12 Months to Marathon
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.
Episodes
72 episodes
12 Months to Marathon - Episode 62 - Why Heart Rate Variability Matters
Welcome to episode 62 of the 12 Months to Marathon podcast. In this episode, we talk about Heart Rate Variability or HRV If you’re juggling training with work, family, and life, I’ll help you use HRV to cut the noise and...
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Season 1
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Episode 62
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18:13
12 Months to Marathon - Episode 61 - Great North Run Review & The Kindness of Running
I ran the Great North Run at the weekend. I was very fortunate to do this. In this episode, I discuss the experience and how running, running events, and our community can impact positive change in the World. Please follow me at @12...
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Season 1
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Episode 61
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14:13
12 Months to Marathon - Episode 60 - Your End of Year Running Plan
Autumn and winter can be a challenging time for runners, especially those who train outdoors. If you have a spring marathon coming up, especially if it's your first marathon, this is where we need to be extra cautious. This is what ...
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Season 1
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Episode 60
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15:02
12 Months to Marathon - Episode 59 - Ultra Runner & Influencer Michelle Schroff (Waddell Running Lady) Who Started Running at 44.
In this very inspiring episode, you will find out how Michelle started running at age 44, has overcome massive obstacles, and is now a multiple-time marathon and ultramarathon runner. The story of how Michelle has overcome hug...
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Season 1
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Episode 59
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42:30
12 Months to Marathon - Episode 58 - How to Improve Resting Heart Rate
Let’s start with the basics: resting heart rate is how many times your heart beats per minute when you’re completely at rest, ideally, first thing in the morning before you even get out of bed.For most adults, RHR ranges from 6...
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Season 1
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Episode 58
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15:57
12 Months to Marathon - Episode 57 - Why Sleep Matters
Why Sleep Matters Let’s start with the basics: sleep is when your body repairs, rebuilds, and recharges.It’s not just 'rest' it’s active recovery. When you sleep:Your muscles repair microscopic damage fro...
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Season 1
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Episode 57
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14:52
12 Months to Marathon - Episode 56 - The Danger of Data
Let’s be honest, these devices are amazing. I love my Garmin. Heart rate zones, VO2 max estimates, sleep tracking, HRV, race predictions, it’s all powerful stuff. And it can help guide our training in meaningful ways.But there’s a fine l...
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Season 1
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Episode 56
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14:39
12 Months to Marathon - Episode 55 - Why You Should be Focusing on Cadence
What Is Cadence? Let’s start with the basics. Cadence, in running, simply means how many steps you take per minute, often referred to as SPM or steps per minute.Now, why is this important? Because cadence directly influences ...
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Season 1
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Episode 55
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15:26
Mindset Mastery - Loving What Is
PART 1: Setting the Stage – Stillness and Awareness (5-10 min) Begin with Breathwork & Grounding:“Reality is always kinder than the stories we tell about it.” – Byron Katie Sit comfortably. Close your eyes. Inhale deeply ...
Subscriber Episode
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22:06
12 Months to Marathon - Episode 54 - Why VO2 Max Matters
Whether you're a runner trying to shave minutes off your marathon or just someone who wants to live longer and stay healthier, VO2 max matters a lot more than most people think.So, what exactly is it? Why should you care? And how can you...
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Season 1
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Episode 54
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14:15
12 Months to Marathon - Episode 53 - Mark Maselli - Kidney Transplant Survivor to Marathoner within 12 Months
Mark Maselli is living, breathing proof that a single, determined mindset can rewrite even the harshest prognosis. After watching kidney disease claim the lives of his grandmother and two uncles and steal a decade from his mom, Mark received th...
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48:01
12 Months to Marathon - Episode 52 - Rest & Recovery Tips
Monitoring your rest and recovery is essential if you want to improve as a runner. In this episode, I give you some real-world examples of what to look out for. Remember to follow me on Instagram for all your running content
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Season 1
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Episode 52
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13:46
12 Months to Marathon - Episode 51 - Dealing with Major Marathon Rejection
Have you been rejected by a major marathon such as London? This episode is for you. Remember to follow me on Instagram for all your running content https://www.instagram.com/12monthstomarathon/Thanks for listeni...
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Season 1
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Episode 51
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15:01
12 Months to Marathon - Episode 50 - Lessons from 50 Episodes
We celebrate 50 episodes this week! It's time to share some reflections and experiences from the last 50 episodes of this running podcast. Remember to follow me on Instagram for all your running content https://www.inst...
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Season 1
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Episode 50
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14:48
12 Months to Marathon - Episode 49 - Nelly Oliha - Running Influencer
On this episode, I interview running content creator Nelly Oliha. We talk about his amazing sense of humour and his now-famous running streak You can follow Nelly here: https://www.instagram.com/nellyoliha/ Remember to f...
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19:52
12 Months to Marathon - Episode 48 - Introduction to Speed Work (Getting Faster)
In this episode, I discuss the key principles behind improving your pace as a runner. Remember to follow me on Instagram for all your running content https://www.instagram.com/12monthstomarathon/Thanks for liste...
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Season 1
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Episode 48
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14:31
Speed Work Masterclass
A masterclass on how to understand and improve your pace as a runner.
Subscriber Episode
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24:37
12 Months to Marathon - Episode 47 - Louise Butcher - The Topless Runner & Author of Going Topless
I am very honoured to be interviewing Louise Butcher on this episode. Louise is a Guinness World Record Creator, Marathoner, Author, Advocate, Musician & Singer/Songwriter! You may have seen Louise on the official London Marathon social med...
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48:20
12 Months to Marathon - Episode 46 - Peter & Stella Plisner - First time marathoners at 62 and 47 respectively.
In this episode, I interview married couple Peter and Stella who ran their first marathon together in 2025 at the ages of 62 and 47 respectively. An inspiration journey and well worth a listen. Remember to follow me on I...
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Season 1
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Episode 46
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36:10
12 Months to Marathon - Episode 45 - The Hot & Cold of Marathons
If you suffered with the heat on marathon day or got marathon blues afterwards? This one is for you.Remember to follow me on Instagram for all your running content https://www.instagram.com/12monthstomarathon/Thanks...
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Season 1
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Episode 45
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13:11
12 Months to Marathon - Episode 44 - Interview with Paul Lowry - Massive Marathon PB at age 45
Paul shaved over an hour off his marathon time at age 45. Listen to find out how he did it. Remember to follow me on Instagram for all your running content https://www.instagram.com/12monthstomarathon/Th...
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Season 1
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Episode 44
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25:06
Become a Better Runner by Improving Sleep
In this month's masterclass, I discuss one of the simplest and most effective ways to become a better runner. It starts by improving your sleep.
Subscriber Episode
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21:24
12 Months to Marathon - Episode 43 - Interview with Recent 6 Star Finisher Kristina Coccoluto
I am very honoured to be interviewing Kristina Coccoluto. Kristina is a mom of 3, a BRCA1 survivor, and the first woman globally to complete all six marathon majors after a double mastectomy. A truly inspirational figure with an am...
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Season 1
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Episode 43
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49:19
12 Months to Marathon - Episode 42 - Interview With Lauren Redhead - First Time Marathoner at Age 39
In this episode, I chat with Lauren Redhead. Lauren has been working with me since January 2025 and recently ran her first marathon in Manchester at the age of 39. Remember to follow me on Instagram for all your running content...
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Season 1
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Episode 42
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29:26
12 Months to Marathon - Episode 41 - Common Race Day Errors
Here are some top tips for your marathon race day. If you are doing one of the big UK marathons this weekend, go well!Remember to follow me on Instagram for all your running content https://www.instagram.com/12monthstomarat...
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Season 1
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Episode 41
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14:40