the last, which wasn't helped by there being ice underfoot and a steady incline. Each moment that went by, I just wanted to be done. So, I dragged myself back home, had a hot shower, curled up in bed still shivering, and slept until my fiancé came home. Honestly, I nearly packed it in.
What got me going again? A mix of things - support from loved ones, upgrading to weatherproof running gear, and those little Garmin reminders. But most of all, remembering why I was doing it.
Race Weekend: Half Marathon in Liverpool
Shout-out to Up and Running in Douglas - I popped in the day before lreaving the Island and they helped me with my nutrition plan, calmed some nerves, and gave brilliant last-minute advice.
Travelling over to Liverpool with the Steam Packet the day before the race, I got to experience their new boat, the ManxMan. It felt a world apart from the usual experience of crossing the Irish Sea. So, off to a good start.
Following our arrival in Liverpool we thought it would be a good idea to do some sight seeing, get food (loads of carbs) and buy new shoes. That was my first mistake. After buying new shoes, I thought that it would be a good idea to wear them on our evening adventure around Liverpool. I don't know if I just didn't lace them properly, or something else, but they just didn't sit right on my feet that evening, leading to a blister and my feet being sore in the morning.
As we stayed in a hotel just 10 minutes from the half marathon start line. No breakfast service, so I fired up the kettle for my trusty oats. Walking toward the Liver Building, the atmosphere started to buzz - crowds, music, and runners everywhere. Nerves and excitement were sky-high.
I lined up with the 2-hour pace crowd (a solid goal, considering inconsistent training) and soaked up the energy. Once the race started, we all slowly moved forward until there was enough breathing room to pick up the pace. I eased into a comfortable rhythm. Many of the other runners soon passed me, setting off at a quick pace, but I was confident with my approach of running my own race. Soon enough I was breezing past other competiors who were already pressing on the breaks after their quick start.
25 minutes in, I started my nutrition plan - energy gel and electrolytes every 30ish minutes. This was a game changer. Up until this point I rarely touched nutrition while running and usually I began to flag between 8 and 12km. With me taking on the carbs regularly, I felt energised throughout the race.
Around 10km in, I felt pain in my left knee. Not ideal. Is this the end of my first run out? I tried focusing on good foot placement - keeping it flat to reduce strain - and pressed on. By 15km the pain stopped reminding me that I should have done more long distance runs. Of course I paid for this in the days after the race...
The last couple of miles along the seafront was cobbled and brutal. But the energy as we began to approach the finish line gave me that final adrenaline boost. I picked up the pace and crossed the finish line feeling strong.
And the reward? A medal, a free running top, a bottle of water, sugar-free Vimto, and some Squashies. Yes, I ate them all. Then I stood there for a while, soaking it all in - wearing that medal with pride.
Lessons Learned From My First Half Marathon
A few big takeaways for anyone training for their first half marathon:
- Train more consistently - even a little structure goes a long way
- Nutrition is key - don’t wait until race day to figure it out
- Get the right gear - proper running shoes and weather-ready kit help more than you think
- Don't beat yourself up over missed sessions - show up when you can, and keep moving forward
Life After Race Day: What’s Next?
This half marathon definitely lit a fire in me. I want to do another one - faster this time. I’m also adding strength and conditioning, especially to support my knees.
I took a week off running after the race, but now that the weather’s improving, I’m ready to get back out there. I’ve got my sights set on Athens 2025, and this is just the beginning.
Encouragement for Anyone Thinking About It
If you’ve ever thought, “Maybe I could do something like that…” - you can. Seriously. Whether it’s your first 5k or you're dreaming of a marathon, just take the first step. You don’t need to be fast or fit or perfect. You just need to start.
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