Running My First Marathon At 40

It’s time for Andy to take on his first marathon. Will he break 3 hours? Will he be able to finish? Can he get his gel timings right? Will his knee be ok? These are all the thoughts going round Andy’s head as he takes to the startline of Valencia marathon for his first ever 26.2 mile experience. Wish him luck!
↓↓ Have you run a marathon? Got any advice for Andy? Let us know in the comments! ↓↓
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What's in this video:
00:00:00 - Preparation for the Valencia Marathon
00:01:23 - Pre-Race Nerves
00:02:46 - Crossing the Start Line
00:04:32 - Learning from my Longest Run
00:06:00 - Pushing the pace
00:07:41 - Overcoming Pain and Building Confidence
00:09:14 - The Pain of Running
00:10:41 - Pushing Through The Pain
00:12:12 - The Finish Line
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[@MsRafanatic]

Well done, Andy! Just a ftiendly reminder that Sifan Hassan stopped twice to stretch and still won the London marathon. Stopping does not make your run any less special! ❤

[@gm2407]

Everyone gets cramp, it cant be helped sometimes the muscle gets cold or electrolytes are depleted, sometimes it recovers suboptimally from training or travel. Adapt and overcome, Andy has done something to be proud of and we are all happy for him.

[@FaeRae-333]

I wanted to say the same! You did AMAZING, Andy! ❤

[@kimhaig99]

Massive well done Andy! What an achievement 🎉

[@karenstyles7639]

Amazing job, especially given Andy’s background which was all about 1500 training, a marathon is a different beast so this first one is his learning curve, I’m sure that Olympian brain is ticking over to see how he could do it again! Awesome job buddy 👏👏💪🏻

[@julie99nl]

There is even some suggestions (evidence may be the wrong word) that slowing down/walking/stopping allows you to regroup and run faster afterwards leading to a faster finish.

[@tirvplumbing]

Freddie making a sub 3 marathon look like a park run warmup 🤯. Seriously well done Andy i did my first marathon this year too andbi took it a lot easier than you did. You should be very proud. 😊

[@emmadean9146]

I’d love to know Freddie’s marathon pb!

[@BroLuap]

Yes! What’s Freddie’s PB??

[@kjerstenkipp1154]

No kidding. What is Freddie running on the regular that he is cold chilling for 2:53

[@TheLooseForward]

Who would have thought an Olympian could be so relatable whilst running faster than I’ll ever run! Love it.

[@seascape]

I’m a lot older than Andy, a lot heavier, a LOT slower, with an irregular heartbeat (afib), and I’m training for my first marathon in 12 weeks! Andy’s journey has helped me overcome many of my fears, raised some new ones, and inspired me to believe that I can complete one too. Thank you for taking us along from start to finish!

[@meganhirschi6248]

That’s a lot of challenges! You must be quite mentally tough!

[@runningchannel]

Good luck for your first marathon! Which one are you running?

[@seascape]

​@@meganhirschi6248 I'm planning to binge watch Andy's and Tom's first marathon videos the night before my first for motivation!

[@seascape]

@@runningchannel Napa Valley Marathon on March 3, 2004! It runs by many great vineyards and wineries, with a net elevation loss. It's also a qualifier for the Boston Marathon, not that it matters for me.

[@goodyeoman4534]

I work with a lot of patients with AF, so I know what a challenge this is you've set yourself, mate. My respect to you for having a go. Just complete it and don't go for speed at all. Good luck!

[@doubletee5250]

Sub 3 hours is very impressive. Well done Andy, well done indeed. Congrats to Freddy, too. He looked like he could have turned round and run back.

[@runningchannel]

Thanks!! Freddie is a machine! 😂

[@marclivingstone]

Andy always impresses me with his willingness to show his vulnerability. He's an accomplished Olympic athlete but still has and is willing to show his struggles. Well done Andy, a great inspiration!

[@scottyj5839]

100% such a down to earth bloke!

[@bmurphy1112]

Congratulations Andy! Thank you for sharing every step of this with us. I am 37, a father of 2, and I just ran my first marathon yesterday. Your honest presentation and communication of your experience gave me so much inspiration to tackle my training and my race. Thank you for shining your light to all of us!

[@remyvdk]

Well done Andy, sub 3 hours is a massive achievement for a marathon debut! I'm still working on sub 4 after missing that goal by a minute in Amsterdam this year, or perhaps that just gave me an excuse to sign up for another marathon next year... 😊

[@mayankthakur5137]

Freddy is a beast. Casually running a sub 3 marathon while filming and running backwards at times.

[@garethjones8466]

The fact that an olympic athlete found a marathon distance hard is reassuring. Andy's sure grit & determination is truly inspirational! 🙌🏻

[@uncomfortablestretch]

🏃❤️ TRC videos and especially Andy’s runs 🏃have inspired me to take up running, and it’s given me a second wind on my weight loss journey 📉 (nearly 6 stone lost) so huge congratulations Andy and the Team. But mostly thank you because you’re helping people to find they’re inner runner ❤️🏃be stronger mentally and physically, and live longer 💪🏻

[@michellewilliams5043]

Great work Andy ❤️

[@PatrickStar-km1dm]

If weight loss is your main goal I would recommend weight lifting and not running. It's proven by science to be much more effective for weight loss. Running is more for the soul

[@WaarisMarleen]

Awesome job Andy! You did fantastic! And what a superhuman is Freddy, to run and film on this fast pace also! Well done lads, it's so great to see the reality of a marathon, with all the feelings and struggles, rather than just a photo of a shiny medal.

[@Hanskazan102]

Can we all just share some love for the whole TRC team?? Seriously, the dedication these coworkers and friends have for each other is amazing. Love Freddy (can we have a more detailed video on his story??) who pushes everyone through at the end (Anna, Sarah, and now Andy) much love to you all ❤️

[@stevenbromham1594]

❤❤❤ TRC and welcome to the finishers club Andy.

[@monikaczng]

I love how you can hear Sarah's cheering here and there during the video 🥰 congratulations Andy, this has been such an amazing challenge for you to accomplish and for us to follow long ❣

[@runningchannel]

Thank you Monika!

[@davidorourke7659]

Amazing work, incredible achievement. You've managed to make me equally excited and nervous to run a marathon. Love the channel, well done all !

[@runningchannel]

that's exactly the right combination 💪

[@nidhivaidya6485]

Congrats Andy!! And I’m always so impressed at Freddie filming marathons at different speeds, congrats Freddie!

[@nick-shak]

Huge congrats Andy! I'm the bloke in the red and white vest saying hello on the start line 👋 - hello from Hyde Park Harriers in Leeds! I shared a lot of the pain you describe, but crossing that blue finish line was truly magical and made it all worth it. This was my third marathon and I managed my first sub-3 with a 2:56:41. Congrats again and see you on the next one? Nick from Leeds

[@Mpatey]

Your first 5k was almost as fast as my fastest park run, so seriously impressive for your first time. It’s lovely to see the human side of you in the video and well done the Running channel family for getting you home.

[@rogerrichards8048]

Well done Andy and special thanks to Freddie for recording it for us KZbin viewers. You will never forget your first!

[@garyviall9607]

Congratulations Andy! This might be the most invested I've ever been in a race I didn't run.

[@SamHerbert50]

Why do these videos always make me cry 😭 You guys are AMAZING!! Congratulations Andy and Freddie 🤩🤩

[@runningchannel]

Thank you so much Sam! 😁

[@christinaclementson]

That was so emotional! That really captured just how tough the marathon distance is. Freddie on the other hand made it look like a breeze 😂 Legends, both of you. Incredible achievement Andy. Have a rest now 😊

[@user-cq3em1ru6b]

Road marathons look pretty crazy with so many people surrounding you constantly! Trail marathons are the way to go!

[@rossphilpot7080]

At 46 years old, I was planning my first marathon for this year, then... Back injury at work. I've just had surgery, so, my first marathon is going to have to be in 2025, if everything goes to plan! If you, Andy, a mere Olympic medalist, can complete a marathon, then I'm a shoe-in! Seriously, though, good effort. You're an inspiration, mate.

[@brent_f]

Congratulations Andy. Sub 3 for first marathon is beyond amazing.👏👏👏 Thanks for bringing us along.

[@Shaun742]

Congrats Andy! I'm 38 and I'll be running my first marathon in Brighton in April.

[@jrnarvaezph]

It's inspiring to see the dedication of a professional athlete to push through one step at a time. Congrats Andy sub 3 hours!!!

[@chinpoeykhoo6261]

What an achievement Andy for a sub 3 hours for the first marathon, thousands of runners literally spent years over the years to achieve their first sub 3 marathons in their running journey! I'm gonna run my first marathon in the coming week and just like Andy my longest run so far is merely 30KM so I couldn't imagine the wall or pain I have to face for the last 12KM so I have decided to drop my target from sub 4 to 4.30 just to ease the pace. Regardless of the pace for every runner no matter how fast or slow the 42KM distance is still the same. Hopefully, I'll be able to complete it without any injury and for now, I just want to enjoy every moment until I cross that finish line! Thanks TRC for the videos uploaded during my training period it really helps out a lot in all aspects!

[@andymcgrath327]

😮‍💨well done - big up Freddie too for the running and filming, incredible work

[@ChrisSh1984]

Well done! I'm 39 and have only done 1/2 marathons and dream of one day completing a marathon.

[@runningchannel]

You'll get there! A half marathon is a great achievement!

[@johnherold830]

mate, it really is achievable. I did my first this year at 54 in under 4 hours, having done three 1/2 marathons in my 30s. Watching this makes me want to do another...!

[@ChrisSh1984]

@@johnherold830 wow that's incredible! The fact that you want to do it again is even more incredible!

[@katrinachandler7174]

Wow! Emotional Andy! Felt like we were all in the pain cave with you. Massive congratulations again!! You did amazimg! Enjoy the well deserved rest! Well done to Freddie who made running a marathon a complete breeze. Would love to see a vlog on his running journey too.

[@coraliechen]

Congratulations! What an effort. I would love to hear more about Freddie. The guy is incredible

[@richardgreenway8826]

Well done Andy great effort. Cudos to Freddie as well, crusing along filming and encouraging.

[@seanmcdonagh6237]

Well done Andy! Freddie is an unbelievable runner

[@Jonas-gl9ke]

Way to go Andy!!

[@waterboy162]

I love the increasing quality in production video to video. It really shows the work behind the scenes and behind all the running.

[@runningchannel]

Thank you very much!

[@daniel11902]

Brilliant job, Andy! It's been great to follow your marathon journey. Not going to lie I was a mess watching this, always get emotional watching someone do something amazing, also an huge shout-out to Freddie for his calming support and motivation throughout the race. Well done to the running channel for another fantastic video. 👍🏃‍♂️

[@cezzadenning91]

Congratulations Andy and well done Freddie!! Would love to know what his marathon PB is. What an amazing support he was. Great to see the reality of what a marathon can do to you. There are highs and lows but crossing that finish line is always special. Enjoy the recovery Andy, you’ve earned it 💪🏼

[@garethpert4799]

Congratulations Andy - still haven't done a marathon yet. Very impressive.

[@bbtrentham]

Thanks for documenting

[@michaelchiller2494]

Well done Andy. When you go alone you can go fast but when you go together you can go long. Never has this been more meaningful than this episode; this run and this show.

[@keithgreen2102]

Brilliant job, Andy! It's been great to follow your marathon journey. And a big shout-out to Freddie for his calming support throughout.

[@ranliu4367]

congratulations! thanks for taking us along!

[@shaunvanrensburg766]

This is so inspiring and uplifting! Well done!!

[@summerislandor]

Great run Andy! It is really heartening to see the emotions and understand that all runners go through the same at the end of the run. What a finish!

[@daroodedoo]

Congrats to you, and also Freddy for making it look like a light jog! I’ve only ever done one marathon, and that didn’t go as well as I’d hoped 😂 I really need to get back out there and do one!

[@johnfeeney3418]

Congratulations Andy! Thank you for sharing your journey. I am contemplating my first marathon at 59.

[@l-schm]

That's epic, Andy! You can be so, so proud for persevering!

[@ianburke2490]

Getting back into running after over 10 years, TRC has helped so much, Andy's marathon journey has been inspiring! Great work Andy and the whole team, not just on an incredible pace but for sharing this with others as you have, a Gavi well earned.

[@karthikks]

This is inspiring, Andy. Congratulations on a sub-3 Marathon, which in itself is a huge achievement! 👊

[@SuperYtc1]

My dream was to do a marathon. I got a knee injury at 28. I'd broken a sub 30 minute 5k which was my first goal, and was well onto my way to start training for a half marathon. I didn't think I would ever be able to run a marathon, or maybe even run again. 2 years later, I have only managed 2 minute jogging, but I am seeing slow and gradual progress. For the first 6 months I couldn't even walk. I thought time had caught up with me. But this video inspires me that one day I could do a marathon, even if I am over 40.

[@TheFomtribute]

Well done Andy! Thank you to all of TRC for these videos

[@chanelcoppard]

Marathon club joined 🎉🎉 Insane pace even when you had to drop back slightly, you've still got another few weeks of milking that medal 🔥

[@sarab.2323]

A sub 3 marathon is so impressive! Thanks for bringing us on your marathon journey - it's a huge inspiration! 😁

[@PrincessTianaB]

Loved following your progress towards your first marathon! Congrats! 🎉

[@tomgullett41]

Well done Andy! It is so amazing to watch! I am running my first marathon in April, after starting to run at the beginning of 2023, going from never running more than 10KM before, just this week done my longest run yet of 24KM and on one hand so proud to have run the whole way, and the other hand having those creeping thoughts of doubt that I do not know how I'll be able to keep going for another 18KM after running that far!

[@timeonfeet]

Big congrats Andy, what an achievement and thank you for the inspiration 👍

[@tnan123]

Congrats on getting the marathon done Andy! Very inspiring to see you take this on and you did amazing.

[@876hj7]

Started C25K about 10 weeks ago. Felt like giving up but TRC videos are keeping me going. Love Andy and how relatable he is despite being an olympian! Always hear him saying 'run the k you're in' and 'there's always more in the tank!' 😂 Although at the end of the marathon when he said he was running 'so so slow' at 5min/k...🤦🏾‍♀️- that would be a dream for me!

[@tatianashurpiak2114]

Great job, Andy! I was so much looking forward to you doing this, so that the TRC commercial switches to something new 😊

[@matthewrudd1283]

I have my first marathon coming up in April. You're such a great inspiration, Andy. Thank you. Thank you to the whole TRC. x

[@StudentOfEleos]

After watching the debrief I'm excited to watch this. Well done. I'm doing Marathon no.4 at 40 but my first non virtual marathon - London here I come :) will take some tips and inspiration with me

[@katepalfi4716]

The last 10km is the hardest for everyone. It really is! Well done!!!! So impressive

[@newmotoring]

Did my first marathon today in Barcelona 🏃 So much of what you’ve said is exactly what I was thinking today. Cracking video! Well done.

[@alexeyre3621]

Incredible what Andy did, but how does Freddie sound so calm running that quickly and having completed that distance?

[@jimtherunner3501]

Amazing stuff Andy! All of you at TRC are a big motivation for me. Currently coming back from long covid and a years-long drop in fitness. Following your journey really has given me hope. I got 3:09 in 2019 and I still have my sub 3 dream in there somewhere. Thank you for giving such inspiration :)

[@runningchannel]

Thank you for saying that Jim 😁 You'll get to that sub 3 hour! 😁

[@awong1220]

I can’t tell you how much I have been looking forward to this video. Congrats! Thank you for sharing your journey.

[@yetiproductionz]

Well done Andy! Watching the Running Channel has inspired me to run my first half and hopefully my first full in the upcoming year

[@Rennschnecke-zw7zi]

This is simply amazing!!! Sub 3 hour marathon for your FIRST ever marathon - so impressive! And I can promise you, you will never forget this! There's only one first marathon and for me, this will always be a precious and special memory!

[@mikel9181]

Brilliant Andy, congratulations! So enjoy watching you and Rick and how the Running Channel goes from strength to strength. Best wishes, Mike Lupson

[@runningchannel]

Thanks Mike!

[@Nelzie1996]

Flipping smashing!! Loved the overview of the race as well 👏🏻

[@bebop2599]

Loved that, this inspred me. Well done Andy, thanks for sharing this amazing endeavour

[@cannuckchick7522]

I am so very impressed with the quality of this video! The whole team did a fabulous job at filming Andy and Andy’s narration during his sub-three hour marathon is amazing! My Pb in the day was only 3:59:59 (no lie) and I spent the second half of that effort in survival mode. Well done, Andy and TRC team!!

[@harmonydoa7808]

Congratulations Andy. I hope you enjoyed it in spite of the pain!

[@richardmorschel6266]

So amazing to journey with you and see how well you did. Truly inspiring! Thank you!

[@MartinAshwell1984]

Phenomenal effort and so inspiring. Have loved watching this series!

[@joshjordan-clough1084]

Well done Andy and Freddie! Great team work.

[@ButtaflyGrlNZ]

Well done Andy and Freddie! Great effort 💪🏼

[@augustengell8262]

What a legend you are!! Really inspiring to watch your progress :)

[@catherinestothard313]

Congratulations, Andy! Thank you for showing your full experience. Great video - so inspiring!

[@thomasdurkan656]

Congrats Andy! The first of many.

[@quintusmetullus]

Well done Andy (and Freddie)! So much to be proud of!

[@gavinmenezes3045]

Well done Andy, your humility is truly inspiring.

[@Bald_But_Ginger]

Man! Great job!

[@Landigan]

Congratulations Andy. Really enjoyed seeing this after following your training updates on the pod and videos over the last few months. Well done!

[@tednawrat9312]

I finally and belatedly watched this, and all I can say is congratulations for a supreme effort. Very well deserved. I don't know you, but I do know how it feels to complete something you're not comfortable with (in my case a half marathon, and many more after that). Perhaps it was the stirring music, I don't know, but it brought a tear to my eye. Very very well done!

[@theLittleDanadians]

Amazing job! Congrats on your first marathon ... you totally killed it!

[@lttweety6397]

Ah man! In was 10 seconds out on my time prediction! I'll put that down the to cramping. Seriously fantastic effort Andy, it's humbling to see a former pro go through all the same emotions as everyone else for something as epic as a marathon! Finally Sarah and Rick no longer have this over you. Congrats!

[@jjsmummy3358]

Massive well done Andy and not forgetting Freddie, you both did amazing 🥇

[@runningchannel]

Thank you!! It was so tough but so worth it

[@DTPT1978]

Truly inspirational, thanks for sharing your journey with us Andy. You are a champion! 💪🏼

[@Lancealotnz]

Well done Andy. Thanks for taking us with you on this journey. Very inspiring!

[@JustKeepFlowingYes]

Congratulations Andy! I’ve been waiting for this video since I started following the channel which was since the beginning!

[@MattiasStanell]

Awesome, well done!

[@nathaniel23946]

That’s impressive Andy!!! So proud of you! Congrats again!

[@jacobturner9665]

Amazing work!!!

[@iyams_]

Huge congratulations Andy!! Hope to have half of your mental resilience at my next race 🎉

[@janettrigwell8851]

Smashed it well done

[@nicolasadie8551]

Amazing, well done!

[@hardknocks06]

Wow!!! Well done!

[@iainsranndach]

Amazing! Well done!👏🏻