12 Months to Marathon

John

Hi, I'm John Hill. I host 12 Months to Marathon—the running podcast for people over 35 with marathon dreams. Whether you are looking for a personal best or want to run a marathon, my story and regular tips should help you get there. I didn't run my first marathon until I was 36. I ran my first sub-3 marathon at the age of 45. If I can do it, so can you! For even more daily tips, make sure to follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/12monthstomarathon/Thanks for listening. 

  1. HACE 21 H

    12 Months to Marathon - Episode 83 - Naked Running

    Send a text Episode 83 — Naked Running (Minimalist Running & Why It Might Make You Better) Ever heard of “naked running”? Don’t worry, you’re not getting arrested. In this episode, I’m talking about running without the extras: no headphones, no watch, no constant tracking… just you and the run. As I record this, I’m in week 9 of marathon training, right in the belly of the beast (weeks 8–14), where the mileage ramps up, fatigue builds, and you’ve got to manage your energy properly. And it’s got me thinking about something I’m passionate about — minimalism in running. Because the more tired you get, the more you realise: distraction is the enemy. In this episode, we cover: What “naked running” actually means (and why it matters)The difference between what you need versus what you’ve just got used toWhydo  some runners feel like they have to run with music, a vest, a phone, or gadgetsHow external crutches can quietly limit your confidence and performanceWhy learning to run “with yourself” is a superpower — especially for marathon trainingHow simplifying your setup can help you focus, race better, and enjoy the experience moreThis isn’t about being anti-tech or anti-Strava — it’s about asking one simple question: Is this helping your running, or just feeding the noise? If you’re training for a spring marathon (or just want to feel more in control of your running), this one will get you thinking. Follow me on Instagram: @12monthstomarathon And if you’re over 35, you can join my free running community via the link in my bio. Support the show

    15 min
  2. 30 ENE

    12 Months to Marathon - Episode 80 - The Dark Side of Marathons

    Send us a text The Dark Side of Marathons Marathon day is iconic.  The crowds, the build-up, the emotion — it’s unforgettable. But marathon training? That’s a very different story. In this episode, I talk honestly about the dark side of marathons — not the distance, not the pace, but the mental and emotional challenges that show up during the training process, especially for first-time marathon runners. I’m currently in week six of my own marathon training, and after working closely with runners preparing for spring marathons like London, I wanted to bring everything together into one clear message. This episode is about reassurance, simplicity, and mindset. In this episode, we cover: Why marathon training often feels overwhelming — and why that’s normalThe “resentful runner” phase and why it actually means you’re training properlyWhy guilt (especially charity guilt) makes training harder, not easierHow comparison and over-analysis cloud judgment and stall progressWhy first-time marathon runners cannot shortcut volume and loadPractical ways to deal with mental lows without suppressing or ventingWhy mindset — not the plan — is often the real work in marathon trainingIf you’re: Feeling tired, overwhelmed, or doubtfulStruggling to fit runs into real lifeWondering if you’re doing “enough.”Resenting the next run on your planThis episode is for you. Marathon training is hard. That doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong. It usually means you’re doing it right. One run at a time.  One solution at a time.  Forgive yourself — then move forward. 🎧 Listen now to 12 Months to Marathon on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen. If this episode helped you, please: Share it with a friendLeave a quick reviewJoin the free running community via InstagramAnd if you’re marathon training right now — keep going. It all comes together if you do the work. Support the show

    14 min

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Hi, I'm John Hill. I host 12 Months to Marathon—the running podcast for people over 35 with marathon dreams. Whether you are looking for a personal best or want to run a marathon, my story and regular tips should help you get there. I didn't run my first marathon until I was 36. I ran my first sub-3 marathon at the age of 45. If I can do it, so can you! For even more daily tips, make sure to follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/12monthstomarathon/Thanks for listening.