A new month is here, and we've got two months left of 2026. I want to challenge you to make these next few weeks count. Not by suddenly doubling your mileage or trying to transform your fitness overnight. But by focusing on the small things that make a difference over time. Maybe that's: - Running consistently three times a week. - Adding a weekly strength session. - Building your long run gradually. - Getting better at running your easy runs easily. - Improving your recovery. - Simply getting back into a routine. - You don't need to do everything. You just need to start somewhere. And if you're preparing for a spring marathon, this is a great opportunity to build some momentum before your main training block begins. So here's your November check-in: 1. What's your main running goal for November? 2. What's ONE habit you're going to focus on improving? Drop your answers below. Let's make November a productive month! John

Every year, I see runners make the same decision. “I’ll start properly in January.” I’ll get more consistent. I’ll sort my training out. I’ll start doing some strength work. I’ll take my running more seriously. And look, I understand why. January feels like a fresh start. But here’s the thing. You don’t need a new year to start making progress. If you’re running a marathon in spring 2027, the next couple of months could be incredibly valuable. Not because you need to start doing 20-mile runs. But because you can establish the habits that will support you when your marathon training gets more demanding. Run consistently. Build your aerobic fitness. Get stronger. Take your recovery seriously. And find a routine that fits around your actual life. Imagine arriving in January already feeling fitter, stronger and more consistent. That’s a much better position than having to start everything from scratch. And it’s not just about your next marathon. It’s about becoming someone who trains consistently and keeps challenging themselves as they get older. So here’s my challenge. What ONE thing could you improve about your running over the next 60 days? And if you’re over 35, preparing for your first marathon or chasing a PB, and want structured coaching and accountability along the way: Comment 26.2 and I’ll send you the details of my 12 Months to Marathon coaching programme.

I love seeing runners set ambitious targets. Sub-4. Sub-3:30. Sub-3. Whatever the goal, something is exciting about pushing yourself to achieve something you've never done before. But here's something I think is important. There's a difference between setting an ambitious goal and simply picking a time you like the sound of. Before committing to your next marathon target, ask yourself three questions. 1. What does my current fitness tell me? Look at your recent race performances, your training, and your consistency. 2. Can I realistically commit to the training required? Because a training plan that looks brilliant on paper is useless if it doesn't fit your life. 3. What specifically needs to improve? Is it endurance? Pacing? Fuelling? Consistency? Because once you understand what's holding you back, you can start doing something about it. Now, I'm not suggesting you should lower your ambitions. Quite the opposite. I'm 49, and I've run two sub-three-hour marathons since turning 45. I certainly don't believe getting older means you should stop setting challenging goals. But ambition needs to be supported by preparation. And that's where having the right structure and guidance can make a difference. If you're over 35 and preparing for your first marathon or chasing a personal best, I'd love to hear about your goal. Comment 26.2, and I'll send you the details of my coaching programme.