10 Hard Truths of MARATHON Running When Over 35

Getting old sucks, but it doesn't have to. Be prepared for your marathon with these 10 hard truths!!

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[fatrunner]

I started running 2 years ago at the age of 39 after being a couch potato most of my life. I'm training for my second marathon at the moment. If I have a couple of beers in the evening, I'll notice it on my run the next day. I dont mind though, I'm still fitter and healthier than I was in my 20s!!

[scottmcconnell]

Started running at 40, just turned 50. I’ve run 20 marathons in 10 years, the last 3 in 2:55, 2:56, 2:56. In 12 weeks I’m going back to back with Berlin and London. You’re only as old as you feel, age has no barriers if you put your mind to it and train smartly.

[LilacRunner]

Thank you Ben. Started running late in life, about 40 something if I recall correctly. I am now 59 and still run 3 or 4 times per week, 10km per session on average. Finished over 50 half marathons and 20 marathons too date. 10km races to many too mention. A few 100km races thrown in for good measure too. I thought I knew it all, until I subscribed to your channel. Not only are your videos highly informative, useful, packed with wonderful advice, and sometimes a splash of humour, they are MOTIVATIONAL, INSPIRING, DOWN TO EARTH, WHOLESOME DOLLOPS OF SHEER AWESOMENESS. Thank you Ben and Mary. May the Running Gods look down favourably on us All.

[simondeboer]

"never trust a fart past mile 20" -- Good advice. I think as runners we shouldn't shy away from discussion of bowel and bladder. A large part of my race plan revolves around managing the biology. Intake and output.

[msmaria]

I did my first marathon recently at age 42. It took me 8 and a half hours but I finished it. I am using that experience to do better. My two main takeaways.

Wear bigger shoes.

Pick a flatter marathon.

[Mercury]

I felt the words “a stiff breeze will send me into a spasm” deeply.

[alfromtx]

I took up running at age 45 and did my first marathon at 46. It was a train wreck. The weather was really cool during the last month of training, but was unseasonably (and unexpectedly) hot the day of the race. So I dehydrated. No good. I did my second marathon at age 47 and it was awesome. I actually wore extra layers during training to prepare for the worst, and it paid off. You're right about the race becoming harder around mile 22. Thankfully, I paced it like I should have and the first 22 miles were enjoyable. Though it became more difficult at this point, I was able to push through and never had to slow down. Now I'm 49 and getting the itch to do another one!

[lesabegley]

Love your channel! I ran my first marathon in 2018 at the age of 40, and this year at 44 tackled my first ultramarathon. Listen to and take care of your body first and foremost, and it will show up for you on race day!

[stevestarr]

Good morning (or afternoon) guys. I ran my first marathon in 1980, when I was 19. The last marathon I ran was Philadelphia in 2001, when I was 40. I'm going to be 61 a month from today, and for some psycho reason I'm thinking I'd like to qualify for Boston in my age group; crazy tough goal, but who knows. This running/life thing has been an interesting journey for me for the last 45 years.

Ben, you mentioned partying the night before a long run. Story: In 1985 (I was 24 at the time) I was training for the NYC Marathon, and about a month before the race my girlfriend's parents had their 25th wedding anniversary--BIG party, on a Saturday. I started drinking rum & Cokes at about 5 pm, and drank about 27 rum & Cokes by 1 a.m. that night. I barfed about 10 times between 1 a.m. and 4 a.m., at least. I got up at around around 6:30, and drove to NYC to do my long run. I did 12 miles, PLUS a 10K race that morning in Central Park. 18 miles. Needless to say, I was sick for a week...and i don't think I've had a single rum & Coke since then.

Oh, to be young and utterly crazy.

[dorothygraham]

I am 67 years old lady and running Comrades in august, just did my last long run at 65k on Sunday and boy are my legs sore. We have a few other long runs to do over the next 6 weeks so hopefully stay injury free.

[tworunningbrooms]

Dawn from this channel ran a 2:56 as a 42-year-old female. Plenty of strength and conditioning supported that along with double runs and high mileage. 80 plus miles per week at peak.

[natalie-obrien]

Thanks for this advice . I am 45 and new to running and I plan to run a 1/2 Marathon before the end of this year and maybe a full one next year😁

[jamesbuchan]

Some great point thanks, started running at 47, 3 years ago, and yep no question I can't train more than 3 or 4 times a week, and have to listen to my body or start to get the sore ham, dodgy foot painful knee cropping up.
Listening to my body and I can avoid it, I'm not in my 20s any more, can't train as hard or as long as I want but this 50 year old body has partied hard for a long time time and although looked after the old injuries are always there just ready to bit.
But as longs I can still beat the kids in speed and distance I'm happy with my 21 min 5km and regular 13 km runs 😁

[robinc.]

I`m 37 and started running one year ago. I did several Half`s and some 10K`s but will go for the Full Marathon next year, plan to do 2-3 Marathons a year. I lost 47 Kilos on that Journey and am fitter then i ever was, although i feel my age...in my knees, my body etc. Recovery is such an important thing. I can fully relate to that video!

[danielneacy]

'Never trust a fart past mile 20' abdolute gold i will be robbing that one. Gr8 vid guys, will be defo taking on board some of this advise. As a 37 year old I find it hard to admit I'm in this post 35 year old club 😅

[irawhitlock]

🤣 last tip got me! This was really helpful info. About to turn 49, started running 2 years ago, and have always been somewhat of an athletic runt. I'm convinced that humble and patient consistency is what has kept me in the game.

[Joe_Souza]

Ben and Mary, love the channel. I’m 54 and started running when COVID started. I’ve peaked with the running and found I can’t get over 1/2 marathon without strength training. I appreciate your encouragement and will be weary of farts in my first marathon after mile 20 😂.

[paulhanson]

I'm a pretty new runner and managed my first marathon London last April aged 48. It was pretty amazing to do and to hit my 3:50 target. Lots of videos helped me get ready, it was tough in the last quarter but I was very motivated to endure!

[balrajsingh]

This has arrived at the perfect time! Turned 37 last week, and preparing to run in the Athens Marathon in November! Definitely need up my strength and conditioning routine.

[barryalexander]

At 28, I ran a marathon in 4 hours with no specific training (I was fit though). I'm 51 and training using the 80:20 programme. Had a setback and have had to drop back a few weeks. Back to it and have a 16 miler tomorrow.