Episode 91 - Neil Johnson - How He Ran His Fastest Marathon in 10 Years at 41

Send us Fan MailEpisode 91 of the 12 Months to Marathon Podcast is a powerful conversation with Neil Johnson, a runner who came into my coaching community in late 2025 with one clear goal: run a sub-3 marathon after 40.Neil had already broken the 3-hour marathon barrier in the past, but life had changed. Family responsibilities, less time, less recovery, more pressure, and the reality of being an over-35 runner meant the road back wasn’t straightforward. Like many runners in their late 30s and 40s, he started to question whether his best running was behind him.In this episode, Neil shares his full running journey, from early marathons and chasing a sub-3 marathon, through years of trying to get back there, to finally committing to a proper marathon training plan with structure, accountability, and a clear focus.We talk about: How Neil went from early marathon success to years of frustration  The reality of marathon training over 40 with kids, work, and family life  Why just “being fit” is not the same as being marathon ready The difference that weekly mileage, long runs, and consistency made  What changed in his mindset this time around  How he handled setbacks, injuries, and training disruptions  The importance of having a solution-focused approach What it took to run a 2:57 marathon at Brighton and set his fastest marathon in 10 years This episode is for any runner who is wondering:Can I still get faster after 40? Can I still run a PB with family life and responsibilities? Can I still chase a big running goal even if life looks very different now?Neil’s story is proof that with the right structure, the right mindset, and the right training, your best running might not be behind you.If you enjoy the podcast, please follow, rate and review on Spotify, and share it with another runner who needs to hear this.You can follow me on Instagram at @12monthstomarathon for more marathon training advice, running motivation, and coaching for runners over 35.Support the show