12 Months to Marathon

Send us a textMarathon 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:Why it’s okay to miss or adjust runs when life or weather hitsThe problem with comparing yourself to elite-level runners onlineHow fatigue, frustration and self-doubt show up — even for experienced runnersThe importance of training smart, not just hard, when you’re over 35And how to bounce back after a rough training week without derailing your momentum👟 This one’s for anyone who’s had a “rage quit” moment or questioned if they’re falling behind.👉 DM “26.2” to @12monthstomarathon if you want to join the 35+ running community 📲 Hit subscribe and share this with a runner who needs to hear it this week!Support the show

Send us a textHappy New Year and welcome to 2026! In this first episode of the year, I kick things off with a powerful reflection on the mindset traps runners should leave behind in 2025.If you're setting big goals for your next marathon or just trying to build momentum again, this episode is a must-listen. I share four key habits and thought patterns that hold runners back, and how to replace them with smarter, more sustainable strategies in the year ahead.You’ll hear:Why comparing yourself to others on Strava can quietly destroy your confidenceThe danger of pushing too hard and losing the joy of runningThe truth about “running to eat” and fuelling for performance vs comfortHow ignoring mobility could be silently sabotaging your trainingI also share my own honest reflections as I begin training for my 16th marathon, Boston, UK, and how my approach is evolving with experience, age, and life.👟 Ready to run smarter in 2026? 👉 DM "26.2" to @12monthstomarathon to chat about coaching 📲 Join the free 35+ runners community via the link in bioSupport the show

Send us a textIn this milestone 75th episode, I break down one of the most common debates in the running world: should you train by time or by distance?Whether you’re a first-time marathoner trying to build endurance or a seasoned runner chasing a sub-3 PB, this episode unpacks the pros and cons of both approaches — and when each one actually matters.You’ll hear:Why “time on feet” can reduce pressure and build fatigue resistanceWhen distance matters more (especially if you're new to marathons)How pace, experience, and race goals influence your training structureJohn’s personal approach and how he uses both tools at different stagesWhy doing something always beats getting stuck in decision paralysisIf you’re training for a spring marathon or just getting back into structure, this episode will help you cut through the noise and focus on what actually works for you.📲 DM “26.2” to @12monthstomarathon on Instagram to chat about coaching. 👟 Join the free 35+ runners community: link in bio.Support the show

Send us a textIn this episode, I chat with Rob Foster, a former Royal Marine turned hybrid athlete and coach, who’s proving that peak performance doesn’t stop at 40. Rob shares his journey from military life to gym ownership, to dominating HYROX events, and now, running back-to-back marathons in his 40s, including a blistering sub-3:00 finish in Dublin in his 2nd marathon. We dive into:Rob’s military background and the old-school fitness mindsetThe transition from lifting and HYROX into marathon trainingWhy endurance and strength can, and should, coexistWhat it's like to train for a marathon in your 40s (and still get faster)The importance of structure, simplicity, and the athletic mindsetHow Rob managed to run 2:58 in Dublin after HYROX, with no runs over 13 miles in training His approach to coaching everyday athletes through realistic, sustainable performanceWhether you're a hybrid athlete flirting with your first marathon or a distance runner curious about strength and HYROX, this one’s packed with practical insights and mindset gold.📲 Follow Rob on Instagram: @robfoster__ 📲 Follow John: @12monthstomarathon 👟 Join the free over-35 running community: Link in bio on Instagram.Support the show

Send us a textIn this powerful episode, I sit down with Richard Loftus, founder of Well Run Brum, a Birmingham-based men's mental health movement using social 5K runs to spark real, honest conversation.Richard shares his deeply personal story of hitting rock bottom, discovering running as a lifeline, and building a movement that helps men connect, open up, and break the stigma around mental health, one run at a time.We cover:How running helped Richard recover from a mental health crisisWhy conversation is easier shoulder-to-shoulderThe psychology of why men isolate, and how to break itWhat “conversational pacemakers” are and why they’re game-changersThe power of turning a personal struggle into community actionWhy don’t you need to run fast, you just need to show upWhether you’re a solo runner, part of a club, or someone who’s felt stuck, this episode will hit home in all the right ways.🎧 Follow Richard’s work at @wellrunbrum or visit well-runbrum.co.ukFollow John at @12monthstomarathon for more coaching, community and support for runners over 35.Support the show