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!
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https://www.instagram.com/12monthstomarathon/
Thanks for listening.
12 Months to Marathon
Episode 91 - Neil Johnson - How He Ran His Fastest Marathon in 10 Years at 41
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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 already broken the 3-hour marathon barrier in the past, but life had changed. Family responsibilities, less time, less recovery, more pressure, and the reality of being an over-35 runner meant the road back wasn’t straightforward. Like many runners in their late 30s and 40s, he started to question whether his best running was behind him.
In this episode, Neil shares his full running journey, from early marathons and chasing a sub-3 marathon, through years of trying to get back there, to finally committing to a proper marathon training plan with structure, accountability, and a clear focus.
We talk about:
- How Neil went from early marathon success to years of frustration
- The reality of marathon training over 40 with kids, work, and family life
- Why just “being fit” is not the same as being marathon ready
- The difference that weekly mileage, long runs, and consistency made
- What changed in his mindset this time around
- How he handled setbacks, injuries, and training disruptions
- The importance of having a solution-focused approach
- What it took to run a 2:57 marathon at Brighton and set his fastest marathon in 10 years
This episode is for any runner who is wondering:
Can I still get faster after 40?
Can I still run a PB with family life and responsibilities?
Can I still chase a big running goal even if life looks very different now?
Neil’s story is proof that with the right structure, the right mindset, and the right training, your best running might not be behind you.
If you enjoy the podcast, please follow, rate and review on Spotify, and share it with another runner who needs to hear this.
You can follow me on Instagram at @12monthstomarathon for more marathon training advice, running motivation, and coaching for runners over 35.
