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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 the gutter. They found another race one week later, a small, hilly course with 600m+ elevation, and did the damn thing. Graham finished strong; Daphne finished last with a police and ambulance escort, and a medal she absolutely earned.

Inside:

• How Graham turned a lifetime of “maybe I can’t” (and a 37 kg/80 lb weight loss journey) into “watch me.”
• Daphne’s return from teenage injuries and a 20-year running gap—plus the mindset shift that killed her ego and lit her confidence.
• Why a simple plan done consistently beats a perfect plan debated forever.
• Juggling kids, jobs, businesses, and life while training—practical trade-offs that actually work.
• Cape Town cancellation → rapid reset: how to salvage a peak block and race seven days later without blowing up.
• The “ragged-tooth shark” course profile, pacing decisions, and what changes when the goal shifts from time to finish.
• What’s next: Dolphin Coast Marathon, a 30-mile ultra, Cape Town 2027, and eyes on Comrades.

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.

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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

For daily running tips and motivation, join our free Over-35s Running Community via the link in my bio on Instagram.

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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:
- How she went from 5K to a marathon in her late 40s
- Fitting training around a busy family and work schedule
- The role of resistance training in staying injury-free
- Why ticking off sessions (literally!) kept her accountable
- The mental trade-offs and lessons learned along the way

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

For daily running tips and motivation, join our free Over-35s Running Community via the link in my bio on Instagram.

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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

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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

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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

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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.

Protecting your mental health as a runner is very important. I believe understanding the difference between goals and intentions is essential to managing your mental health. It will also help you to be more consistent.

If you are stuck in your own head or shackled by comparsion, this is the episode for you.

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

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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 pick the right session every day.

I cover

What HRV is and why it matters for runners

How to measure HRV consistently and build your baseline

Using HRV to adjust intensity through the week

Practical ways to improve HRV (sleep, breath, hydration, strength, stress)

Remember to follow me on Instagram @12monthstomarathon to get your free daily content and tips

Thank you for listening and downloading this podcast 10,000 times

JH

Support the show