12 Months to Marathon - Episode 80 - The Dark Side of Marathons

Send us Fan MailThe Dark Side of MarathonsMarathon day is iconic. The crowds, the build-up, the emotion — it’s unforgettable.But marathon training? That’s a very different story.In this episode, I talk honestly about the dark side of marathons — not the distance, not the pace, but the mental and emotional challenges that show up during the training process, especially for first-time marathon runners.I’m currently in week six of my own marathon training, and after working closely with runners preparing for spring marathons like London, I wanted to bring everything together into one clear message.This episode is about reassurance, simplicity, and mindset.In this episode, we cover:Why marathon training often feels overwhelming — and why that’s normalThe “resentful runner” phase and why it actually means you’re training properlyWhy guilt (especially charity guilt) makes training harder, not easierHow comparison and over-analysis cloud judgment and stall progressWhy first-time marathon runners cannot shortcut volume and loadPractical ways to deal with mental lows without suppressing or ventingWhy mindset — not the plan — is often the real work in marathon trainingIf you’re:Feeling tired, overwhelmed, or doubtfulStruggling to fit runs into real lifeWondering if you’re doing “enough.”Resenting the next run on your planThis episode is for you.Marathon training is hard. That doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong. It usually means you’re doing it right.One run at a time. One solution at a time. Forgive yourself — then move forward.🎧 Listen now to 12 Months to Marathon on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen.If this episode helped you, please:Share it with a friendLeave a quick reviewJoin the free running community via InstagramAnd if you’re marathon training right now — keep going. It all comes together if you do the work.Support the show