Training For My First Marathon At 40 | A Week Of Marathon Training

[@davidcollins-stoneman2862]

Hi Andy. I’m a 56 yr old chap who got chest pain walking up stairs. You and the Running Channel team have helped me after my wife did the couch to 5k to start running since and since July I’ve dropped 70 pounds and have completed a number of 5ks (my last being under 33 mins which for me is fantastic). As a Brit in the U.S. I wanted you to know that every step on your marathon journey is pulling me and people like me along with you - so thank you sir !

[@monikaczng]

Can you imagine when your kids are older, seeing this video, how proud they will be of you? Being a dad, having a job, and still putting in the work for a marathon 🤩

[@mr.b_r_o_w_n_i_e]

Hello! I am 43 years old, I trained for about a year for the Marathon and I finished it in 3 hours and 51 minutes. My goal was under 4 hours (which I achieved). Being an elite athlete, you will definitely finish in less than 3 hours... I wish you good health and strength in training💪. "Don't stop when you're tired, stop when you're done!" -David Goggins

[@jghothot]

I’m 43 as well. Looking to run my first marathon. Congrats on achieving your goal. I hope to do the same! 😊

[@mikeheath2050]

Another 43 year old here too, there’s a lot of us ;)

[@aramahamioradavis1980]

I’ll be 43 end of this year and attempting my first full marathon trail run here in New Zealand on the East Coast of Gisborne in January. Consider myself to be more of a novice and there is Half Marathon coming up in 2 weeks. Have been building up my aerobic base since August and have learnt a great deal since then, Aiming to finish under 2 hours if not close. The full marathon, will see how things unfold 😎 wish me luck 😁

[@joelramos3635]

43 here also, sub 4 goal early next year. Cheers!

[@conradburdekin722]

I’m 47 so you’re all whippersnappers 😂

[@tgibridays]

As a father of 3 kids, one of which is 3, I feel you with those 3 am thoughts. It's encouraging to see a real life example of fitting in this level of training in a normal adult life.

[@bishblaize]

So good to see someone else having to factor in kids to their training programme. You're not alone!

[@cynthiawork9306]

I started running in 2019 when I was 53. I signed up for a half marathon in the spring of 2020. We all know what happened then. Since I had put all of the work in, I decided to double down and see if I could run the virtual full 6 months later. I can't begin to thank you for all of the videos. Without The Running Channel, I am sure I wouldn't have completed my first Marathon at the age of 54. I may be slow, but I am still running. However, I am sticking to half marathons now. I will be running the Route 66 half in Tulsa, Oklahoma, this month.

[@johnniewadeiv0626]

I feel so encouraged to see that you’re only doing 3 runs/ week and 2 strength training days. I’ve had this idea you need 5-6 runs per week and still fit in 2 days at the gym. Thank you for taking us along your journey 😁

[@Quepali]

I agree with you. I have been thinking for a while that my three runs a week + strength training was not enough for me to achieve my own goals. This got my mind back on the right track, I think :-D

[@TheRunnerLucy]

A coach told me that one of his clients BQ’d on 3 runs a week, a long indoor bike and 2 strength sessions 🤷🏼‍♀️ and that gave me a lot of hope, also as someone who is prone to injury, I love not running 2 days in a row!

[@pawezawisza7436]

Don't forget this is an ex-professional athlete, his body remembers. You won't get the same results if you never ran in your life before signing up for a marathon. All this adds over the years - right now my race estimate it equal to my marathon result and that is BEFORE I even start the training block for the next marathon. Likewise a professional athlete can probably still go 2:35-2:45 marathon while running 20 mpw off-season. EDIT: So I just watched till the end of the video - 2hrs 8 minutes for a 30K? Yeah, there is no way he doesn't benefit from years of professional training.

[@neildeacon3856]

Thanks for representing the dad marathoner. I’m sending this to my non-parent friends so they can understand how hard it can be to fit it all in. I had my second child in the middle of a marathon block this year I had to fit in some runs from the hospital (poor planning on my part - my excuse is I signed up literally the day before my wife told me we were pregnant)

[@michaeleaton6249]

absolutely loved the parent updates at 3/4am - this is my life! great content guys keep it coming!

[@redmantech8167]

Just completed my second marathon and finding time for work and family time without the guilt is super challenging. Well done Andy.

[@bicachica9557]

I got into running during the pandemic and have since completed a couple of half marathons and a 50k on trails, at 55 I'm constantly suprised at what my body is still happy to do, I listen to your podcasts when I'm running, they're always encouraging and fun to listen to, thanks!

[@ohlookitsmikey]

Having a sleepless night is bad enough for me, but then to have to help the daily functioning of other little people sounds very demotivating, so really good in you for getting ANYTHING done, whether that's work, gym, or a run. You're doing great Andy!

[@MsRafanatic]

Andy, you've done something magical with this video! The challenges of balancing life with running is something we all relate to.

[@newday4828]

I love new balance as a running shoe! That being said, congrats on training for your first marathon. 2 tips (unsolicited of course), 1) you may need to get a second pair and break them in the week or two before the race as you'll be putting a lot of miles on the current ones. 2) On race day, start slow, the excitement had me starting at a pace that caused me issues later. Cheers & GL!!

[@harmonydoa7808]

I will be turning 45 next week and I'll be running my first marathon in Malaga this December. Best of luck to you Andy in your first marathon and remember to enjoy it! It's not about making a PB but about celebrating all your hard work so far!

[@KajaKaja-yt9pc]

I love seeing more realistic time scheduling with kids and how great Andy does it all! 😄 Well done!

[@NomNom36]

Love how Andy's "social life" consist of dropping the kids too and from parties and events. Your long run looks really tough, running around 4:00 min/km after 20k is impressive! I just finished the marathon in Sweden in 3:08, which makes me really want to try for a sub 3 hour in Paris in April. However, the 4:15 pace still looks really daunting.

[@GeoffroyHusson]

French man here! Congrats for your 3h08 marathon. But be careful with the parisian one, it is considered a slow one because of the uphill-downhill at the end, on the dock of the river Seine, right at the level of km 30 for the marathon wall. I will be there also (first one for me) and try to keep me expectations low.

[@NomNom36]

@@GeoffroyHusson I see, thank you for the inside & goodluck!!

[@melaniedickinson7231]

I just ran my first marathon Andy and the best advice I got was take in the atmosphere and enjoy the crowds

[@karenmatzke]

Way to go, Andy! It's so good to see a realistic week of training instead of just a highlight reel. Thanks for sharing a piece of your life with us!

[@chrissharp3307]

New-ish runner here….hated it up until 12 months ago. Loving the KZbin and Podcast content. Get’s on my wife’s and kids nerves I’m sure, but you’re helping spur me along to my first 10K race. Thanks guys

[@Marceaufam]

Great work Andy! As a dad of 4 myself you’re doing a great job. I’m completely understand how hectic “restdays” can become with kids. I’m training for a 5k PB at the moment.

[@Sam-db6lr]

Liked how you just took the bad day and quickly forgot about it, knowing that it's about consistency. Great content!

[@BeccaLouise8]

You’ll smash your marathon, Andy! I ran my first marathon last month and it was such an emotional race. I didn’t hit my A goal, but I was so proud to just finish it. The best thing to do is enjoy the experience, chunking definitely helps too!

[@andyinpattaya4215]

Hi I'm 65, living in Thailand. Just started back to running after a 5 year break, now training for a 10k race in February 2024. Love the videos. Thanks for the inspiration

[@Joe_Koe]

I must admit to be one of the podcast enthusiasts, after witnessing the landscapes (especially the fields) and rigorous training sessions in this video, I'm seriously considering joining Team Andy! (Stopping to look at fields it is.) Your dedication in balancing training with everyday responsibilities is truly inspiring, and I have no doubt that you'll conquer your goals in Valencia. Keep pushing yourself, and best of luck in the upcoming marathon!

[@braddidier9534]

Best of luck Andy, took up running at 35 and still learning and building. The channel has been invaluable to all of that, a constant source of community and motivation! Would love a pair...😊

[@tommyfarrell5268]

Love this video. Great to see Andy find a new running challenge and the smiles it's giving him.

[@charlesbourdages8425]

Good job Andy for managing the training and family life. You're going to crush your first marathon!

[@alejandroalvarado7504]

My grandad ran his first marathon when he was 66 years old and ran 3 more after that. I'm currently training for my first half marathon and he is a huge inspiration for me. No human is limited!!!

[@fredrossi1070]

Great Job entering your first marathon. I started when I was 40, then took a 17 year break. Since 2018 I’ve complicated 10 more marathons. Back in 2001 I was a 4:56 marathoner now my PR is 3:24:08. I’ve been watching the running channel and other for tips and tricks to get to the finish line faster then the last marathon and it has worked out well for me. You and everyone at the Running Channel are helpful and motivating. Best of luck on your first marathon. You have so much support lifting you up, try not to let it weigh you down. You got this.

[@CorwinFound]

I'm a newb runner and through this video there was a bit of, "Yeah, yeah. He's an elite runner, this kind of stuff isn't a big deal for him." Then the reveal that that was your longest run ever! Congrats man. I guess no matter how long you've been running there are new challenges, thrills and experiences to be had.

[@lukebrewer9725]

You’re a much more accomplished runner than I’ll ever be, but when I trained for my first half marathon (or even 2 miles at the beginning), I just told myself to RELAX and focus on FORM. It helps so much mentally. Just enjoy breathing and being alive… the miles take care of themselves.

[@Phil2wenty]

Keep going Andy! I ran my first marathon earlier this year and my top tip would be to fall asleep watching The Running Channel KZbin videos EVERY night. It worked a treat for me! 😁

[@watermelonking]

Am currently training for 3k and 5k in the winter, and just thinking about running a full marathon makes me wheezy, good luck Andy!

[@iangovan3528]

Good to see an “non perfect” training where life gets in the way. Juggling kids, work and training ain’t easy! You’re smashing it!

[@davidmumford9476]

I will be running my first marathon (I hope) next year in Belfast at the age of 64. I have been a club runner for more than 7 years and thought it was about time I tried a marathon (having vowed I would never run one)! I have just started my training which is basically getting into a habit of running 4 days per week and getting in the gym. In the new year I shall follow one of the many plans to be found online. I don't have a family so finding the time to do the training will not be a problem. Thank you Andy for making this video and I wish you all the best for your first marathon.

[@andreahaberma4637]

You’re awesome Andy…if anyone calls you any bad names, they’ll have to deal with me! 😊 You’re one of the most positive inspiring runners out there on KZbin …going on several years of watching TRC now. Great job on that 30k…real life and with humor! Thanks for sharing middle of the night poo dad.

[@shauntubbs]

What I love about running is there’s always something new running teaches us about ourselves and what we can do if we step it one step at a time. Keep it up 👍🏾

[@lindseyphillips9063]

With two young kids, 3 and 1, it's a struggle to find the time! My husband and I purchased a running trailer for the kids to come on our long runs! Love it!

[@SamuelVance-Law]

Dear Andy, I love how a total pro like yourself still has the same fear and joy that the rest of us have. Your paces are quicker, but the fact that we're all going through the same stuff makes me feel way less alone out there. Thanks for showing it. All the best to you and the whole amazing team.

[@caseyhall5125]

I'm training for my first marathon as well! It took me 3 years to fully recover from Plantar Fasciitis, partly due to my pancake plat feet, and partly due to wearing majorly incorrect shoes for running. I watch every video, and listen to your podcast everyday while driving to work, to keep my motivation at an all time high. Just got my first pair of NB 1080's, hoping to win the SuperComp New Balance to complete my rotation. Keep up the amazing work!

[@TheAxxxJ]

Love seeing the realities of parenthood and trying to train, so refreshing. Keep up the good work.

[@jonburnell532]

I began running at 40, a few months ago, after a friend bet I couldn't complete a local trail run, I had 3 months to train. I really enjoyed the training and have become a lover of the run. I've now got a half marathon in May and a 30km trail in September and I'm really excited about them. Good luck with your marathon 👍

[@jasminetaylor5398]

Hello! I'm training for my first marathon, which will be the DONNA in Jacksonville, FL. It's a breast cancer fundraiser marathon and I'm running in honor of my aunt, who passed away last month after battling breast cancer. Whenever it gets tough, her strength and love is my motivation.

[@brjones43]

Remember, we run because it makes us happy and stronger. You got this. Just remember to have fun🎉❤

[@ChrisGorges]

Thanks for sharing this, I just started training for my first marathon this year too and I’ll be about 39 for the race itself. Congrats on finishing your marathon race at 40, Andy! Very inspirational 🎉

[@runningchannel]

Good luck for your first marathon!!!

[@Be_Reyt_Running]

I started running in April and I was only able to run for about 60 seconds before I was out of breath. In September I ran the Sheffield 10K, I'm currently training to run the Percy Pud race in Sheffield and I'm signed up to run the Sheffield Half Marathon next year. I've found this channel to be a great source of information that has helped me so far on my running journey. Good luck with your marathon, I'm sure you'll smash it.

[@bencross323]

Most relatable running video I’ve watched in a long time, not because I’m training for a marathon, but because I’ve been struggling so much to maintain a running and cycling schedule now that I have a toddler and a newborn. Seems like the only good way is to run in the dark at 5am every day, but that’s so hard! Good work and good luck.

[@runningchannel]

Really glad you enjoyed it Ben! It's so tough to find the time to train when you have a family, its all a juggling act 😅

[@TheHappiness1980]

Amazing Andy. I am training for first marathon at age of 43. Thank you for the realistic training plan of a busy parent.

[@carolreid6999]

love the reality of fitting in training around the rest of life, and you have the added pressure of the watching public. I am inspired to get up and run early. I'm late to the party as a still working 72 year old,only been running for 10 years but the journey is a blast as I plan to do a marathon next year.

[@edeckhard]

Good luck Andy. The struggle with kids & work is real when trying to do marathon training, as well as the guilt of leaving them for the long run. You’ll smash it 🏃‍♂️

[@DrkNite83]

Being a 40yr this really was great to watch! Reminder to just get out the door and do it more consistently

[@philstone2610]

Just back from Valencia. Did 12 k easy round the beautiful park and bought back great memories of doing the marathon 10 years ago. You'll love it. The atmosphere ❤

[@charlottelatham7968]

This video couldn't have come at a better time. 1 week ago I ruptured a disc in my back deadlifting (competitive powerlifitng) and I needed a new goal since powerlifting is not viable for me anymore. I am SO inspired by running, completed my first 10km race a month ago, and after watching this I think I'll be focusing my recovery journey to completing my first marathon on the Gold Coast in July '24! Love the podcast, love what you guys are doing ❤

[@jodiedineen5503]

Kids, work and running is definitely a juggling act but worth it for the positive influence we can have on your kids 😊

[@unknownmeaning8506]

I'm 43 and just getting back into running after a rough 6 months with a new job and having a young child so understanding your issues. Great video really enjoyed it. Thank you

[@elviratherunner]

I just completed the NYC Marathon and training was exhausting. But you CAN do it and you're crushing it!

[@calle4483]

Thanks for reminding about importance of gym sessions, especially that frequency is more important than max effort every time.

[@katepalfi4716]

It's looking great. As Mum to a toddler and also a marathoner, it can be really hard to fit those long runs in. You're looking so strong, just remember to enjoy it!

[@olyjackson3060]

As someone who is also in his 40s and has 3 kids, it's great to see behind the scenes in your marathon training, keep it up!

[@jb4932]

Very enjoyable and for me nostalgic video. Andy. I’m 65 now and my running world is all about the exciting world of knee pain management and trying to get to Saturday morning and being able to decide that I can do my Parkrun without having a negative impact on Ye Olde arthritic knees. My children are of an age where I’m now thankfully unaware of the timing of their poo but like all old parents I would give a lot to go back to a night of being woken at 3 am and to cuddle them to sleep one more time. It’s the same with being able to run as a younger man and often foolishly deciding not to bother. So good luck with the marathon journey and embrace those child disturbed nights and school runs for soon they’ll be a precious memory. Seize the day and also ‘Carpe Currere’! Seize the Run!🎯

[@rbcoolbartley]

The reality of running/training with life, family and kids superbly highlighted. 3 slightly older ones here, and the demands on time are still there. Also reminded I need to increase my strength training - my hips tend to suffer on the longer distances. 🙂

[@RachelMcDonald-v7w]

Best of luck Andy! I start training for Manchester Marathon next week and this is a great reminder that not every week will be plain sailing but it’s all about ticking those boxes !

[@Joe_Souza]

Andy, if anyone will succeed at this it’s you. Despite the daily life challenges, you know what it takes to be successful in your training. Good luck! At age 55 I’ve run two half marathons but I’m running my first marathon in Feb 2024 in Florida. I’d love to also train in the new 1080’s.

[@w3bproducts]

I started running around 6 months ago, and just started training for my first half-marathon. I never would have believed it on W1D1, but here I am! Always great content from The Running Channel; thanks for the inspiration, tips, tricks, and entertainment. Good luck Andy - you got this!

[@runningchannel]

👏👏👏

[@mattevans5384]

Well done Andy you are doing so well. As a father I know the joys of juggling training with family and work. I’m training for Tokyo at the moment and get up at 5 for my long run so I can play taxi for the rest of the day. Good luck and always remember every run is an adventure, keep changing the routes up 👍🏻

[@SuperIanmcc]

I've said "I'm doing a marathon this year" three times in the past. Injuries and covid race cancellations killed those plans. So motivated by watching you balance life and running- and learning a lot of new ideas I'm going to include- especially the gym sessions- I always thought tiring the legs in the gym would impact my other sessions but you've convinced me I'll avoid injuries by doing it. So here we go!

[@ellienelson4135]

Never underestimate the power of adrenaline and the crowds during the marathon. I was really struggling to stay motivated during the long runs in my training block and was worried about the big that I wouldn't be able to get round but I ended up having to much more fun than I expected. Good luck Andy!

[@themonkeymen4881]

Well done Andy, you've got this, you're gonna smash it in Valencia. I think the training for a marathon is so much more difficult than actually running the marathon and especially with kids, work and life in general. I'm also training for a marathon with kids and work. Do you ever feel guilty when you have to go out at weekends and run for a few hours while your partner has to hold down the fort? I do, and when I'm back trying to maintain a good level of energy to be present for my kids when all you wanna do is crash on the sofa and watch TV is quite a challenge. I admire you and all the mums and dads who do this. Massive respect!

[@jus10ld]

Training for my own organised half marathon "event" with my friends at the end of this month, after missing out on the big event in my city because of a knee surgery at the start of this year. And it's just amazing to get support and see everyone's journey both online and in real life.

[@jeniferfedun1400]

I just had my first baby and am now training for my first marathon(Mountains 2 Beach marathon in Ventura, CA)! So excited!

[@iriswellen]

I'm running a 15K race next week! The Zevenheuvelenloop, fastest race in the world!! Very excited and inspired after seeing your training. I'm also a big big fan of the pod. Good luck with the final weeks of training! After this Sarah and Rick can't pull the "you never ran a marathon" card anymore lmao.

[@levinoswarts827]

“What is the source of my success? I think it’s a combination of consistency and balance.” - Mark Allen.........as a dad myself of two, you embody this brilliantly!!!!!!!!!

[@DerFussball-Quizzzer]

Congrats Andy, you´re doing a great job. I wish you all the best for your first marathon in Valencia. You will keep smiling when it is over, thrust me.....

[@headstart.running]

Run/Life/Work balance is something that all too often goes unmentioned when talking about training plans. It's *so* important to find a rhythm that fits your life with running slotting in around that rather than trying to put your life on hold for 3-4 months while your training ramps up! Also.... the idea of

[@evelynecarbonneau6440]

Complete a marathon is one of my life goals! I have 5 kids aged 2 to 10 and work full time at the moment, so not sure that I can fit that training in. I'll continue to run and use that as a foundation for when training for a marathon will be possible!

[@AboveThresholdRunning]

Go on Andy! Training for a 5k pb attempt currently and consistency really is the key. A wise man once said: consistency trumps volume and volume trumps intensity

[@johnnyslainte]

Just became a father of 3 (big change from 2!) and still trying to figure out how to fit marathon training back into my life. Inspirational and gives me hope!

[@runningchannel]

You can do it! 💪

[@JacobJRoman]

I'm almost 34, 2nd kid on the way, and just did my first 1/2 marathon. It was killer. I had no experience with those gels, but man they were a life saver. Chug it down!

Well done Andy! It's not easy to balance everything and still make time to train. Like you, I used to run short, explosive distances during college - specifically, the 110m hurdles. Now, at 39, I'm running long distances for the first time. This year, I was completely paralyzed for 3 months due to a severe case of Guillian Barre syndrome. I started walking again in March, and by September, I ran a 5k in 20:52. In October, I completed a 10k in 44:32. Currently, I'm training for a half marathon and am in the best shape of my life.

[@ericjacobs6276]

Starting after something similar. Best of luck to figure goals

[@DuffusTSG]

Its great to see a video that not only shows how family life impacts a training plan but also work and other factors.

[@acidemperor]

Hey 43yrs here and 3 kids. Training currently for my first half marathon at the end of the month. But watching on to know what i need to train for my first marathon next year. Keep it up. The terror is real but you're inspiring us all!

[@kdmill7563]

I love watching you train Andy. It’s nice knowing a ex professional athlete feels anxiety about training too.

[@rastus21]

Love the insights into structuring a 3 day run 2 day gym week together. I've realised now that it's important to keep going to the gym for strength to help the muscles on the longer runs.

[@markm3747]

Like many others started running during COVID, this year started running my first races, 5k, 10k and half marathon. Planning for full marathon next week which is daunting as I have always been susceptible to injury and knee arthritis, TRC videos do provide a lot of encouragement.

[@runningchannel]

Brilliant Mark! 🎉🎉 which marathon are you running? Please let us know how you get on!

[@saras4507]

You got this Andy, you are going to smash the marathon 💪💪💪

[@jessicasmithson4257]

Andy it’s amazing to see you training for a marathon on 3 runs a week - I’m training for Manchester marathon also on 3 runs and constantly being told I need to run more. But I definitely think it’s quality over quantity 👍🏼 Well done Andy, keep it up 😁

[@thomascawley7806]

Good to see someone who used to run smaller distances go all the way to a marathon. Gives me the inspiration to go and do the same. Keep it up Andy 👍🏼

[@tanyakennedy6511]

Go Andy! You've got this. Cheering for you from the U.S.

[@sourgirlpaty]

Congratulations Andy!!!!!! thanks for sharing with us and KUDOS to you for doing this training in your busy life. For this years London Marathon I trained only 3 days a week and I really enjoyed the whole process (compared to my 2 previous ones that where 4-5 days a week training), so it is really nice to see that eventhough 3 days don't feel like you're doing much it actually helps!!!! Keep going Andy, you're making us all really proud

[@funkydurgan]

Good work. It’s great to relate to a former Olympian we need more of this honesty! I’m training for my first marathon in Manchester next year at 37 weighing 224 pounds

[@seanbendell]

Nice one Andy. Juggling family, work and training is hard work and you’re smashing it!

[@simoncattabriga1892]

40 year old and I just started a training plan for The first time on the runa app. Not for a specific distance but for the structure it brings. Good luck

[@karolm4901]

Let's go Andy! I've never ran a marathon let alone a 5K but have just recently taken up running as my movement of choice now that I'm focusing more on my health.

[@kennethgalvin1692]

Great effort, I've only got one child and training with kids is a whole different ball game. Broken sleep changes everything, being able to move training days around and even just being OK with that is key! And something I still battle with.

[@colincoleman1907]

Good luck Andy wishing all the best for the remainder of your training and your marathon run

[@jordonsmith7400]

I'm a mom of two and I know how much dedication it takes to train for a race. I'm training for my second marathon and your video is very inspiring!

[@kieranchaplin3766]

Good luck in your first marathon in Valencia Andy, hope it goes well and you enjoy it.

[@MarcWinfield]

Good luck Andy. I’m just training for more consistency over winter. Just enjoying getting out and being grateful that I can do this.

[@stephendavidcampbell]

Brilliant stuff Andy, this was such a relatable video, and liked all the editing choices, esp the 'warts an all' snapshots of REAL family life. Thank you, and can't wait til the next one!