Training For My First Marathon At 40 | My Longest Run EVER!

[@Wings_nut]

In 2013, I started training for my first marathon at age 51, as a beginning runner. Ten years later, I've run 22 marathons including five Boston Marathons, and three ultras. If I can do it then anyone can because I was not a runner. Go Andy.

[@Snubbur]

That's so amazing! Such stories are so inspiring for someone just taking up running at 40+ 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@Wings_nut]

@@Snubbur Thank you. Along the way, I lost 85 lbs (39 kilos).

[@runningchannel]

Amazing!! 🎉🎉🎉

[@Wings_nut]

@@runningchannel Cheers :-)

[@rosamaryp]

I love this!!! Very encouraging! I started running at 41. I’ve done a couple half marathons and moving up to a marathon next year. Age is but a number right?! I love that running is for anyone.

[@liammurphy3266]

I do love an honest training review. My prediction for the marathon: 2:48:51

[@hiltop717]

Good job man! You will do better than what you think, you have a 2:50 minute marathon in you!

[@garryunknown]

Good luck Andy I have the gritstone grind 34.5 mile very hilly trail booked for September 2024, completely out of my depth . I am just about doing a half ,dreading getting to marathon distance for around July hopefully I can keep the mental strength to complete it all 🤞

[@SimonRunsWild]

Thank you to everyone at the Running Channel for being my invisible running partner whilst training for my first marathon at London next year. You guys have constantly kept me on the straight and narrow during training, and your podcast, videos and website have been a constant source of encouragement and motivation. Top work!!

[@edithfaubert7731]

Currently patiently waiting for January to start training for my first marathon in may, in Ottawa, Canada. I reckon Andy is going to end his marathon at 2:50! Good luck, can’t wait to see your race video!

[@BeckyPidz]

Watching these training videos makes me so proud Andy, I feel like we’re all friends! You’ve smashed this training programme, go well, I can feel a 2:48:31 incoming 🤞🏼

[@hummuswithpitta]

You're going to smash it, Andy. I'm going with 2:58:42 - Valencia is supposed to be fast and flat, but the last 5k of your first marathon, whatever the course, will always kick you in the jewels. Actually, several marathons later, I still hate the last 5k. "Only a parkrun to go" they all scream in support - yeah, sure, thanks.

[@bigchalloadventures7700]

My predicted time for Andy is 2hrs 55mins, you got this Andy let's gooooo

[@hbrackley]

2:58:57 🎉 Good luck and most importantly, have fun 😊

[@gcwarkenyout]

I'm absolutely loving watching the journey to your first marathon, it is helping me keep motivated for my own first marathon training. Best of luck, Andy!

[@Octavi0ht]

You did great Andy! After running a few marathon I really want to run a fast 5 and 10k

[@willkelly5090]

You've got this Andy! I think you'll smash the 3 hour mark and go 2:49:52!

[@paulanderson3358]

Amazing effort !! I think Andy will smash it with 2:49:23

[@oscardanson7127]

I'm also aiming for a sub 3 hour marathon. Completed a sub 1:30 hour half a few months ago so think that with a lot of training it will be possible.

[@TrentThompson-r8d]

2:38:57 -- Good Luck!

[@fgc194]

Good luck Andy! I predict 3:08:30

[@matejburian3191]

My prediction is 2:46:02, Good luck mate

[@christopheralder4433]

2:55 prediction, but with more in the tank for the next one!

[@ElloEllo35]

Im confident Andy! Im going for 2:56:53 🎉

[@haggisxyzzy]

Congratulations on getting the longest run done, you will be surprised how quickly you recover from it, only another 10k on race day to eek out. It truly is horrible when it comes and you seem prepared for that, learning to love and hate running is the key and you have got that. Enjoy the next 4 weeks build up and taper, you will do it, forget about Marathon maths and just focus on Marathon miles until its done. My prediction is 2:52:18, go on prove me wrong :-)

[@aminemelaine2740]

Best of luck Andy. Marathon Maths will carry you through the pain. Time prediction: 2:44:27

[@userffan1002]

I'm planning to try my first marathon next year. not sure that I can do it. I think your time will 3hours 45mins

[@michellegreen8302]

Well done, I think you will complete it in 3hr 11 minutes and 26 seconds

[@pedropadilha6954]

I guess 02:57:13 Good luck!

[@Hutsss]

I really struggle to breathe when taking gels too 😂 Andy's times gonna be 2:48:50

[@gwenstark1171]

2:44:39

[@Radcliffe17]

I'm curious to know what camera you use for your running videos? Or is it just your phone?

[@daleykun]

It’s really comforting I imagine for a lot of beginner or intermediate runners (speaking from experience) pushing themselves out of their comfort zone to see that even elite level runners like Andy still feel the same nerves and trepidation - thank you for your honesty in all this Andy

[@mennodolstra4152]

My last long run before the actual marathon felt so much harder than the actual marathon. Crowds, fellow runners + taper are an incredible drug. You are going to do great in Valencia Andy!

[@FinnOliver-Vickery]

My prediction for Andy's marathon is 2:49:25. You've got this Andy, great effort! :)

[@damienphoenix1843]

I'm 37, and I'll be 38 next year when I do my first marathon. I got about 6 months before the marathon. I'm going to try to do 4:20 for my time. Great job, Andy! I'm proud of you 👏🏽

[@Panos_79]

I run my first marathon this spring at age 44 and I feel your pain, I still remember those long runs. The only thing I can tell you is that, when you run those chunks at marathon pace you will doubt yourself if you can keep this pace up for the whole race. And the answer is absolutely yes, after the taper and with the excitement of the race itself, you will do it, and it will feel amazing, you won't believe how good you'll feel. Best of luck Andy, you've put in the work, now go there, enjoy the race and get your result. I think a 2:51:25 time is about right for your first one.

[@runningchannel]

Amazing! Thanks for the great advice 😁

[@geofftoscano6804]

This is inspiring. It’s tempting to think that because Andy was a truly world class runner that this should be easy for him, but it’s clear that he’s way outside his comfort zone, so full credit. I reckon Andy will do his best to get inside 3 hours at Valencia so I predict 2.58.50!

[@MrGlenalexander]

Hard to relate to your pace, but I can certainly relate to the distraction that is the maths! Inspiration for training and goal setting. Great result in Valencia mate, well done.

[@acasualviewer5861]

his slow pace is faster than my fast pace

[@angelaawald8129]

Congrats on making training happen! 🎉 I have 7 kids so I know how hard it is to balance training-work-family. You’re smashing it! 🎉

[@mikew6840]

I’m 60 and getting back into marathons after heart surgery. I have loved watching your journey, Andy - and will hopefully get another one done next year after a long break!

[@blakeandpeytonandblaze2692]

Wishing you the best of luck! (from a fellow runner with heart “issues”).

[@STURDYvids]

I had open heart surgery at 19 years - now 28 and training for my first ultra! We can do it!

[@thehighwires9851]

It seems crazy to me that you have the same nervousness as a beginner marathon runner... Looks like you are smashing the training though Andy! Can't wait for the celebration video for your celebration run!

[@adamjohnson5285]

Well, technically he is a beginner marathon runner :P He's just not a beginner runner.

[@cris25k]

Its great to see the honesty around your training, really enjoyed the journey and good luck for Valencia you will smash it

[@jordand.7798]

Way to go! I'm sticking with 5k maybe 10k races for now, but I totally want to try a marathon one day, maybe when our kid gives us more time by being in school! Oh and I think it'd be awesome for your first marathon to be around 2:58, good luck!

[@geneh13]

Training for my first marathon at 54 so I understand being anxious. Trust in the training. You've got this! My prediction for Valencia is 2:46:15.

[@SherryOram72]

I’m 51 and I just started training for my first marathon. I can’t even believe I’m doing this. It’s because of people like you that motivate us with pure and honest content. Bravo. I wish you all the best in your upcoming marathon!! My prediction is 2:39:00 🤗🇨🇦

[@Jimdaewong16]

I'm 51 also Sherry and completed my first marathon late last year. Good luck

[@hannahmears-young8424]

Go Andy Go! Reckon that you'll go 2:54:31 - sending all of the positive vibes your way!

[@killerqueen9298]

Fab report, Andy. I am really proud of your persistence and determination. As I lie here in my hospital bed recovering from my third arthroscopic operation in 17 years, you are an inspiration to me. You will smash your first marathon. Keep going, keep running and most importantly ,keep breathing ❤🎉

[@williamhorn30]

Wanting to train for my first Marathon, after a few halves it feels like time to graduate, but its a massive mental and physical jump/ challenge! The podcast and this channel give me so much motivation to go out and do it! Think you’ll smash a 2:59:59

[@SamanthaJoGoes]

Your marathon prediction in another video was 2:49:43 so I'll say 2:45. Good luck!! Looking forward to hearing more about your experience as it approaches. Hoping to do my first next year 🤞

[@KennetDanielsen]

The headset Andy is running with there, is that something you would recommend? I am looking for at light weight headset that allows me to hear everything besides the music.

[@skipp8936]

Im training for a sub 50min 10km and I think your time in valencia is gonna be 2h 57min

[@TheGOAT-ey7tm]

Andy Valencia finish time 03:00.46. Good luck

[@jleaguejourneys]

Just finished Mt. Fuji Marathon and now training for 2024 Tokyo Marathon in March, aiming for 3:50. Come on.

[@GideonVan]

Remember a Marathon is 1kmx42! 🎉 You've got this Andy.

[@scottrobinson4611]

Hoping to run my first half this year, and maybe a full marathon next year. I've been obese my whole life, and unfit for most of it. I started playing football casually a few years ago, and decided to get in to running this year. Coupled with ongoing weight loss, I'm hoping to get my distances up to 21k in the coming months. I ran my longest run today, 7k in 53m. It's encouraging that I felt like I could have done another 1-2k, but I want to take progress slowly to avoid injury.

[@brjones43]

You got this. Time 2:36 😊

[@stephenwest6613]

2:53:49.. not too shoddy 😊

[@BoomBoom7621]

Andy will be......2:53:39

[@rastus21]

2h53min .... Fantastic time Andy, really have enjoyed following your progress 🙂

[@chrisgardiner4998]

Marathons are so much about the mental side of things. I’m 53 this month, have 2 marathons in the plan for next year (these will be my 7th and 8th marathon or more distance run) and what keeps me coming back for more is the mental side of things, you just don’t know what the day will bring. Good luck! 2:53:21 is my guess.

[@djcymru]

Fuel Cell Elite 3. I’m using the same and now I feel very inadequate! 😂 Go Andy!! Good lad. Good luck. I’m aiming for a sub 90 half in March (Liverpool) and a practice half in January (Dubai). My guess for Andy is 2h49m32sec 😉

[@silvanacruz268]

Serious training for 2024 have Berlin in September, Chicago in October and NYC in November. Excited and nervous

[@kylemauldin1425]

Good job! I ran 20 miles, my longest run ever. I keep reminding myself that there are just 6 easy/comfortable miles left to achieve my first marathon. Look at it this way, about Four 10k blocks.... Lol..?..🧐

[@MarssraM]

I'm also training for my first Marathon, at age 55, next year 14 april at Rotterdam. Amazing that's possible, since I discovered MAF training. Before that I did only 5 to 8k runs in the forest, once, sometimes twice a week, with way too high of a heart rate... For almost 40 years, so it still counts... I'm sure you got this, being able to run this biggest run of your training block. I predict your time will be 2:49.30. Good luck and much fun in Valencia! 👣👌🏽💥

[@PeterdeRooij]

I think that 32k was supposed to be brutal - and it looked like you were faster than prescribed, on rolling terrain. So that implies you're well prepared. Predicting 2:51:36. Hoping to be less than 30mins behind you! My favourite runs are the aerobic endurance blocks, e.g., 5/4/3/2km at marathon pace with 1k recovery. Or my longest, a brutal 35k just below MP 😰. But then I am older and much slower, and usually targeting longer races.

[@zildjianadornado7932]

Training for my first half marathon race this June 2024 for Bank of America Chicago 13.1. My prediction will be 2:52:00

[@ollyc167]

Good luck Andy! Sure you’ll smash it. Very impressive but I’m definitely sticking with the 5 and 10ks for a while haha! My prediction for Valencia is 02:59:00

[@jamesbrinklow1979]

Andy I predict you will finish your Valencia Marathon 3 Hour and 5mins😊 Looking Good 👍 Buddy Looking Good 👍

[@l-schm]

That's amazing, Andy! Good luck today :D Guessed finishing time: 2:58:14 (I wrote this not knowing any splits, obviously)

[@gppl77]

Go Andy! Go! You're a Beast! You'll make it! You'll beat those 3hrs! We're keeping fingers crossed for you! on both hands and both legs!! :)

[@sergiutelbisz1955]

Good job Andy! 👏 At the end of december this year/beginning of january I will start my first marathon prep. The time has come to catch that elusive 42.2k.🤭 Andy, I estimate you will finish somewhere at the 2h:45min mark. Wish you good speed and fortune.🙌

[@sctsou1558]

The pace calculator website predicts 2h58m or sub-3h for the marathon, but I predict Andy will knock it out of the park, running 🎉 sub 2h55m! 🎉 Argue with me if you have the temerity, but I'm sure whatever the time, either Andy will get to tease Rick and Sarah in good fun, or vice-versa. The podcast debrief will probably be an enjoyable running companion!

[@lydiahayes584]

This year I'm pursuing 2 goals. A sub 25min 5k... And to celebrate my 40th birthday I've sinhk

[@djmcdamo]

I’m just training for fitness, but will slowly start heading for races. Would like to do half marathon early 2024. Prediction 2.39!

[@janetwaring5853]

Good luck Andy! You are amazing!! Predicted time, my husband Peter says 3hrs 29seconds. I say 2 hours 58 minutes!!

[@memoryremains2004]

I've just signed up to my first ever Half Marathon in April 2024. I've been using the Garmin Coach to train for it. I reckon Andy will do his Marathon in 2hr 46.

[@Ozzy1984_]

I'm training hard for several goals in 2024: sub 18 5K, sub 38 10K, sub 1:30 half, and my first marathon in Manchester in April. I do a long run 25K every week already, but I know I need to extend that out in the new year.

[@jaibeingjai]

My first marathon was in 2021 and I'm lucky I made it to the day after a number of injuries. Then on the day I got to mile 11 and both legs cramped up. Somehow I managed to run/walk to the end. You've got this Andy, I think you'll do it in 3:01:10 🏃🏻‍♂👟

[@1bjjsaw]

My prediction: 2:47:52 - Go Andy, longer legs than our polish 800m debut in NYC. I bet those couple hills would pay off in Valencia! 💪

[@fionajordan4347]

Training for Brighton Marathon '24, with a HM in Jan. 😁 Good luck for your race! I guess 2h37m. Love the Running Channel! ❤

[@sparkie007007]

I started running around 6 months ago. I’ve pushed on really well, a lot of that with help from the Running Channel team channel, thank you! Thing is though, whenever I watch Andy run, I always think how unique his running mechanics look and how slow his running pace/cadence looks vs his actual fast pace. His knee lift almost looks exaggerated (to my very amateur eye) when I compare to other fast pace runners styles. I had a go at trying to lift my knees a little on a run a few weeks ago (4:40/k pace). Nope, quads didn’t like it at all! Interesting… just a layman observation. All the best for Sunday Andy!!!!

[@szufina13]

I started to run from couch potato state in 2017. I reach 16km run without stop in 2020. Unfortunately due to healthy issues I had to stop to run until this year. I restart this spring and last week I reached 10km. Hopefully I can run half marathon in 2024/2025. 😊

[@gordonway5631]

Hi Andy, great video and so proud you could even commentate throughout. I would love to win a pair of the New Balance, so I think your Marathon time will be 3.22.45, good luck 👍 and enjoy the experience.

[@joshuapeck7639]

I’m doing a half marathon tomorrow 🏃‍♂️ Andy will smash Valencia in 2.43.17!

[@HaroldHoban]

Well done Andy ,long run training is pretty tough,but you’ll feel the benefits come marathon day. I’ve run three marathons this year,and still find the training harder than race day. Keep up the good work,but most importantly enjoy your Valencia marathon day.🎉😅🏃‍♂️👍

[@Zinerun]

Good luck mate. I just completed a couch to 10k, and my next goal is getting my 5k down to 30min. It’s currently 35. I enjoyed the 100 people to PB video.

[@cornellmans6362]

My goal for next year ia to cut my ultra marathon teeth in both road ans trails. Entered a tough 50km road race around Hartebeespoort Dam ("Om die dam Ultra"), mid March. Then 6 weeks later taking on a 65km trail with 1700m elevation as part of the Recce Raid Ultra. And yes I'm dragging some friends along to do it with me.

[@curtbaxter]

I did my 32k last week so feel the pain here. Amazing pace. My prediction is 2hours49mins10 secs (2:49:10)

[@paulgibbs6067]

All my longest runs have been after I turned 50 although for my next project I’m thinking of seeing if I can get back to anywhere near my 5 k PB which I set in 2015. As for Andy’s finishing time prediction: 2:53:30

[@slodoco]

Job well done! I am wondering why the plan doesn't have longer than marathon runs. I guess It's not exactly necessary, is it? My guess for your Valencia time is 2 hours 47 minutes. Good luck!

[@madr309]

I can't do the twenty-mile runs anymore, but I do still run 13-mile long runs, and I've realized that once you're past 10 miles (16 kilometers for you Brits), the struggle is more mental than physical.

[@peggy2921]

In 2024 i will be getting 35! My goal is to run a marathon before i get 35 in November. My first marathon i will hopefully run the Lochness Marathon. I heard 10 years ago for the first time this race. Since then it’s in my mind. Next year I hope to visit scotland and and run Lochness Marathon. My first Marathon.

[@foxxymorony]

Just signed up for melbourne marathon. October 2024. Recovering from tib post tendonitis.

[@davidszachno2782]

Just done my first trail ultra the Hurtwood 50k using the Runna app for a 16wk block. I found it really helpful. The race was damn tough in wet and muddy conditions with 4500ft of elevation … but having reflected thing I’m probably most satisfied with is yes finishing but doing so without injury and being pretty much recovered and back in the gym a few days later. Being a lot slower though, it’s damn tough getting up at 4, doing a 4hr peak long run and then starting a normal parenting and work day!

[@adamrochester896]

Very relatable about the worries of distance, niggles, the fuelling and the general unknowns. Race day is all in the head, but all the best on what will be an epic day. My simple advice: 1. Make sure you give yourself enough time for a decent poo on race morning. Over the years I’ve moved my larger carb heavy meal to lunchtime pre-race day to give body more time to digest and egest in the morning! 2. Hydration - lesson learnt in this run 3. Do NOT go off too fast. Watches can be really helpful here as they objectively pin you to your pace. Others will fly off, let them go. 4. Race day is all in your head. Chunk it, use mantras, keep certain things up your sleeve for when you need them. You will need them, so save them til the time comes when it’s the boost you need. 5. Enjoy it, take in the weather, the sky, everyone cheering for you. Pain = struggle x resistance (plagiarising someone here, don’t know who!) so reduce your own struggle by celebrating the little wins and that will reduce the pain 6. Stay in the rep your in. Focus on that km/chunking session, tick it off, then move to the next one. 7. Celebrate what you have done. It is a huge achievement, doing the training and getting to the start line and doing the thing. It’s not a small feat, so enjoy it! I predict it’s a 2:53:35. All the best.

[@yyanmayorga8499]

That's a pretty good effort, Andy! I'm guessing you'll do a 2:42:38 in Valencia! Good luck mate!

[@kbkb3358]

Prediction: 3:11 time for the Marathon 😎 Well done! I just signed up for my first race in about 15 years! It is a 25km trail run. Never ran that far. Never raced on the trail before! Kinda nervous 😂! But with 4 kids, I do understand the difficulty of trying to balance everything- thanks for sharing your difficulties in the run! I find I get nervous as I take each step towards a longer distance

[@yevhenmalyarevskyi2150]

My prediction for your marathon is 2.46.36. And if somehow not I definitely believe you can do it less than 2.50. Good luck!

[@depaesc9967]

Don‘t forget your drink on race day. I felt really good during my longest 35 km run and on race day I started cramping at km 37. Still achieved the goal of under 4 hours. 💪 Wish you all the best for your race, I‘ll bet you beat the 3 hour mark. 🏃‍♂️💪

[@fillhowell]

First ever half marathon next year for me. Only just got into running. I've tried putting my own plan together but I'd love to have some guidance and Runna looks great. My guess of your time will be 3:02.35. You'll smash it mate!👍

[@gerardmorris9538]

Best of luck Andy, the hard work is done. I ran Dublin in the NB RC Elite V3 in October and they are such a good shoe! Comfortable abd fast! I think you’ll do a 2:38:50💪🏼

[@232soundous]

I have a question as a new Runna user: My watch (garmin) isnt matching Runna distances. Which one should I trust? I have been listening to your podcasts and I love them!! You are motivating me Go ANDY!!

[@NikeMS11]

I will be 50 in 2024 & going to be doing my first marathon in Montana...with a place call "heart attack hill". Comforting. Anyway, looking forward to getting more info to help me be successful, no matter how slow I may run it.