12 Months to Marathon

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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:
 Why feeling flat after a marathon or major goal is completely normal 
 Why you shouldn’t immediately rush to book your next race 
 The importance of actually processing and celebrating what you’ve achieved 
 How to decide what comes next without acting from disappointment or guilt 
 Why having another goal can help maintain momentum 
 How to avoid the cycle of racing, stopping completely and having to start again 
 Why your next challenge doesn’t necessarily need to be bigger — it could simply be different 
Whether you’ve just completed your first 5K, a marathon, an ultra or finally achieved a long-term PB, give yourself time to appreciate it.
Then, when the dust has settled, ask yourself a simple question:
What do I genuinely want to do next?
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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 own journey to running a sub-3 marathon, why experience will always teach you more than endless research, and how to avoid letting information become another form of procrastination.
If you've ever found yourself comparing coaches, plans or training methods instead of getting out for your next run, this episode is for you.
If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe, leave a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, and share it with another runner who might need to hear this.
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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 of my favourite marathons from over 16 marathon finishes, including Manchester, Edinburgh, Chester, Paris, Loch Ness, Florence, Boston (UK) and the Great Welsh Marathon, discussing which are best for atmosphere, scenery or chasing a personal best.
If you've been disappointed by the London ballot, this episode is your reminder that your marathon journey doesn't have to depend on one race.
Subscribe, leave a review if you're enjoying the podcast, and join the free 12 Months to Marathon community for runners aged 35+.
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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 training
 ❤️ Why running is about so much more than pace and finish times
This is an honest conversation about finding something that improves both your physical and mental wellbeing, proving it's never too late to start.
Whether you're just beginning your running journey or looking for motivation to keep going, there's plenty to take away from this one.
If you enjoy the episode, please leave a review, share it with a friend, and follow me on Instagram @12monthstomarathon.

https://www.instagram.com/mrtomcampbell/ on Instagram  @mrtomcampbell 
YouTube: Tom is a regular presenter on the channel  https://www.youtube.com/@Cultaholic, where most people know him from. 
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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:
 Whether running is an effective tool for fat loss 
 Why exercise alone rarely solves the problem 
 The biggest mindset mistake people make about their weight 
 Why you should separate your identity from the number on the scales 
 The "bottomless pit" problem with using exercise to burn calories 
 Why marathon training and weight loss need careful balance 
 How to use running as part of a sustainable long-term lifestyle 
 The mindset shift that helps people lose weight—and keep it off 
Whether you're training for your first marathon, hoping to lose a few pounds, or simply want a healthier relationship with running and your body, this episode will help you take a more balanced approach.
If you'd like support with your running or weight loss journey, you can find me on Instagram at @12monthstomarathon, or join my free running community via the link in my bio.
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