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
86 episodes
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...
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Season 1
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Episode 75
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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...
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Season 1
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Episode 74
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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...
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Season 1
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Episode 73
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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...
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Season 1
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Episode 72
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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 ...
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Season 1
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Episode 71
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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...
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Season 1
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Episode 70
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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...
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Season 1
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Episode 69
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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...
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Season 1
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Episode 68
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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...
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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...
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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 ...
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Season 1
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Episode 65
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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...
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Season 1
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Episode 64
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14:16
Introduction to Meditation Masterclass
While running can be meditation, finding peace and calm in focused meditation can make your life (and running) a lot easier. Check out this masterclass which includes a brief meditation and breath work session. <...
Subscriber Episode
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28:21
12 Months to Marathon - Episode 63 - Running Goals vs Running Intentions
Welcome to episode 63 of the 12 Months to Marathon podcast. In this episode, we talk about running goals vs running Intentions I believe there is a difference between a performance runner and an enjoyment runner.
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Season 1
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Episode 63
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15:07
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