Running a half marathon had been on my bucket list for a while. But between work, workouts, and regular life, I never quite committed. That changed twelve weeks ago when I started following Hybrid FitHub’s Half Marathon Training Plan — and last weekend, I crossed the finish line of my very first 21.1K race.
Here’s how it went, what I learned, and the exact gear I used that helped me go the distance.
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Why This Training Plan Worked for Me
First off, let’s talk about the plan. What drew me in was its simplicity. No complicated jargon. No guesswork. Just clear structure:
• 4–5 runs a week
• A good balance between easy runs, long runs, and rest days
• Gradual progression (which helped me avoid injury)
• Optional cross-training that kept me feeling strong and engaged
If you’re like me and don’t have time for overcomplicated training plans, this one will suit you perfectly. You can check out the full plan here or save the image on our Pinterest page for easy reference.
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How I Felt During the 12 Weeks
Week 1 to 3 felt manageable — building that rhythm again. Around week 5, I started noticing real improvements in my endurance. Week 7 was tough, but by week 10 I ran 22 km on a Sunday and thought, “Wow. I’m really going to do this.”
On race day, everything came together: legs, lungs, mindset. I didn’t break any records (I finished in 1 hour and 56 minutes), but I ran the whole thing strong and injury-free. That alone was a win.
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The Gear That Made a Big Difference
Here’s everything I personally used while training and racing — all things I’d 100% recommend.
🏃♂ Running Shoes: ASICS Gel-Nimbus 26
Incredible cushioning. These saved my knees during long runs.
👉 Check price on Amazon for women
👉 Check price on Amazon for men
🧦 Socks: Balega Hidden Comfort Performance Socks
Blister-free and breathable — worth every cent.
👉 Check price on Amazon
⌚ GPS Watch: Garmin Forerunner 255
Lightweight, accurate, with killer battery life. Helped me track pace, heart rate, and distance.
👉 Check price on Amazon
💧 Hydration: Nathan Hydration Running Belt
👉 Check price on Amazon
🎧 Earbuds: Shokz OpenRun (Bone Conduction Headphones)
Safe for running on roads and super comfortable.
👉 Check price on Amazon
⚡ Energy Gels: GU Energy Gels (Salted Caramel & Lemon Sublime)
Tried a bunch, these are my go-tos now. Easy on the stomach.
👉 Check price on Amazon
🩹 Anti-Chafing Stick: Body Glide Original Anti-Chafe Balm
Trust me, this one’s not optional.
👉 Check price on Amazon
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Final Thoughts After Race Day
Crossing that finish line gave me more than just bragging rights — it gave me confidence. This plan didn’t just train my body. It trained my discipline. I’m already looking at a full marathon next year.
If you’re reading this and thinking about doing your first half marathon: just start. Follow the plan. Use the right gear. Trust the process.
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Stay Connected
We’re building Hybrid FitHub to help everyday athletes (like you and me) achieve big goals without overcomplicating things. So:
• 📅 Bookmark our site for more free plans
• 📩 Reach out anytime with questions or if you need guidance
• 📌 Follow us on Pinterest and Instagram
We’re here for the long run — literally.
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A Small Note About the Links
Some of the links above are affiliate links. That means if you buy through them, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps us keep Hybrid FitHub running and create even more great content and training plans. So if you do buy through our links — thank you!
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Let’s keep moving,
Team Hybrid FitHub
Hybridfithub 
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