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
98 episodes
12 Months to Marathon - Episode 87: Anthony Bryan – Brain Tumour Survivor to Marathon Runner
12 Months to Marathon – Episode 87: Anthony Bryan – From Brain Tumour Survivor to Marathon RunnerIn this powerful episode, I’m joined by Anthony Bryan, brain tumour survivor, stroke survivor, para athl...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 87
•
49:01
12 Months to Marathon - Episode 86 - 18 Mile Marathons & Charity Places
Episode 86 – 18 Mile Marathons & Charity PlacesMarathons 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 ...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 86
•
15:29
12 Months to Marathon - Episode 85 - Rich & Andy - Clean Break Coaching
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, ...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 85
•
1:20:14
12 Months to Marathon - Episode 84 - Why Everyone Should be Talking About Splits
Episode 84 – Why Everyone Should Be Talking About SplitsIf 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 run...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 84
•
14:27
12 Months to Marathon - Episode 83 - Naked Running
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:...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 83
•
14:51
12 Months to Marathon - Episode 82 - How Important is Weekly Mileage
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...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 82
•
15:19
12 Months to Marathon - Episode 81 - Steve Till, Author of The Run of Life: How any runner can reach their mountain top
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 ...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 81
•
47:50
12 Months to Marathon - Episode 80 - The Dark Side of Marathons
The Dark Side of MarathonsMarathon 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 a...
•
14:02
12 Months to Marathon - Episode 79 - Simplifying Running Speak
🎙️ 12 Months to Marathon – Episode 79: Simplifying Running SpeakAre 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,” ...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 79
•
14:50
12 Months to Marathon - Episode 78 - How to Understand your Marathon Training Plan
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, ...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 78
•
14:32
12 Months to Marathon - Episode 77 - How to Deal with Marathon Training Jitters
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 ...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 77
•
14:09
12 Months to Marathon - Episode 76 - Running Things to Leave in 2025
Happy 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 marath...
•
14:37
12 Months to Marathon - Episode 75 - Time on Feet vs Mileage - What Matters More?
In 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 chasin...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 75
•
14:23
12 Months to Marathon - Episode 74 - Rob Foster, From Hyrox Athlete to First Time Marathon Runner Age 42
In 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 event...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 74
•
1:05:52
12 Months to Marathon - Episode 73 - Richard Loftus, Founder of Well Run Brum
In 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 pe...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 73
•
47:48
12 Months to Marathon - Episode 72 - Is Caffiene Good for Runners?
In Episode 72, I dive deep into the pros and cons of caffeine for runners, sharing both personal experiences and evidence-based insights. From race-day gels and GI distress to coffee habits and sleep disruption, this episode helps you ex...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 72
•
14:51
12 Months to Marathon - Episode 71 - How Much Running Do You Actually Have to Do?
How many days a week do you really need to run to train for a marathon?In Episode 71, I break down the most common questions runners ask: “Is three runs a week enough?” Whether you're aiming for a spring marathon or just ...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 71
•
14:29
12 Months to Marathon - Episode 70 - A Tribute to Eliud Kipchoge
This special tribute episode dives into what makes Eliud Kipchoge more than the greatest marathoner of all time: it’s the mindset, discipline, and humility that ordinary runners can actually use.I share a quick personal update (Bo...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 70
•
15:26
12 Months to Marathon - Episode 69 - Graeme & Daphne Smith, First Time Marathoners at 55 and 42.
Two South Africans. first two marathons. One brutal plot twist.When the Cape Town Marathon was cancelled on the start line due to high winds, Graham (55) and Daphne (42) refused to let 16 weeks of training die in...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 69
•
42:36
12 Months to Marathon - Episode 68 - Reality vs Social Media
In this episode, I get real about the difference between what we see online and what actually happens in training and racing. From sleepless nights before competition to the myth of “everyone smashing it,” I break down how social media can dist...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 68
•
14:51
12 Months to Marathon - Episode 67 - Kat Sethi, First Time Marathoner at age 50 (while being a mother of 3, working and studying)
In this episode, I sit down with a truly inspiring guest — Kat Sethi, who ran her first marathon in Budapest at the age of 50.Kat’s story is one that every runner, especially those juggling careers, kids, and a million resp...
•
24:23
12 Months to Marathon - Episode 66 - Should you Run with Music?
Should you run with music, or leave the headphones at home?In this episode, I explore the pros and cons of running with music, from the benefits of motivation and pacing to the potential downsides, such as reduced awareness and increased...
•
14:21
12 Months to Marathon - Episode 65 - Why Super Shoes Might Not be Your Super Power
Everyone’s raving about carbon plates and £250 “super shoes” — but do they really make you faster, or just lighter in the wallet?In this episode, I break down the truth behind the hype. You’ll learn what super shoes actually do ...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 65
•
15:34
12 Months to Marathon - Episode 64 - 20 Years Later
It's been 20 years since I started my own personal health and wellness journey that has led me here. I wanted to share some insights, thoughts, and tips on what I have learned along the way. Join my free running community here: http...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 64
•
14:16