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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 mindset wobbles that can creep in early in the cycle.

Whether you're facing snow, missing runs, swapping sessions, or feeling the pressure of social media comparison, this episode will help you breathe, reset, and remember the long game.

You’ll hear:

• Why it’s okay to miss or adjust runs when life or weather hits
• The problem with comparing yourself to elite-level runners online
• How fatigue, frustration and self-doubt show up — even for experienced runners
• The importance of training smart, not just hard, when you’re over 35
• And how to bounce back after a rough training week without derailing your momentum

👟 This one’s for anyone who’s had a “rage quit” moment or questioned if they’re falling behind.

👉 DM “26.2” to @12monthstomarathon
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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 marathon or just trying to build momentum again, this episode is a must-listen. I share four key habits and thought patterns that hold runners back, and how to replace them with smarter, more sustainable strategies in the year ahead.

You’ll hear:

• Why comparing yourself to others on Strava can quietly destroy your confidence
• The danger of pushing too hard and losing the joy of running
• The truth about “running to eat” and fuelling for performance vs comfort
• How ignoring mobility could be silently sabotaging your training

I also share my own honest reflections as I begin training for my 16th marathon, Boston, UK, and how my approach is evolving with experience, age, and life.

👟 Ready to run smarter in 2026?
👉 DM "26.2" to @12monthstomarathon
to chat about coaching
📲 Join the free 35+ runners community via the link in bio

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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 chasing a sub-3 PB, this episode unpacks the pros and cons of both approaches — and when each one actually matters.

You’ll hear:

• Why “time on feet” can reduce pressure and build fatigue resistance
• When distance matters more (especially if you're new to marathons)
• How pace, experience, and race goals influence your training structure
• John’s personal approach and how he uses both tools at different stages
• Why doing something always beats getting stuck in decision paralysis

If you’re training for a spring marathon or just getting back into structure, this episode will help you cut through the noise and focus on what actually works for you.

📲 DM “26.2” to @12monthstomarathon
on Instagram to chat about coaching.
👟 Join the free 35+ runners community: link in bio.

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