Send us Fan Mail

What happens when you reach a point where enough is enough?

In this episode, I’m joined by Mark Simpson, whose journey from 25 stone (350lbs / 159kg) to completing his first half-marathon is one of the most inspiring stories we've featured on the podcast.

Mark opens up about decades of struggling with his weight, being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, the emotional impact of obesity, and the moment he decided to take control of his life.

We discuss:

• How Mark lost over 12 stone (168lbs / 76kg)
• The role weight loss medication played in his transformation
• Why consistency matters more than perfection
• The mental and emotional challenges of long-term weight loss
• Building confidence after years of feeling trapped
• Discovering running and completing his first 10K and half-marathon
• Social media, accountability, and inspiring others
• Men's mental health and the importance of talking openly
• Why is it never too late to change your life

This is an honest conversation about health, self-belief, resilience, and what's possible when you decide to give yourself one more chance.

You can follow Mark's journey on Instagram:

@shrinking_simmo

If you're over 35 and training for a race, or simply looking for support with your running, you can join our free running community via the link in my Instagram bio:

@12monthstomarathon

If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a review and share it with another runner. It really helps us reach more people.

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

In this special 100th episode of the podcast, I reflect on the biggest lessons I've learned from interviewing runners, marathoners, weight-loss success stories, world record holders, and everyday people who have achieved extraordinary things.

From first-time 5Ks to marathon finish lines, one theme keeps appearing:

You are capable of more than you think.

I also share some personal thoughts on mental health, self-identity, and the stories we attach to our running.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The most important lesson from 100 podcast episodes
• Why curiosity is often more powerful than confidence
• The problem with comparing your journey to other runners
• Why there is no "right" distance to run
• How social media can distort what's possible
• The difference between data and identity
• Why calling yourself a "slow runner" may be holding you back
• Mental health, self-talk, and the stories we tell ourselves
• How to stop attaching your self-worth to your running performances
• Why your next challenge should be defined by you, not by anyone else

Whether you're training for your first 5K, chasing a marathon PB, or simply trying to become a healthier version of yourself, this episode is a reminder to stay open-minded, stay curious, and keep exploring what you're capable of.

Thank you for listening and for helping the podcast reach 100 episodes. Here's to the next 100. 💙

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

Should You Get a Gait Analysis Done?

If you've ever bought running shoes, you've probably been told you need a gait analysis.

But how useful are they really?

In this episode, I break down what a gait analysis is, what it can tell you, what it can't tell you, and why so many runners place far too much importance on a 30-second treadmill assessment.

We cover:

• What pronation actually is (and why it's not necessarily a problem)
• The difference between neutral and stability shoes
• What the research says about gait analysis and injury prevention
• Why comfort is often more important than biomechanics
• The biggest mistakes runners make when choosing shoes
• When a gait analysis can be genuinely useful
• The factors that actually cause most running injuries
• Why consistency beats perfection every time

Whether you're a beginner buying your first pair of running shoes or an experienced runner wondering if you've been overthinking your footwear choices, this episode will help you make better decisions and focus on what really matters.

Because becoming a better runner isn't about having the perfect gait—it's about training consistently, staying healthy, and enjoying the process.

If you enjoy the podcast, please follow, rate and review it wherever you listen.

And if you'd like support with your running, join our free running community via the link in my Instagram bio.

Instagram: @12monthstomarathon

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of the 12 Months to Marathon podcast, I’m joined by Dawn Caddell to talk about her journey to completing the 2026 London Marathon at 51 years old.

Dawn shares how she returned to running after a long break from raising a family, how running became a huge part of her mental wellbeing, and why she kept pushing herself further — from 10Ks to half marathons and eventually the marathon distance.

But this wasn’t a smooth build-up.

We talk openly about:

• Returning to running after years away
• Balancing family life, work, and marathon training
• Injury setbacks during marathon prep
• The emotional impact of nearly pulling out
• Why resilience matters more than perfection
• The reality of marathon training after 50
• The incredible atmosphere of the London Marathon
• Why challenging yourself changes how you see yourself

This is an honest conversation about perseverance, identity, purpose, and refusing to quit when things don’t go to plan.

Dawn’s story will resonate with a lot of runners — especially anyone who feels they’ve left it “too late”, struggled with setbacks, or wondered whether they’re still capable of doing something big.

You can follow Dawn on Instagram:
@dawnyc1234_

And if you enjoy the podcast, please follow, rate, and share it. It genuinely helps more runners over 35 discover the show.

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of the 12 Months to Marathon podcast, I’m joined by an extraordinary guest — Andy Reid.

Andy lost both legs and his right arm in Afghanistan in 2009 after stepping on an IED while serving in the British Army. Since then, he’s rebuilt his life in a way that genuinely redefines resilience.

We talk about:

• Andy’s journey into the military
• The day his life changed forever
• Recovery, resilience, and rebuilding identity
• Mental health, purpose, and asking for help
• Why he became the first triple amputee to complete the London Marathon
• The mindset required to keep moving forward through adversity
• The work of the Standing Tall Foundation supports people struggling with mental health, addiction, and life challenges

This isn’t just a conversation about endurance events or marathons. It’s a conversation about perspective, purpose, gratitude, and what human beings are truly capable of when they refuse to give up.

Andy also shares some powerful lessons about discomfort, discipline, community, and why “anything is possible” often starts with simply taking the next step.

You can follow Andy here:
Instagram: @andyreid2506

Find out more about the Standing Tall Foundation and Andy’s book Standing Tall here:

https://www.standingtallfoundation.org.uk/

If you enjoy the podcast, please follow, rate, and share it. It genuinely helps more runners over 35 find the show.

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, I’m joined by Beth McArdle, who recently completed the London Marathon 2026 after months of structured training.

Beth shares her journey from losing three and a half stone, rebuilding her fitness through Women on the Move, taking on HYROX, and then stepping up to the challenge of the London Marathon.

We talk about:

• Starting again in her late forties and early fifties
• Weight loss, confidence and fitness
• Training for a marathon around work and family life
• Running for charity
• Dealing with injury on marathon day
• The emotional pull of London Marathon
• Why your “why” matters
• The power of community, support and stubbornness
• Why it’s never too late to do something remarkable

This is a brilliant episode for any over 35 runner, especially anyone who thinks they may have left it too late to take on a big challenge.

Beth’s story is honest, emotional and inspiring. It’s a reminder that the race itself is only one part of the journey.

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

Episode 95 – The Record-Breaking 2026 London Marathon Review

In this episode, I break down one of the greatest marathon days in history — the incredible 2026 London Marathon.

We dive into:

• Sabastian Sawe’s historic 1:59:30 marathon
• Two men going sub-2 in the same race
• Jacob Kiplimo breaking the world record and still finishing third
• Tigst Assefa’s women-only world record
• The astonishing pacing statistics behind the performances
• Why Sawe’s second half marathon was faster than the current American half marathon record
• The role of super shoes, skepticism and elite performance
• What everyday runners can learn from the greatest marathon ever run

I also reflect on my own recent half marathon, booking Newport Marathon for next spring, and why performances like this should challenge all of us to rethink what’s possible — not just in running, but in life.

This is a deep dive into marathon running, mindset, human potential and the culture around elite sport.

If you’re an over-35 runner chasing your own marathon dreams, this one’s for you.

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

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 three children in five years, struggling mentally after her third child, and feeling like parts of herself had disappeared.

We talk about:

• Starting with a run around the block
• Using running for mental health
• Finding time as a mum of three
• Building from 10K to half marathons
• Overcoming race anxiety
• Training for a first marathon
• Managing fatigue, family life and recovery
• Why Manchester Marathon changed her confidence
• What she learned from the whole journey

This is a brilliant listen for any over 35 runner, especially mums who feel like they’ve lost a bit of themselves and want to start doing something for them again.

Dawn’s story is a reminder that you don’t need to have it all figured out. Start small, keep showing up, and see where it takes you.

Follow me on Instagram: @12monthstomarathon
Join my free running community for over 35s via the link in my bio.

Support the show