12 Months to Marathon

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What separates the mindset of a champion from a decision that goes too far? And can we admire an athlete's determination without agreeing with their actions?

In this episode of the 12 Months to Marathon Podcast, I'm exploring two controversial moments from the world of endurance sport that sparked fierce debate across social media.

First, the extraordinary determination of Tigst Assefa, who reportedly completed the final 2km of the Berlin Marathon despite suffering a ruptured Achilles tendon.

Then there's the HYROX competitor Joanna Wietrzyk...

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What can happen when you start running simply because you need something for yourself, and then keep going for nearly two decades?

In this episode, I’m joined by Madhusmita Jena, aka The Small Runner (@thesmallrunner)  whose running journey began as a new mum in Dubai and has since included more than 40 marathons, seven Boston qualifying times, a 3:27 marathon PB, ultramarathons and a remarkable Guinness World Record.  Pasted text

Madhu shares the story behind running the Manchester Marathon in her mum’s sari and breaking the world record...

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You can have the perfect training plan, hit every long run and do all the right sessions — but are you actually fuelling your body to cope with it?

In this episode, I’m joined by Australian dietitian and marathon runner Bec Bennett, who specialises in nutrition and fuelling for female runners over 40. Bec also shares her own powerful experience of unintentionally under-fuelling during marathon training, eventually developing a tibial stress fracture and being diagnosed with Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S). 

We discuss why r...

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What happens when running stops being about getting faster and starts becoming about something much bigger?

In this episode, I’m joined by James Thomas,  better known on Instagram as @instafudgie — for a refreshingly honest conversation about running, mental health, body confidence, social media and learning to enjoy the sport without constantly chasing the next PB. 

James shares how a workplace bet first got him running, how he went from nearly 16 stone to becoming a sub-40 10K runner, and why eventually chasing faster times began to make his ho...

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At 48, Ryan Fenix thought his opportunity to run a marathon might have passed him by.

He'd been a casual runner for years, juggling work, family life and three children in Manila. He'd even told himself that marathon running was a young man's game.

Then he entered the 2026 Sydney Marathon. 

In this episode of the 12 Months to Marathon Podcast, Ryan joins me to talk about going from wondering whether he was physically capable of running 26.2 miles to crossing the finish line in

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As runners, we track everything: pace, heart rate, HRV, VO2 max, sleep, mileage, and recovery.

But how often do we actually look at what's happening inside the body?

In this episode of the 12 Months to Marathon Podcast, I share the results of a comprehensive blood test I recently had in Poland and look at what they might tell us about running, performance, recovery and health as we get older.

At 49, my results included a biological age estimate of 41.9, testosterone above the...

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Are you actually a slow runner — or are you simply a runner who could improve your pace?

There’s a big difference.

In this episode of the 12 Months to Marathon Podcast, I explore the difference between a running performance problem and a running identity problem — and why the language you use about yourself could be holding you back. 

We look at common statements such as:

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Is the Running Boom Actually Bad for Running?

Running is booming.

More people are joining running clubs, entering races, chasing marathon places and turning up to parkrun than ever before.

Surely that's a good thing?

Mostly, yes. But a recent situation at Weymouth parkrun, where events were temporarily suspended following concerns around overcrowding, overtaking and participants being barged or tripped, raises an interesting question:

Is running becoming a victim of its own success?

In this...

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Should Runners Over 35 Take Supplements?

Do runners actually need supplements, and do our needs change as we get older?

In this episode of the 12 Months to Marathon Podcast, I look at some of the most commonly discussed supplements for runners over 35, including the four I currently use myself: magnesium, zinc, omega-3 and turmeric.

We cover their potential benefits for recovery, muscle function, general health and training, while also looking at where the evidence is strong — and where some of the claims mi...

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You’ve spent weeks or months training for a race. You cross the finish line, get the medal, celebrate the achievement… and then suddenly think: now what?

That post-race lull is real, and I’ve experienced it myself — even after finally breaking three hours for the marathon after years of chasing it. 

In this episode, I talk about what happens mentally after a big race and why the build-up can sometimes feel more powerful than the achievement itself.

I cover:

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Do you spend more time comparing training plans than actually running?

In this episode, I explore the Paradox of Choice and why having unlimited information, AI, YouTube videos and endless marathon plans may actually be holding you back.

I discuss why runners often fall into analysis paralysis, why chasing certainty can stop progress, and why the runners who improve the most are usually the ones who stop searching for the perfect plan and simply start putting one into practice.

I also share lessons from my...

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The London Marathon ballot is tougher than ever, with 1.3 million applicants chasing a place and only a small percentage getting in. But does missing out mean you should put your marathon dream on hold?

In this episode, I share my thoughts on the future of the marathon majors, London's move to a two-day event, and why so many runners are becoming frustrated with the ballot system. More importantly, I explain why there has never been a better time to look beyond the majors.

I also recommend some...

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What happens when you discover running later in life?

In this episode, I sit down with presenter, ring announcer and event host Tom Campbell to talk about his running journey, mental health, and why getting back into running in your late 30s and early 40s can be genuinely life-changing.

We discuss:

🏃 Why Tom returned to running later in life
 🧠 How running has helped his mental health and mindset
 💪 Building confidence through challenging yourself
 🏅 His experience of the Great North Run
 🎤 Balancing a busy career with...

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Can running help you lose weight?

The answer is yes... but probably not in the way most people think.

In this episode, I draw on over 20 years of personal experience, my own 70lb weight loss journey, and 17 years of coaching people to lose weight and improve their fitness to explain where running fits into the bigger picture.

You'll learn:

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What if running could be about more than pace, PBs and race medals?

In this episode, I sit down with Lucy Canham, founder of Run of a Kind Birmingham, a unique running community that combines running, local history, storytelling and exploration.

Lucy shares how her love of running, travel and meeting people through her career as airline cabin crew led her to discover running tours around the world—and ultimately inspired her to create something similar in Birmingham.

We discuss:

• How running became part of Lucy...

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What happens when you reach a point where enough is enough?

In this episode, I’m joined by Mark Simpson, whose journey from 25 stone (350lbs / 159kg) to completing his first half-marathon is one of the most inspiring stories we've featured on the podcast. 

Mark opens up about decades of struggling with his weight, being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, the emotional impact of obesity, and the moment he decided to take control of his life.

We discuss:

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In this special 100th episode of the podcast, I reflect on the biggest lessons I've learned from interviewing runners, marathoners, weight-loss success stories, world record holders, and everyday people who have achieved extraordinary things.

From first-time 5Ks to marathon finish lines, one theme keeps appearing:

You are capable of more than you think.

I also share some personal thoughts on mental health, self-identity, and the stories we attach to our running.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The most important lesson from 100 po...

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Should You Get a Gait Analysis Done?

If you've ever bought running shoes, you've probably been told you need a gait analysis.

But how useful are they really?

In this episode, I break down what a gait analysis is, what it can tell you, what it can't tell you, and why so many runners place far too much importance on a 30-second treadmill assessment.

We cover:

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In this episode of the 12 Months to Marathon podcast, I’m joined by Dawn Caddell to talk about her journey to completing the 2026 London Marathon at 51 years old.

Dawn shares how she returned to running after a long break from raising a family, how running became a huge part of her mental wellbeing, and why she kept pushing herself further — from 10Ks to half marathons and eventually the marathon distance.

But this wasn’t a smooth build-up.

We talk openly about:

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In this episode of the 12 Months to Marathon podcast, I’m joined by an extraordinary guest — Andy Reid.

Andy lost both legs and his right arm in Afghanistan in 2009 after stepping on an IED while serving in the British Army. Since then, he’s rebuilt his life in a way that genuinely redefines resilience.

We talk about:

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In this episode, I’m joined by Beth McArdle, who recently completed the London Marathon 2026 after months of structured training.

Beth shares her journey from losing three and a half stone, rebuilding her fitness through Women on the Move, taking on HYROX, and then stepping up to the challenge of the London Marathon.

We talk about:

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Episode 95 – The Record-Breaking 2026 London Marathon Review

In this episode, I break down one of the greatest marathon days in history — the incredible 2026 London Marathon.

We dive into:

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In this episode, I’m joined by Dawn Deaville, who recently completed her first marathon at Manchester Marathon after working with me inside the coaching programme.

Dawn shares how running helped her rebuild herself after having three children in five years, struggling mentally after her third child, and feeling like parts of herself had disappeared.

We talk about:

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Episode 93 – Scott Couldrey: From Weight Loss to First Marathon

In this episode of the 12 Months to Marathon Podcast, I’m joined by Scott Couldrey, who recently completed his first marathon at the Brighton Marathon after working with me inside the coaching programme.

Scott shares his journey from feeling overweight, unfit, and self-conscious, to losing three stone, rebuilding his confidence, overcoming a mini stroke/TIA, and eventually standing on the start line of his first marathon at age 42.

We talk abou...

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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 marath...

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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 st...

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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...

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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.<...

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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...

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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 doct...

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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.

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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...

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Episode 84 – Why Everyone Should Be Talking About Splits

If you want to get better at running, we need to talk about splits.

In this episode, I break down one of the most overlooked, yet most powerful,  concepts in distance running: controlling your mile or kilometre splits.

Whether you're training for your first marathon or chasing a PB, your splits tell the real story of your control, focus, and discipline across the distance.

We cover:

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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...

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Episode 82 – How Important Is Weekly Mileage?

When it comes to marathon training, how much do your weekly miles actually matter?

In this episode, I dive into one of the most common questions I get from runners: “How important is hitting my weekly mileage target?” Whether you're training for your first 26.2 or chasing a PB, this solo episode is full of honest talk on how to approach your mileage when life gets in the way, your legs feel heavy, or the plan needs tweaking.

We cover:
 🗓...

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What does it mean to be a runner for life?

In this powerful conversation, I sit down with Steve Till, a man who’s not only completed over 100 marathons and 500+ parkruns, but also represented Great Britain in both 100km and 24-hour ultra races. Steve is a student of the sport, an embodiment of endurance, and the author of The Run of Life – a book that threads together running, philosophy, and personal growth.

We talk about:
 🏃‍♂️ His running origins watching Dave Bedford on a black-and-white TV
 🎯 Why long-term goals matter more...

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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 worki...

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🎙️ 12 Months to Marathon – Episode 79: Simplifying Running Speak

Are you overthinking the terminology in your training plan? In this episode, I dive deep into the real reason runners get overwhelmed by terms like “tempo,” “threshold,” and “floating reps”  and why none of it actually matters if you’re not applying it in real life.

He shares:

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What do you do when the weather messes up your runs, or you fall behind in week 3 or 4 of training?

In this episode, John shares how a snowstorm, a cold, and some brutal treadmill miles forced him to adapt his own marathon training plan, and why that flexibility is exactly what most runners over 35 need to succeed.

You’ll learn:

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Marathon training doesn’t always go to plan – and that’s normal. In this honest and timely episode, John shares his own week 3 marathon training struggles, including tough weather, treadmill miles, tired legs, and the all-too-familiar mindset wobbles that can creep in early in the cycle.

Whether you're facing snow, missing runs, swapping sessions, or feeling the pressure of social media comparison, this episode will help you breathe, reset, and remember the long game.

You’ll hear: