12 Months to Marathon

John
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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. 

  1. -2 ДН.

    Episode 92 - Marathon Setbacks & Running Controversies

    Send us Fan Mail Episode 92 – Marathon Setbacks & Running Controversies In this episode of the 12 Months to Marathon Podcast, I break down my recent marathon at Boston (Lincolnshire, UK) and share a real, honest look at what happens when race day doesn’t quite go to plan. After battling a brutal headwind that ended any chance of a PB, I talk through how to handle marathon setbacks, manage expectations on race day, and move forward without getting stuck in frustration. If you’ve recently run a marathon like Brighton, Manchester, or Boston, or you’ve got London Marathon coming up, this is essential listening. I cover:  How to deal with race day disappointment Why uncontrollable factors (like weather) can dictate performance  The PRP mindset: Permission, Reconstruct, Perspective  How to stop beating yourself up after a tough race  Turning setbacks into your next breakthrough I also dive into two recent running controversies:  The Nike Boston Marathon campaign and the “runners vs walkers” debate  The Joe Wicks / London Marathon situation and the problem with bad running advice This isn’t about picking sides — it’s about staying grounded, thinking clearly, and focusing on what actually helps you become a better runner. Key message: Control what you can. Ignore the noise. Learn, adjust, and go again. If you’re an over-35 runner chasing your first or fastest marathon, this episode will help you stay focused on what really matters. If you enjoy the podcast, please follow, rate, and review on Spotify, and share it with another runner who needs to hear this. For more support, coaching, and structured marathon training, follow me on Instagram:  @12monthstomarathon And join the free running community for over 35s via the link in my bio. Support the show

    16 мин.

  2. 16 АПР.

    Episode 91 - Neil Johnson - How He Ran His Fastest Marathon in 10 Years at 41

    Send us Fan Mail Episode 91 of the 12 Months to Marathon Podcast is a powerful conversation with Neil Johnson, a runner who came into my coaching community in late 2025 with one clear goal: run a sub-3 marathon after 40. Neil had already broken the 3-hour marathon barrier in the past, but life had changed. Family responsibilities, less time, less recovery, more pressure, and the reality of being an over-35 runner meant the road back wasn’t straightforward. Like many runners in their late 30s and 40s, he started to question whether his best running was behind him. In this episode, Neil shares his full running journey, from early marathons and chasing a sub-3 marathon, through years of trying to get back there, to finally committing to a proper marathon training plan with structure, accountability, and a clear focus. We talk about:  How Neil went from early marathon success to years of frustration  The reality of marathon training over 40 with kids, work, and family life  Why just “being fit” is not the same as being marathon ready The difference that weekly mileage, long runs, and consistency made  What changed in his mindset this time around  How he handled setbacks, injuries, and training disruptions  The importance of having a solution-focused approach What it took to run a 2:57 marathon at Brighton and set his fastest marathon in 10 years This episode is for any runner who is wondering: Can I still get faster after 40?  Can I still run a PB with family life and responsibilities?  Can I still chase a big running goal even if life looks very different now? Neil’s story is proof that with the right structure, the right mindset, and the right training, your best running might not be behind you. If you enjoy the podcast, please follow, rate and review on Spotify, and share it with another runner who needs to hear this. You can follow me on Instagram at @12monthstomarathon for more marathon training advice, running motivation, and coaching for runners over 35. Support the show

    41 мин.

  3. 10 АПР.

    12 Months to Marathon - Episode 90 - Why Discipline Always Beats Motivation

    Send us Fan Mail Episode 90 – Why Discipline Always Beats Motivation If you’re waiting to feel motivated before you train, you’re already in trouble. In this episode, I break down why discipline will always beat motivation when it comes to marathon training, and why relying on “feeling like it” is one of the biggest mistakes runners make. As I record this, I’m just two days out from my 16th marathon, and this felt like the right time to talk about the difference between the runners who get it done… and the runners who keep waiting for the perfect mood, the perfect weather, or the perfect moment. We cover:  Why motivation is unreliable  Why discipline is what actually gets marathon training done  The difference between hype and reality  Why winter miles, dark mornings, and wet runs are where the real work happens  How to use the “reality lens” instead of the comparison lens  Why following your plan matters more than chasing shiny objects or last-minute advice If you’re tapering for a marathon right now, this is your reminder to stop second-guessing, stop looking for magic beans, and trust the work you’ve already done. And if you’ve got a marathon later this year, this episode will help you understand one of the most important principles in endurance training: Only doing the work makes you capable of doing the thing. Follow me on Instagram @12monthstomarathon for daily running support, and if you’re over 35, you can join my free running community via the link in my bio. Support the show

    16 мин.

  4. 2 АПР.

    12 Months to Marathon - Episode 89 - How to Build True Marathon Confidence

    Send us Fan Mail Here’s a Spotify description for Episode 89 – How to Build True Marathon Confidence: Episode 89 – How to Build True Marathon Confidence What if confidence isn’t actually the thing you need before a marathon? In this episode, I break down the difference between confidence and competence — and why so many runners get this wrong in the final weeks before race day. If you’ve got a spring marathon coming up and the doubts are creeping in, this one is for you. We cover:  Why confidence is a feeling — but competence comes from doing the work  How to stop second-guessing your marathon training in taper  Why comparing yourself to other runners ruins the experience  How to trust your training plan if you’ve followed it properly  What first-time marathoners need to remember in the final 2–3 weeks  How to protect your mindset so you actually enjoy race day This episode is especially useful if you’re doing Brighton, Manchester, London, Boston, or any spring marathon and you’re starting to wonder whether you’ve done enough. The truth is simple:  If you’ve followed your plan to the best of your ability, you are more ready than you think. Stop chasing confidence.  Build competence.  Then let confidence follow. Follow me on Instagram @12monthstomarathon for daily running support, and if you’re over 35, join my free running community via the link in my bio. Support the show

    15 мин.

  5. 26 МАР.

    12 Months to Marathon - Episode 88 - Coping with the Emotional Load of Marathon Training

    Send us Fan Mail Episode 88 – Coping with the Emotional Load of Marathon Training Marathon training is never just physical. In this episode, I talk about the emotional side of marathon training,  the doubts, the setbacks, the comparison, the frustration, and the mental spiral that can happen when things don’t go to plan. As I record this, I’ve just finished my final long-ish run before Boston Lincolnshire, and with taper approaching, it felt like the right time to talk honestly about what happens when training gets hard emotionally, not just physically. We cover:  Why marathon training can feel emotionally heavy, especially over 35  The difference between a setback and a choice Why you must stop making poor runs or injuries mean something about you as a person How comparison and social media can make everything worse  Why sympathy is a cheap payoff — and solutions are what matter  How to handle disappointment, niggles, missed sessions, and fear without spiralling This episode is for anyone deep in marathon training, tapering soon, or dealing with the emotional pressure that comes with trying to do something hard. Because the truth is:  A bad run doesn’t mean you’re bad. A setback doesn’t mean you’re broken. And if things haven’t gone perfectly, that doesn’t mean you can’t go again. Follow me on Instagram @12monthstomarathon for daily running support, and if you’re over 35, join my free running community via the link in my bio. Support the show

    16 мин.

  6. 19 МАР.

    12 Months to Marathon - Episode 87: Anthony Bryan – Brain Tumour Survivor to Marathon Runner

    Send us Fan Mail 12 Months to Marathon – Episode 87: Anthony Bryan – From Brain Tumour Survivor to Marathon Runner In this powerful episode, I’m joined by Anthony Bryan, brain tumour survivor, stroke survivor, para athlete, personal trainer, motivational speaker, Guinness World Record holder, and London Marathon finisher. Anthony shares his incredible story of being diagnosed with a brain tumour at just six years old, suffering a stroke during surgery, and being told by doctors that he would never run or be active again. What followed is one of the most inspiring journeys I’ve ever heard. We talk about: Surviving a childhood brain tumourRecovering from a strokeLearning to live with paralysis on one side of his bodyGoing from wheelchair user to world champion para athleteWinning gold in the 800m and 1500mRunning the London MarathonBreaking a Guinness World RecordTraining for HYROX World ChampionshipsUsing fitness, resilience, and mindset to prove the doubters wrongAnthony also opens up about growing up as the only disabled child in school sport, finding confidence through athletics, and how his disability became his superpower. This episode is about overcoming adversity, mental strength, resilience, disability sport, para athletics, marathon motivation, and what’s possible when you refuse to accept other people’s limits. If you need inspiration for your own running, fitness, or life journey, this is one to listen to. Follow Anthony on Instagram: @thenolimitsathlete You can also find his workouts on YouTube: Anthony Bryan Fitness And if you enjoy the podcast, please follow, share, and leave a review on Spotify or Apple. Support the show

    49 мин.

  7. 13 МАР.

    12 Months to Marathon - Episode 86 - 18 Mile Marathons & Charity Places

    Send us Fan Mail Episode 86 – 18 Mile Marathons & Charity Places Marathons have been dominating the running conversation this week, and not always for the right reasons. In this episode, I talk about three topics that have been doing the rounds online: the LA Marathon offering runners the option to finish at 18 miles and still receive a medal, the debate around charity places vs qualification times in the major marathons, and the growing discussion about filming during races. But underneath all of this is a bigger issue. Have we started turning running into something it was never meant to be? Running should be an escape from the noise of the world, not another place for arguments, politics, or division. Whether it’s debates about medals, charity runners, or race access, it’s easy to forget the most important thing: we’re all just trying to run our own race. In this episode, I share my honest perspective on: The safety conversation around hot marathons and shortened racesWhy 18-mile finishes and medals shouldn’t bother youThe reality of charity places vs good-for-age qualificationWhy chasing the major marathons can sometimes make runners bitterAnd why the real message for the running community is simple: focus on your race and support each otherThere are thousands of incredible marathons around the world — and you don’t need a major medal to call yourself a marathon runner. If you’re training right now and the doubts are creeping in, you’re not alone. That’s part of the process. Follow me on Instagram @12monthstomarathon for daily running advice, and if you’re over 35 you can join my free running community via the link in my bio. Support the show

    15 мин.

  8. 5 МАР.

    12 Months to Marathon - Episode 85 - Rich & Andy - Clean Break Coaching

    Send us Fan Mail 12 Months to Marathon – Episode 85: Alcohol-Free Running, Identity & Control (with Clean Break Coaching) In this episode, I’m joined by Rich and Andy from Clean Break Coaching for a proper conversation about running, sobriety, identity, and what it actually takes to take back control in midlife. We talk honestly about the “weekend warrior” trap — training hard in the week, then drinking hard at the weekend — and how easy it is to use running as a mask while your relationships, energy, and mental health quietly take the hit. Andy shares his journey to 7 years alcohol-free, including how fatherhood, trust, and burnout became the turning point. Rich opens up about working in the alcohol industry, losing his sense of identity during Covid, and the moment he realised he couldn’t keep living two lives: outwardly “fine”, inwardly struggling. This one is for anyone over 35 who feels like they’ve lost control — or knows deep down that alcohol is costing more than it’s giving. We cover: Why alcohol feels like “fun” and discipline feels “boring” (and how that gets programmed into us)Dopamine, escapism, and why it’s never really “about the drink”The difference between comfort and familiarity — and why people stay stuckHow Clean Break Coaching was built, and why alcohol-free running communities work“Control the controllables” — and why that mindset changes everythingFollow Clean Break Coaching on Instagram and check out their podcast Clean Break Chats for more. https://www.instagram.com/clean.break.coaching/ https://open.spotify.com/show/50jxtckfnkthFp98Q2uAzu?si=d5b740447e794eb8 If you’re new here, make sure you follow/subscribe. And if you’ve listened to a few episodes, a quick Spotify review really helps the podcast grow. For daily running tips, follow me on Instagram @12monthstomarathon and join the free Over 35 Running Community via the link in my bio. Support the show

    1 ч. 20 мин.
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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. 

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  • Автор
    John
  • Годы выхода
    2024 - 2026
  • Выпуски
    92
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    Без ненормативной лексики
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    © 2026 12 Months to Marathon
  • Сайт подкаста
    12 Months to Marathon

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