You signed up for the half marathon…Now what?

If you're feeling excited, nervous, intimidated—or wondering if 12 weeks is really enough time to prepare—you are not alone.

In this first episode of our 14-week Stronger Runner Series on the Slay Podcast, Olympian Louise Hazel is taking you back to where every great race begins: the starting line.

Whether you're running your very first half marathon or returning to racing after time away, this series is designed to coach you every step of the way. Each week, we'll break down exactly what to focus on, answer your biggest questions, and help you arrive at race day feeling stronger, healthier, and more confident than ever before.

This isn't just another running podcast.

It's your weekly coaching session.

In this episode you'll learn:

🏃 Is 12 weeks enough to train for a half marathon?

🏃 Why you don't need to be "fit enough" before you start

🏃 The biggest mindset shift every new runner needs

🏃 How to stop comparing yourself to everyone else

🏃 Why consistency beats perfection every time

🏃 What Olympians understand about building confidence

🏃 The difference between motivation and commitment

You'll also hear Louise share one of the most defining moments of her Olympic journey and the lesson that carried her from heartbreak to becoming a Commonwealth Champion.

If you've ever thought..."I'm not really a runner." This episode is for you.

This Week's Challenge:

Forget pace. Forget distance. Forget perfection. Your only goal this week is simple: Show up.

Because you don't become a runner when you cross the finish line. You become a runner the moment you decide not to turn back.

Join the Conversation👇

We'd love to hear from you in the comments. What made you sign up for your next race? Was it to challenge yourself? Start over? Honour someone? Improve your health? Or simply prove that you could? Your story might inspire someone else to take their first step.

Coming Next Week

Episode 2: The Perfect Training Week

We'll show you exactly how to structure your week like an athlete, including:

✔️ How many days you should run

✔️ What every type of run is actually for

✔️ What you should be doing in the gym

✔️ How to balance running, strength, recovery, and a busy life

If you've ever wondered whether you're training the right way, don't miss it. Subscribe for new episodes every week as we count down to race day.

Together, we're building stronger runners.

Physically.

Mentally.

And emotionally.

Welcome to the Stronger Runner series on the Slay Podcast.

🎧 LISTEN TO THE FULL EPISODE

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/35UovsfJZfat5xU6r6i55b?si=a54a6454c06445c4&nd=1

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/slay/id1393889958Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCX5I8e0HAZxB-SEvp4oLCCA📩

JOIN THE COMMUNITY

Slay 10K: https://slay.myflodesk.com/slay10k

Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@slayathletic/?sub_confirmation=1

Shop www.slayathletic.comSlay Newsletter: https://view.flodesk.com/emails/6907a431cef52dfcb87b55f9

Slay App Waitlist: https://slay.myflodesk.com/nhkxhv00tg

Slay: Your Strongest Year Yet Free Training: https://www.louisehazel.com/blank-5

Slay Meetups & IRL Community: https://stan.store/slayathletic?fbclid=PAdGRleARCYI9leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA8xMjQwMjQ1NzQyODc0MTQAAafeUDQD0ickXhd39FFC3Mf9yb8wP9i_yUvaUzpgBP7CcxuScV_dqMudyAT5aw_aem_mbFvFU--n6e5nSf9Kt9J3w

✨ IF THIS EPISODE SPOKE TO YOU…

Please like, comment, and subscribe — it helps this community of strong women grow. Share it with another woman who deserves to rise in 2026.