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!!

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.

"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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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.

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😁

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.

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 😁

🤣 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.

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 😂.

'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 😅

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

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.

As one of your (much) older subscribers this is one of the best ‘older’ videos I have seen (and there are a lot of videos aimed at us oldies just now). I am training for a middle distance triathlon and the longest event in 10 years and since a major op last year. My training started well but I soon discovered as the weekend run got longer I needed 2 days recovery not one. So I reduced to 2 runs a week and changed the Tuesday run to a S&C set instead. I listen to my body and take more recovery if needed and my long runs tend to be run/walk eg 18 mins run 2 minutes walk. This feels more manageable and I don’t slog my way round. I have bought into stretch & mobility and try to do 15 mins a day. It’s definitely a mindset change

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!

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!

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.

Thank you I'm over 50 now and it's getting harder to produce my times. Will end up a lazy ultra runner very soon 🙂

Great video, very good advice. I started running age 53 having not run since school and ran a 3.13 first marathon at age 55. I did this on three runs a week, no consecutive days so that recovery was good in between. Training consisted of a long run, a marathon pace tempo run at 7mins per mile, and 800m repeats at 3mins each with 3mins recovery. Start low volume add more each week, taper and go. No alcohol, plant based diet.

I started distance running in earnest in my mid-30s but never managed to stay consistent for more than 6 months at a time due to overtraining or health issues. At 37, my goal now is to maintain consistency for at least a year, and I found that after just 5 months I was almost back to old shape and wound up signing up for a marathon as a stretch goal. I completed that marathon and have already signed up for another. Both the technical and philosophical mindsets that you and Mary promote in your channel have helped me embrace the habit, joy, and the lifestyle of healthy, consistent running rather than chasing metrics and burning out yet again. I thank you so much for that.

Really been enjoying your KZfaqs. I started running at age 51 and am scheduled to run marathons 10 & 11. Worked my way from a 12:00 pace to a solid 9:00 on my way to hopefully shave more time and qualify for Boston. Anyway, yes on the painful side of training and then running the marathon. This is why I've liked your channel. Very informative and something for everyone t take away.

Great timing, as a 62 year old training for both Berlin and NYC marathons this year. I am still training with people half my age in my running group, doing 2 speed sessions per week and Saturday long run, all with (so far anyway) no niggles, discomfort, or soreness whatsoever. I believe I can BQ at at least one of these races. As you mentioned, consistency is key, along with good nutrition and sleep. I also feel like variety of training is important- I mix up terrain, shoes, and workouts which I believe help keep injury at bay and keeps the training interesting.

Fell apart a bit at the marathon on Sunday just gone. Main reason was taking gu every 5km instead of the 7km I did in training. Didn't hurl, but I wasn't far off from 18km in. Silly Edwin.

that is so true about the nutrition and hydration.., I was pretty on point for my first 15 or so miles.., but after that I started to forget about my nutrition.. I was still pretty good on hydration.. but my mind was wandering to say the least, and I was in no man’s land .., but I made it thru

Ben! I needed to hear this. I'm 46 and start your half to full training plan next week for my first marathon in October. I think we all struggle to accept aging when we get to this point in life. Thanks for reminding me that it's ok to not be ok all the time and for the tools to deal with it.

I love your channel and sage advice. As. 60 year old grandma with hopes of a 50k next year, you're good at talking me back from damaging myself.

First one at 41. Perhaps a second before 50!

cheers to all of you grizzly old men and hard put women. it's a nice fight. runnnnnnnnning is fun. keep hitting that next mile.

'Do what works for you' is a very valid and often misunderstood statement. I am an early riser, early to bed person, who needs two rest days a week (so have to adjust any plan accordingly ). I am 53 and continue (and will hopefully always while I am around) to strive for improvement, it might not be time, it might be weight/muscle balance, it might be efficiency, (that is a magic target in itself and has many variables we can work on) or something else I can focus on. Thanks, for a great post.

Great video as usual...Mary dishing out some of the tips and advice is a great addition to your format. There was a lot that hit home in this video and fortunately my Marathon is a couple months away!

These feel like tips for beginners to intermediates. I’m 53, 75 miles a week, run every day (occasionally twice a day), a sub 75 min half and aiming for sub 2:40 at Berlin. I’ve become stronger and able to train these distances BECAUSE I’ve built my mileage up. Basically, you can’t generalise. All runners are different.

Yet again wise words Ben and Mary. You are both such wonderful role models. I know you're keeping me on the straight and narrow path.

as someone who has completed 35 and had never run before the age of 31... this is so true

Very apt video for me being 39 and training for London. Had to bail on a run tonight with a sharp pain in my foot. Straight home to ice and rest before the weekend long run if my body allows it

Just turned 50 mid July 2022! Just started running. I have BIG goals, and the patience to go with them!

I ran two London marathons back in the early 90's. In my late 20's. Because I worked for one of the London boroughs the race went through, I could have a guaranteed place. 3 weeks before the first one I wasn't even aware it was happening. Had no interest in running. Just did a bit of swimming and had a milk round in the mornings which gave me some exercise. A few of the guys I worked with in my job at the pool told me they were doing it and asked me to join them. I thought ' What?? I don't run!' They still talked me into it. So after only 3 weeks of running including a 13 miler, I ran it in 4hours 9 mins. No injuries. Not even a blister. Did minimum training the next year (I didn't have a clue what I was doing) run a couple of halfs and did the marathon in 3hrs 46 mins. Now 30 years later I'm picking up running again. Despite running two marathons in the past, I consider myself a beginner. I pick up injuries quickly and I'm really having to take my time. Not the man I used to be.

Thanks for the advice running my first marathon in a week and binge watching everything on marathons, this episode helpful.

The last pointer was something I needed to hear. 😜

Great advice and *discussion* I'm a VM65-69, fortunate that I have *good genetics* 👍 which really helps. I started getting fit - stopped smoking/drinking and am now always between 2 and 3 stone lighter than I was then - I have run 100+ Marathons and I'm very grateful that I have a big gfa. However I am still RUBBISH at the fuelling/hydration *thing*. Up to 4 hours I can *get by* but anymore and I just want to stop, have a coffee and eat an ice-cream.

All facts! As I return to running my two areas of focus are strength training and consistency. Great video!

Using bike for 134 to 144 bpm ,,for month or so ,,literally the fastest (relative) and most comfortable I’ve run in my life

I wish my Grandad was still alive to ask for advice for running as I get older. I do know that he would be a strong advocate for more miles. During a 11 year span when he was 51-61 he ran 24 competitive marathons, 21 of those under 3:15 and 7 of those were under 3:00. His PB of 2:54:44 was run at age 59 and 9 months. He was disappointed to not run under 3 hrs as a 60 year old being within 40 seconds of the mark twice. 100 mile weeks was standard training for many years so anything is possible. Edit: I’ll add he wasn’t a marathon specialist during that period he ran a 50 mile race in 7:23, he broke multiple, state, age group records for 5000 and 10,000 on the track and was competitive in many other 5k, 10k and HM road races. FWIW the 3 ‘slow’ marathons were just under 3:25.

Thanks you two. Always an inspiration. Running is something we’re always learning from. Got a marathon pb at 55. By trying something new. Absolutely love your videos.

I went into this video with skepticism due to what seemed like a clickbait title. However, every point is spot on! I became a runner late in life (mid 30s) and for the first few years it was just injury after injury, etc. Until I started using my head (as in think and not run upside down by bouncing on my cranium) and training properly, changing my weightlifting routine, my nutrition, etc. I went from having a 4 hour marathon as a golden goal to easily averaging in the 3:30s. This spring I ran 4 marathons in the span of 5 weeks, and 4 of them were PRs. All that, in spite of the fact that I run way fewer miles than I did a few years ago. My 52nd marathon is next month and then, a few weeks later is my first 100K. Be smart about your training and you will have a great time on race day!

Consistency is the key word totally agree with me ... don't drink alcohol Saturday night.... Long Run Sunday..!! (or even cut out the alcohol) Write down what you eat during the week.... you'll know as the week do by what food works for you.... and squats (with the bar is your key) if you want to cut down on injury - believe me I've gone with out and gone with out.... but noticed the S&C works!!

At age 60, Never trust a fart at any Distance. Period. 🤣 Love that you address bodily functions because it does become a major problem during long runs if you're not prepared or have a plan (as Im learning). Thanks to your last video, I wasn't as embarrassed to go in the woods on my last trail run. Having brown paper towels (I glommed at the gas station loo) made it less embarrassing. It seemed more "natural" than leaving a glaring, white chunk of TP where X marks the spot. ☺️ So what exactly do city-run Marathoners do when they have an accident during a race?

This advice is priceless. Even for a young gun like me it’s great to hear your wisdom ;)

I’m running my first marathon in October at 59 yo. I think the mind is writing checks the body can’t cash. I like the advice about not running too much. I think I fall into that category. Thanks for your videos. Keep them coming.

I recently discovered your channel and am really enjoying it and learning so much. I’ve subscribed and am making my way through all your videos. Thanks so much for all you do.

I am 32. Starting Running. Loved your video.

Trust a fart!! Best advice i have heard all year!!! 🤣🤣🤣🤣

I started my running journey with 35 (now 38) and I have raced 4 marathons. It is challenging and it solidifies my respect for everyone who does this every time.

this might be a little overstated but… I think that “never trust a fart” just helped me to close a bad period of my life. I don’t know yet, maybe I just needed somebody to remind me that “shit happens”, and we’re all equal before the shit… (not only) in a metaphorical sense aha! 😀

Last Spring at 55 I ran my best marathon time of 3:05. I contribute that to training for 6 years and building up to 115 km/week. But, I have to agree strongly with the advice of dedicating time to strength and conditioning, along with getting enough sleep. I would also emphasize using recovery days as recovery days. I have one day a week that I don't run at all, but I try to bike a bit. Then I have two recovery run days and I really take them easy. I do a 5:25 - 5:50 pace on those days. They help get the blood flowing in the muscles and stimulate recovery.

Very good advice, thank you. I'm aiming London next year for my first marathon and I will absolutely follow your advice from this video. But at the end, like Mary said, it will HURT! LOL!

I ran my first ever London Marathon in April 2006 1 month before I turned 19, (still a current lifetime best of 3.29.49) now at 36, October 2nd 2022, will be my 9th London Marathon and am aiming for as close to 3.45 as possible, I'm a member of Croydon Harriers athletics club, and I know I'm as fit as I almost was back then, and definitely the fittest of 30s!! and have been a Tee-total ally life, so I have that going for me!! #embracetheprocess #oldmanstrength

Love the scatalogical humor - reminds me of the fun times raising my son when he was little. I would suggest never trusting a fart - the more people around you, the less trust! Of all the wonderful advice here, though, prioritizing recovery is so very important. It takes a conscious effort at first, but sets you up for great habits as the years keep ticking along.

Good advice all around and amen to strength as a supplement, and I’d say probably replace a running session or 2. I’d add for first time marathon runners, have 4-6 months aerobic base before you train. It can be anything, but just doing parkrun every week builds a base, gets the body used to moving and gets you in the right mindset and by then you’ll know when is good in a busy week that training works. Having this before your training block is gold in my experience and will allow for lower volume and better quality which will suit the +35 runner. I’d finally add that unless you’re really serious, don’t have a time goal. Make your goal to be as fit as you can be on the day and run as fast as you can that the conditions and you’re training has provided

Imodium can help if you find you always need to go! (solving the fart conundrum).

Ben you are still a spring chicken. I was the big 50 this year 😆

Initially I didn't know what you meant about not trusting the fart after mile 20, because I have never run beyond 25km! 😆 I'll be 52 when I go for my first ever Marathon later this year in Dec. I will keep in mind your tip No 10 !

I was 2 months shy of 37 years old in March 2020. 5'9" 168lbs or 12 stones and 2:39:40 in a windstorm. Going sub 2:35:00 late this year at 39 years old. Alcohol, I consume a ton of it year round.

I did my first marathon at 35 and qualified for Boston by over 10 minutes. Second marathon ended up being 2021 Boston. So what’s your point? 35 isn’t old and you can qualify more easily. I see 25 year olds keel over barfing at 5ks, so age doesn’t seem to determine if you’re in shape or not.

5 yr training schedule,,aiming for under 4 hrs when 60 /. Ran 5 miles today at under 42 mins so building on this Age 55 at moment

Last tip is the most important, haha.

Oh gosh I turn 35 this August and my next marathon is September 11. I’m Screwed!!

Such wise and inspiring advice. Thanks guys! Keep up the great work

Really nice style of getting great information across. Very much enjoyed. A bit late to the party but, have subscribed and looking forward to more

I see you have my pullups bar at 3:15! Handy for pushup variations too. (But mine is gathering dust at the moment...)

Well I'm nowhere near a marathon yet ha ha. First 5k end of July and first 10kin October. Next year hopefully a half marathon and maybe a full one we'll see. I'm heading towards 40 so know what you mean about additional rest and recovery. That never trust a fart made me chuckle! As a complete newbie runner have you got any videos or advice on at what point in your running progress you should start using gels and carrying water. I'm only running 4k at the moment so it's not an issue but it will be at some point I guess.

I started running 5yrs ago at the age of 47 having not taken running seriously before. I work as a full time doctor with a family so time is limited. I trained for my first marathon in March 2020 (2 weeks before lockdown) using the idea that my longest run would be 32km. I blew up at 20 miles and clocked a time of 4hr 18min which was disappointing. Over the next 2 years I increased my mileage and frequency of runs. I ran the Manchester marathon in April 2022 in 3hr 29min aged 51. Consistency is key but you can’t skip the 2hr + runs. I agree that S&C is also very important but being older does not mean longs runs are unnecessary. Run for fun, run for speed, run for the hill but RUN would be my advice.

Awesome video guys!

Make sure that you are healthy in the miles, speed, etc

Thanks for your great work here! Good marathon training info for the age groupers seems a real niche! I'm 56, started running again 3 years ago, now at 3:30h and 2nd marathon. Love your tips! It is so true that we need to better balance our training plans (made for the average 30y olds I believe) than those seemingly indistructable young folks. Ha! No trusting farts past 20k - so true and a great rule of thumb to remember 😜!

I will be 36 when i do my first marathon in February back in the day i was a decent distance runner in HS and College in my teens and early 20s. But now in my mid-thirties and dealing with a few injuries from the past make this journey more and more difficult. I dont expect any fast times at all i just want to complete one so i can move on to Ultra running.

In 2017 I qualified for Boston by running 3 times a week and cycling 4 times a week at age 60, no need to over do it.

Hey buddy, you got me to subscribe on the last piece of advice. Priceless :)

I turned 38 Sunday. I had the WORST session today on my typical 5.5 mile run. Just cramping and shin pain and my toes are killing me that slowed me WAY down. So I stopped. Massaged and stretched what I could and worked through it. After another mile, I was fine. Killed my average pace but oh well. I’m ok. Getting old ain't easy is it?

"For every marathon that goes right there's one that doesn't go to plan" got my like and sub with that one comment lol

Great vid thanks for the tips, as always🏃‍♂️

You all are whining at 35yo. I'm in "Humpty Dumpty Status" at 63yo. Advice to give? Start the first 25% of EVERY workout conservatively/slowly. No exceptions!

Love this, a fresh take on a well worn topic. I've recently had to change my training mentality to what you mentioned.... it's better to work out consistently, running less and adding more strength/ yoga, and get to the start line fit and injury free. I work 65+ hours most weeks, and simply don't have time to run more than 3-4 days a week. I did my first 50k at 42, my first marathon at 43, and have decided to focus on staying fit and healthy, and not worry about hitting mileage goals in training. I'll never win, so I'll just do what I need to to tackle the challenges that make life so exciting, without dedicating every free minute to training and injury recovery!

I ran the Trans Oklahoma 511 miles when I was 37. Not I'm attempting the Katy trail in October and my running feels so sluggish at 44.

No 10 really was worth the wait 😂

wish i had seen this video first. now I have blown up my ACL

Very helpful-especially that last bit. - I'm 35 - I caught the bug (not covid, the running one) almost precisely 1 year to the day - I'm training for a "backyard" trail challenge - an event to see how many 2-mile trail loops folks can run in either 3-hours or 6-hours - I'm going for the 6-hour and I'm going for 14 loops, aka: 28-ish miles - or however many loops my feet will take me in 6-hours - I plan on doing it in sandals - Aid stations will also have burgers and beer, but I'm bringing my own peanut butter and bananas as well - I'll give a recap on my KZfaq channel so folks can see if I survive - Thoughts and prayers appreciated 🤣

Last tip was my fav 😂 REAL

So true 🥰

Never trust a fart past mile 20 🤣 thanks am planning a marathon next year having only run halfs.

Three bottles of beer this year 18/9

In that kind of age then comes old man strenght really into play 😉🔥💪👍

It's a puzzle for sure. I did my first ultra last year off training that wasn't consistent enough and ended up with a fairly long term case of runners knee. I can run 6 times a week now and am back up to being able to run over 2 hours before any pain starts to show, but right now ultras aren't possible (discovered this because I had to DNF an FRA Champs race in May because of the knee). Just focusing on the consistency atm and getting a solid base so at the very least I can look to be competitive in the S and M category fell races. Aiming for a fell marathon in the spring and my training for that should tell me whether my knee will ever let me run ultras again! I am trying to relish the challenge and all the planning that's coming with it.

Ha ha ha Totally ~ after all the gel's you are always one fart away from a shit!

You wanna try doing it when you're touching 60 !! 🤔🤣🤣🤣🤣 Me thinks NYC Marathon in November will be interesting after spending the last 10 years concentrating on 60m/100m sprinting😁

6:12 u r right, i rly do need more sleep when i don't get enough, probably it's not becouse i need more recovery sleep, just pure depression 😁

Never trust a fart past mile 20. I need that on a running top.