Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast 12 Months to Marathon
| Titre | Date | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 Months to Marathon - Episode 69 - Graeme & Daphne Smith, First Time Marathoners at 55 and 42. | 07 Nov 2025 | 00:42:36 | |
Two South Africans. first two marathons. One brutal plot twist.
Inside:
If you’ve ever thought “I’m too old,” “too busy,” or “too late,” this one will punch holes in the story and hand you a starting line. Follow for daily tips: @12monthstomarathon
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| 12 Months to Marathon - Episode 68 - Reality vs Social Media | 30 Oct 2025 | 00:14:51 | |
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 distort your view of progress, and why consistency always beats perfection. If you’re a runner over 35 who’s tired of the noise and ready to focus on what truly matters, your mindset, your effort, and your growth, this one’s for you. Follow me on Instagram @12monthstomarathon
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| 12 Months to Marathon - Episode 59 - Ultra Runner & Influencer Michelle Schroff (Waddell Running Lady) Who Started Running at 44. | 29 Aug 2025 | 00:42:30 | |
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 huge obstacles and dealt with a lot of abuse online is an example to everyone. Michelle is a champion of true positivity and has helped break the insidious myth of what a "typical runner" should look like. If you doubt yourself or question whether you "belong" in the running community, this is the interview to listen to. I appreciate Michelle's time and vulnerability here. I know you will, too. Michelle is on Instagram at @waddellrunninglady Michelle also has a running podcast "Fun of the run" at https://open.spotify.com/show/2RE7aXWON3VesNBgZWM1sA?si=d14e99170a6341d7 Please follow me at @12monthstomarathon for your daily running content and tips. Join my free online running community for the 35s here https://www.skool.com/over-35s-running-community/about?ref=5a83a3b5a32642889a0f325d9e21d825 Enjoy! JH | |||
| 12 Months to Marathon - Episode 58 - How to Improve Resting Heart Rate | 22 Aug 2025 | 00:15:57 | |
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 60 to 100 bpm. So what does a lower resting heart rate mean? It means your heart is strong. It can pump more blood with each beat, so it doesn’t have to work as hard when you're resting. It’s linked to:
In short, the lower your resting heart rate (to a healthy point), the more aerobically fit you are. Now, before we dive into how to lower it, let’s clear something up: Lower isn’t always better if it’s forced. Your resting heart rate can fluctuate from:
Instead of chasing a specific number, look for trends. Is your RHR generally lowering over time? Or is it spiking? How do you lower your resting heart rate in a healthy, sustainable way as a runner? Here are the big ones: 1. Build a Strong Aerobic Base This is the foundation. Easy, conversational-pace runs done consistently are your secret weapon. Think 60–90 seconds per mile slower than race pace. This strengthens your heart and teaches your body to use oxygen efficiently. 2. Avoid Overtraining Counterintuitive, I know. But constantly smashing yourself with HIIT and tempo runs without recovery can spike your RHR. Balance hard sessions with easy ones. Rest days matter. 3. Improve Sleep Quality Poor sleep = elevated stress hormones = higher heart rate. Aim for 7–9 hours. Consistent bedtime. Wind-down routine. The usual suspects—but they work. 4. Manage Stress Easier said than done, but meditation, breathwork, even walks in nature—all help reduce cortisol, which brings your heart rate down. Chronic life stress raises your baseline. 5. Hydration & Nutrition Dehydration makes your heart work harder to pump blood. Eat whole foods, stay hydrated, especially after long runs or in the heat. 6. Cross-Training & Strength Work Non-impact activities like cycling, swimming, or even yoga can improve heart health without overloading your running muscles. And one more bonus one… 7. Breathing Work Slow nasal breathing, especially at rest or during recovery runs, can activate your parasympathetic nervous system and lower your RHR over time." You don’t need a lab to measure your resting heart rate. You can use:
What’s more important than the number is the trend. Or is it climbing, which could be a sign you’re under-recovered or overreaching? Use it as one data point—not the full story. Lowering your resting heart rate isn’t about bragging rights—it’s about building a stronger, more efficient engine that helps you run longer, recover faster, and stay healthier for life. Remember to follow me on Instagram for all your running content JH | |||
| 12 Months to Marathon - Episode 57 - Why Sleep Matters | 14 Aug 2025 | 00:14:52 | |
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.
In other words, sleep is when you become a better runner. Studies show that sleep deprivation can:
And here’s the thing: even just one bad night of sleep can affect your next session. So imagine what happens when it’s three… five… a week?" Personal Reflections & The Data Trap Let me be honest, I’ve had nights where I’ve slept well, but my watch tells me otherwise. Or vice versa. It’s tempting to let that sleep score dictate how you feel that day. But sleep quality isn’t always captured perfectly by a device. You’ve got to check in with how your body actually feels. But that said, I’ve also had times where I knew I was short-changing myself on sleep. Trying to squeeze in early runs with late nights, and then wondering why I felt flat, moody, or unmotivated. It wasn’t overtraining. It was under-recovering. Sleep isn’t a luxury. It’s training. How Much Do Runners Actually Need? So how much sleep do you actually need? Most adults need 7–9 hours. But for runners, especially when you’re building mileage, training hard, or tapering for a race—you might need more. Elite athletes often sleep 9–10 hours a night. Some even nap during the day. You might not have that kind of schedule, but here are signs you’re not getting enough:
If you’re stacking great workouts but still feeling off—look at your sleep. Tips to Improve Sleep Quality Let’s get practical. Here are a few things that have helped me, and many other runners, sleep better:
And one more thing: don’t panic about one bad night. It happens. It’s the pattern that matters." So here’s the takeaway:
So if you’re serious about running—be serious about sleep. Remember to follow me on Instagram for all your running content JH | |||
| 12 Months to Marathon - Episode 56 - The Danger of Data | 08 Aug 2025 | 00:14:39 | |
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 line between using the data and being used by it. When you start planning your day based on whether your watch says you slept well… or skipping a session because your 'body battery' says you're tired, even though you feel great, you’re crossing into dangerous territory. These devices are tools, not truth. Let’s go back to last night. My watch missed a full hour of sleep. Just glitched out. But my body didn’t glitch, I had that hour. I woke up feeling fine. Yet my watch told a completely different story. So what do I believe? The tech? Or my own experience? Here’s the danger:
That’s when the numbers start driving the narrative. And you stop listening to your own body, which, by the way, is the only system that actually matters on race day." Real Training Happens in the Body, Not the Watch "You don’t race with your Garmin telling you when to push or when to ease off. You race with your lungs, your legs, your grit" Data can’t account for everything:
We’ve all had days where the numbers said we should feel awful, but we crushed the workout. And the opposite—when the metrics look great but the run feels like molasses. So what gives? The data is a snapshot—but it’s not the whole picture. That’s why we need to anchor ourselves back to one key question: Using Data Without Becoming a Slave to It Look, I’m not saying throw your watch in the bin. I’m still using mine. I love training zones and long-term trends. But I’m starting to put the numbers in their proper place, as a guide, not a gospel. Here’s what I try to do now:
One dodgy night of sleep tracking doesn’t mean your body is broken. Just means the watch had a hiccup. So if you take one thing from today Don’t let data override your instincts. Remember to follow me on Instagram for all your running content JH | |||
| 12 Months to Marathon - Episode 55 - Why You Should be Focusing on Cadence | 02 Aug 2025 | 00:15:26 | |
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 your stride length, impact forces, and overall running efficiency. Runners with a higher cadence usually have:
And here’s the key thing: you don’t necessarily need to hit exactly 180 steps per minute, but most research shows that a cadence between 170 to 190 is optimal for most runners, especially when running at tempo or race pace." Why Cadence Matters Okay, so why should you care about cadence? Here are a few big reasons:
And here’s something important to remember: changing cadence isn’t about running faster—it’s about moving more efficiently. That’s the magic." How to Find and Improve Your Cadence First, you need to know your baseline. You can measure your cadence in a few ways:
Once you know where you are, you can work on improving it—but gradually. Here’s how:
And remember, cadence isn’t one-size-fits-all. Taller runners may naturally have a slightly lower cadence than shorter runners—but improving your own efficiency is what counts. When to Adjust Your Cadence "Now you might be wondering: when should you actually work on cadence?
It’s a small change that pays big dividends over time. Remember to follow me on Instagram for all your running content | |||
| 12 Months to Marathon - Episode 54 - Why VO2 Max Matters | 24 Jul 2025 | 00:14:15 | |
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 improve it? That’s what we’re unpacking in this episode. Let’s go. O2 max stands for 'maximal oxygen uptake. It’s the maximum amount of oxygen your body can use during intense exercise. The higher your VO2 max, the more efficiently your body can take in, transport, and use oxygen. Here’s how VO2 max affects running:
Here’s how VO2 max affects running:
How to Improve VO2 Max High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)
Remember to follow me on Instagram for all your running content | |||
| 12 Months to Marathon - Episode 53 - Mark Maselli - Kidney Transplant Survivor to Marathoner within 12 Months | 18 Jul 2025 | 00:48:01 | |
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 the news in 2018 that he, too, had the same kidney disease. Not accepting the status quo, Mark made the conscious decision to rewrite his story and not let the disease win. By taking action, he was able to receive a kidney in November 2023. Less than a year after a life-saving live-donor transplant from his sister-in-law, he crossed the finish line of his first marathon just 346 days post-surgery despite never having run a race before. That finish line became his new starting line. Drawing on the grit he forged as a youth hockey player, Mark has since tackled Spartan obstacle races, risen to Associate Director at a top-five U.S. aerospace company, and completed McKinsey’s Management Accelerator program; proof that the principles he calls The Maselli Mindset work in sport, career, and life alike. But Mark’s story isn’t about medals or titles; it’s about choice. Juggling family, corporate leadership, daily workouts, and a rapidly growing motivational platform, he still battles imposter syndrome and late-night doubts. His secret weapon? A relentless commitment to the Michelangelo credo: “The greater danger for most of us lies not in setting our aim too high and falling short, but in setting our aim too low and achieving our mark.” When he isn’t writing, working, or coaching others to chase their own “finish lines,” you’ll find him painting abstract canvases or channeling his inner Bob Ross because, as he says, “creating art keeps my soul in training.” In The Overcomer’s Journey: Unlocking Your Potential Through Vision, Discipline, and Resilience, Mark uses the transplant-to-marathon journey as a living metaphor, unpacking the disciplined framework that carried him from hospital bed to starting line and can carry readers from survival mode to a life of purpose. His rallying cry is simple: You have the power and the choice to rewrite your story—find your purpose, fix your mindset, and be relentless Follow Mark on Instagram @markmaselli Mark's book The Overcomer’s Journey: Unlocking Your Potential Through Vision, Discipline, and Resilience is out this fall Remember to follow me on Instagram for all your running content | |||
| 12 Months to Marathon - Episode 52 - Rest & Recovery Tips | 11 Jul 2025 | 00:13:46 | |
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 | |||
| 12 Months to Marathon - Episode 51 - Dealing with Major Marathon Rejection | 03 Jul 2025 | 00:15:01 | |
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 | |||
| 12 Months to Marathon - Episode 50 - Lessons from 50 Episodes | 26 Jun 2025 | 00:14:48 | |
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 | |||
| 12 Months to Marathon - Episode 67 - Kat Sethi, First Time Marathoner at age 50 (while being a mother of 3, working and studying) | 24 Oct 2025 | 00:24:23 | |
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 responsibilities, will relate to. From running her first 10K after years away from fitness to training for a full marathon while working full-time, raising three children, and pursuing her studies, Kat’s journey is proof that you can achieve big goals no matter what life throws at you. We dive into: Kat reminds us that you don’t have to be “a runner” to run a marathon — just someone willing to show up, make a few sacrifices, and believe in what’s possible. If you’ve ever thought, “I’d love to do a marathon, but I just don’t have time…” this is the episode to listen to. Tune in, get inspired, and remember: it’s never too late to chase that marathon dream. Follow me on Instagram @12monthstomarathon
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| 12 Months to Marathon - Episode 49 - Nelly Oliha - Running Influencer | 20 Jun 2025 | 00:19:52 | |
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 follow me on Instagram for all your running content | |||
| 12 Months to Marathon - Episode 48 - Introduction to Speed Work (Getting Faster) | 12 Jun 2025 | 00:14:31 | |
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 | |||
| 12 Months to Marathon - Episode 47 - Louise Butcher - The Topless Runner & Author of Going Topless | 05 Jun 2025 | 00:48:20 | |
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 media and in various media interviews. Louise ran the London marathon topless to raise awareness for breast cancer. Her book "Going Topless" is out in June 2025 https://pegasuspublishers.com/books/outnow/going-topless Louise also raises money for Breast Cancer Now https://breastcancernow.org/ This is a very inspiring and uplifting interview. You can follow Louise here https://www.instagram.com/louisebutcher39/ Remember to follow me on Instagram for all your running content | |||
| 12 Months to Marathon - Episode 46 - Peter & Stella Plisner - First time marathoners at 62 and 47 respectively. | 29 May 2025 | 00:36:10 | |
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 Instagram for all your running content | |||
| 12 Months to Marathon - Episode 45 - The Hot & Cold of Marathons | 22 May 2025 | 00:13:11 | |
If you suffered with the heat on marathon day or got marathon blues afterwards? This one is for you. | |||
| 12 Months to Marathon - Episode 44 - Interview with Paul Lowry - Massive Marathon PB at age 45 | 14 May 2025 | 00:25:06 | |
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 | |||
| 12 Months to Marathon - Episode 43 - Interview with Recent 6 Star Finisher Kristina Coccoluto | 08 May 2025 | 00:49:19 | |
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. | |||
| 12 Months to Marathon - Episode 42 - Interview With Lauren Redhead - First Time Marathoner at Age 39 | 01 May 2025 | 00:29:26 | |
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. | |||
| 12 Months to Marathon - Episode 41 - Common Race Day Errors | 25 Apr 2025 | 00:14:40 | |
Here are some top tips for your marathon race day. If you are doing one of the big UK marathons this weekend, go well! | |||
| 12 Months to Marathon - Episode 40 - Some More Tapering Advice | 17 Apr 2025 | 00:14:51 | |
Tapering for a marathon can be tricky. Here is another episode with some more top tips | |||
| 12 Months to Marathon - Episode 66 - Should you Run with Music? | 17 Oct 2025 | 00:14:21 | |
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 reliance. Whether you're a playlist junkie or a silence seeker, this 15-minute reflection will help you understand when music enhances your run—and when it might be holding you back. Perfect for solo runners, early morning miles, and anyone questioning whether their earbuds are helping or hindering their performance. Remember to follow me on Instagram @12monthstomarathon to get your free daily content and tips Thank you for listening to and downloading this podcast over 10,000 times JH | |||
| 12 Months to Marathon - Episode 39 - Tapering | 10 Apr 2025 | 00:14:57 | |
It's time to talk about marathon tapering. Remember to follow me on Instagram for all your running content https://www.instagram.com/12monthstomarathon/ Thanks for listening JH | |||
| 12 Months to Marathon - Episode 38 - Peak Week Panic | 03 Apr 2025 | 00:14:40 | |
Are you hitting your peak weeks of marathon training? It's okay to be a little tired, overwhelmed, and hungry. In this episode, I explain the why of peak weeks and how to deal with them. | |||
| 12 Months to Marathon - Episode 37 - Marathon Debrief | 26 Mar 2025 | 00:13:13 | |
Here is my overview of my 15th marathon and 2nd sub 3 after the age of 45. | |||
| 12 Months to Marathon - Episode 36 - Interview with Gary Blackman | 12 Mar 2025 | 00:42:17 | |
Follow Gary at @gb_runner2021 on Instagram | |||
| 12 Months to Marathon - Episode 35 - Interview with Amy Edwards | 05 Mar 2025 | 00:50:31 | |
Check out this amazing interview with Amy Edwards. Amy has an amazing story that features serious mental health challenges, suicide attempts, dramatic weight loss, and marathon running. Chatting with Amy was a real pleasure, and this is well worth a listen. | |||
| 12 Months to Marathon - Episode 34 - Warming Up & Cooling Down | 28 Feb 2025 | 00:14:24 | |
Some key principles around warming up and cooling. | |||
| 12 Months to Marathon - Episode 33 - Injury Prevention | 21 Feb 2025 | 00:15:13 | |
An introduction to injury prevention for runners. | |||
| 12 Months to Marathon - Episode 32 - Introduction to Fuelling | 13 Feb 2025 | 00:15:10 | |
An introduction to fuelling for longer runs. | |||
| 12 Months to Marathon - Episode 31 - Dealing with Marathon Anxiety | 07 Feb 2025 | 00:14:26 | |
How to deal with marathon anxiety during your training cycle. | |||
| 12 Months to Marathon - Episode 30 - Introduction to Strength Training | 30 Jan 2025 | 00:17:04 | |
An introduction to effective strength training for runners | |||
| 12 Months to Marathon - Episode 65 - Why Super Shoes Might Not be Your Super Power | 10 Oct 2025 | 00:15:34 | |
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 to your running mechanics, why they can increase injury risk, and how to know if you’ve earned the right to wear them. I also share when they help, when they hurt, and how to build a smart shoe rotation that keeps you fast, strong, and injury-free, without falling for marketing hype. Join my free running community here: https://www.skool.com/over-35s-running-community/about?ref=5a83a3b5a32642889a0f325d9e21d825 Remember to follow me on Instagram @12monthstomarathon to get your free daily content and tips Thank you for listening to and downloading this podcast over 10,000 times JH | |||
| 12 Months to Marathon - Episode 29 - Introduction to Nutrition | 24 Jan 2025 | 00:14:08 | |
An introduction to effective nutrition for runners. | |||
| 12 Months to Marathon - Episode 28 - The Resentful Runner | 17 Jan 2025 | 00:13:56 | |
Are you training for a marathon and hate running a little bit? That's okay. In this episode, I explain why | |||
| 12 Months to Marathon - Episode 27 - Starting Your Marathon Journey | 10 Jan 2025 | 00:14:01 | |
A lot of people are starting a marathon training cycle this week. Here are my thoughts on the first few weeks (a very important time) | |||
| 12 Months to Marathon - Episode 26 - Random Musings - Part Two | 02 Jan 2025 | 00:14:51 | |
The second part of my random musings. I have been on another journey in 2024 that started in August. I wanted to share some of my progress and how it can make you a better runner. | |||
| 12 Months to Marathon - Episode 25 - Random Musings - Part One | 27 Dec 2024 | 00:14:39 | |
This year I made a bold decision. I share the story behind it here. | |||
| 12 Months to Marathon - Episode 24 - Annual Review | 19 Dec 2024 | 00:11:29 | |
It's time to review 2024. Here is a guide to finishing the year in a positive frame of mind. | |||
| 12 Months to Marathon - Episode 23 - Marathon Training Plans | 11 Dec 2024 | 00:14:30 | |
This is your guide as to what to look for in a marathon training plan. | |||
| 12 Months to Marathon - Episode 22 - The Compound Effect | 05 Dec 2024 | 00:13:58 | |
All the runs matter when you are training for a marathon. In this episode I explain the importance of following the plan and hitting the mileage targets. | |||
| 12 Months to Marathon - Episode 21 - Let's Talk Marathons | 27 Nov 2024 | 00:14:55 | |
I have started marathon training! I think it's appropriate to chat about marathons a bit this week. | |||
| 12 Months to Marathon - Episode 20 - The Myth of Motivation | 20 Nov 2024 | 00:14:04 | |
Is motivation a thing? In this episode, I give my thoughts. | |||
| 12 Months to Marathon - Episode 64 - 20 Years Later | 03 Oct 2025 | 00:14:16 | |
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: https://www.skool.com/over-35s-running-community/about?ref=5a83a3b5a32642889a0f325d9e21d825 Remember to follow me on Instagram @12monthstomarathon to get your free daily content and tips Thank you for listening to and downloading this podcast over 10,000 times JH | |||
| 12 Months to Marathon - Episode 19 - Straight Talking | 13 Nov 2024 | 00:14:56 | |
A few people have told me that I am straight-talking about running. Here is why I think that's important. Remember to follow me on Instagram for all your daily running tips | |||
| 12 Months to Marathon - Episode 18 - The Curse of Should | 07 Nov 2024 | 00:14:04 | |
The word "should" isn't always that useful. In this week's episode, I explain why it can hold you back when running. | |||
| 12 Months to Marathon - Episode 17 - Performance vs the Person | 29 Oct 2024 | 00:13:05 | |
This week I reflect on my experience doing my third Hyrox event and a lesson about not taking things personally. | |||
| 12 Months to Marathon - Episode 16 - The Worst Vice? | 23 Oct 2024 | 00:15:21 | |
The worst vice is advice. I heard that many years and it stuck with me. Check out this weeks episode where I explain why this is especially true when it comes to running. | |||