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
105 episodes
Episode 94 - Dawn Deaville - Post Natal Struggles to First Marathon
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 thr...
Episode 93 - Scott Couldrey - Mini Stroke to First Marathon at Age 42
Episode 93 – Scott Couldrey: From Weight Loss to First MarathonIn 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 ...
Episode 92 - Marathon Setbacks & Running Controversies
Episode 92 – Marathon Setbacks & Running ControversiesIn 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 hap...
Episode 91 - Neil Johnson - How He Ran His Fastest Marathon in 10 Years at 41
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 alre...
12 Months to Marathon - Episode 90 - Why Discipline Always Beats Motivation
Episode 90 – Why Discipline Always Beats MotivationIf you’re waiting to feel motivated before you train, you’re already in trouble.In this episode, I break down why discipline will always beat motivation when it comes to ma...
12 Months to Marathon - Episode 89 - How to Build True Marathon Confidence
Here’s a Spotify description for Episode 89 – How to Build True Marathon Confidence:Episode 89 – How to Build True Marathon ConfidenceWhat if confidence isn’t actually the thing you need before a marathon?In t...
12 Months to Marathon - Episode 88 - Coping with the Emotional Load of Marathon Training
Episode 88 – Coping with the Emotional Load of Marathon TrainingMarathon training is never just physical.In this episode, I talk about the emotional side of marathon training, the doubts, the setbacks, the compar...
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...
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 ...
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, ...
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...
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:...
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...
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 ...
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...
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,” ...
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, ...
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 ...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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 ...
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...