12 Months to Marathon

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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:
 Sabastian Sawe’s historic 1:59:30 marathon
 Two men going sub-2 in the same race 
 Jacob Kiplimo breaking the world record and still finishing third 
 Tigst Assefa’s women-only world record 
 The astonishing pacing statistics behind the performances 
 Why Sawe’s second half marathon was faster than the current American half marathon record 
 The role of super shoes, skepticism and elite performance 
 What everyday runners can learn from the greatest marathon ever run 
I also reflect on my own recent half marathon, booking Newport Marathon for next spring, and why performances like this should challenge all of us to rethink what’s possible — not just in running, but in life.
This is a deep dive into marathon running, mindset, human potential and the culture around elite sport.
If you’re an over-35 runner chasing your own marathon dreams, this one’s for you.
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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:
 Starting with a run around the block 
 Using running for mental health 
 Finding time as a mum of three 
 Building from 10K to half marathons 
 Overcoming race anxiety 
 Training for a first marathon 
 Managing fatigue, family life and recovery 
 Why Manchester Marathon changed her confidence 
 What she learned from the whole journey 
This is a brilliant listen for any over 35 runner, especially mums who feel like they’ve lost a bit of themselves and want to start doing something for them again.
Dawn’s story is a reminder that you don’t need to have it all figured out. Start small, keep showing up, and see where it takes you.
Follow me on Instagram: @12monthstomarathon
Join my free running community for over 35s via the link in my bio.
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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 about:
 Starting to run again after years away 
 Losing weight through running 
 Using running to support mental health 
 Training after a mini stroke 
 Preparing for a first marathon over 40 
 The reality of marathon training with work and family 
 Why sleep, recovery, and structure matter 
 What Brighton Marathon felt like on the day 
 The mental battle in the final miles 
This is a great listen if you’re an over-35 runner, a first-time marathoner, or someone who feels like they’ve left it too late to start.
Scott’s story is a reminder that you don’t need to be perfect. You just need to start, keep going, and build from where you are.
Follow me on Instagram: @12monthstomarathon
Join my free running community for over 35s via the link in my bio.
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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 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.
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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 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.
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