Marathon Training Support for Adults 40+
I'm 51, almost 52, and I run marathons injury free. Here's what I do outside of running.
Preparing for a marathon takes more than following a mileage schedule. I help you work through the other parts of training: what to eat, how to fuel long runs, how to prepare your body before heading out, and how to build a stretching and mobility routine around your running. Bring your training plan, your questions, and your goals. We'll work together on practical habits that fit your life - from your first weeks of training through race day.
I documented my entire last marathon build in How to Run a Marathon.
Michael Baker · Get Up Earlier
Digital professional. Personal trainer. Marathon runner.
Practical support for adults 40+, alongside your existing running plan.
My experience, not a promise
51, Almost 52, and Running Marathons Injury Free
I'm 51, about to turn 52, and I've never had a running injury. I don't think that's luck, and it isn't just the running. It comes from the work I do outside of my running plan:
- Strength training 2-3 times a week during my non-marathon months, so I start every marathon build strong.
- Mobility, stretching, and yoga to keep me moving well.
- Nutrition and fueling that support the training load.
That's the same approach I bring to Marathon Training Support. Bring your plan, and I'll help you build the habits around it.
This is my own experience. Everyone's body is different, and no routine can guarantee you'll stay injury free.
Nutrition & Fueling
Around your scheduled runs
Bring your plan and what you've tried. We'll work on food, fluids, and fueling around your runs, not replace your running program.
Everyday nutrition
Regular meals and snacks with enough carbohydrates, protein, and variety for training and real life.
Long-run fueling
Practice what to eat before a run, what to carry, and when to use it.
Race fueling and hydration
Rehearse foods, drinks, and timing in training, considering conditions and aid stations.
Recovery meals
Make post-run carbohydrates, protein, and fluids manageable for your schedule.
Warm-Up, Stretching & Mobility
Before, after, and between runs
A practical movement routine alongside your running program, not a replacement for it.
Before runs
Dynamic preparation and a gradual warm-up that fit the run ahead.
During runs
Pay attention to how you feel. Slow down or pause when effort feels unmanageable or discomfort develops. Stop if pain persists, worsens, or changes how you move, and seek assessment from a qualified healthcare professional rather than pushing through it.
After runs and between sessions
An easy cool-down, gentle stretching, and mobility around strength work and recovery. Stay in a comfortable range; never force movement or push through pain.
Remote guided stretching means demonstration and verbal cues while you move independently. Hands-on assisted stretching is in-person only, in Orange, CT. Dedicated stretching sessions are booked separately and are not automatically included in Marathon Training Support packages.
Stretching is one part of the approach, alongside training-load management, strength, mobility, and appropriate recovery. It doesn't guarantee injury prevention, treat pain, or replace assessment by a qualified healthcare professional.
Who This Is For
First half, first full, or another race on the calendar? Bring your plan. We'll work on the habits around it, with no supplied mileage schedule or guaranteed race results.
Your Coach
In March 2026, Michael Baker ran a 1:31:27 half marathon at age 51, top 8% overall, a time that qualified him to run the TCS NYC Marathon in 2027.
Latest marathon: Hartford 2026, 3:18 at 7:34/mi, a Boston qualifying time at age 51. Next goal: 3:10 at the NYC Marathon in 2027. Entry is not guaranteed.
Certifications: ISSA Certified Running Coach, ISSA Certified Personal Trainer, IIN Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, and RYT200 Yoga Teacher. He is also a former yoga studio owner.
What Support Actually Looks Like
Support Around Your Existing Plan
Bring the training plan you're already following, your questions, and your goals. We work together on practical habits that complement your schedule rather than supplying a new mileage plan.
A Coach in Your Corner. AI in Your Pocket.
A training app can provide a schedule, but putting it into practice raises questions. Bring your existing plan so we can discuss nutrition, fueling, warm-up, mobility, and recovery around the runs you have scheduled.
We can also discuss how you use tools like Runna, Strava, and AI to organize questions and track habits. This is human support alongside your plan, not a replacement plan.
Endurance Nutrition and Fueling
We work on everyday nutrition, long-run fueling, practicing race fueling and hydration, and recovery meals. You'll have space to discuss what you've tried and find practical habits that fit your existing training plan.
Training Load, Mobility, and Recovery
We discuss how your existing training load, strength work, mobility, and recovery fit together. Warning signs aren't something to push through. Slow down, pause, or stop when needed and seek qualified assessment for pain. No routine can guarantee an injury-free build.
Mobility and Guided Stretching
We make room for dynamic preparation before runs, gentle stretching afterward, and mobility work between sessions. The guidance complements your existing plan and real-life schedule.
Remote guided stretching uses demonstration and verbal cues while you move independently; hands-on assisted stretching is in-person only. Dedicated stretching sessions are booked separately, not automatically included in a Marathon Training Support package.
Regular Support Calls
Video check-ins to discuss your existing plan, review your nutrition and fueling practice, and work through warm-up, mobility, and recovery questions. Call frequency depends on the support level you choose.
Single Session
$50 for one focused 45-minute session on nutrition, fueling, warm-up, stretching, or mobility. Bring your existing training plan; no ongoing commitment or supplied training plan.
- Guided stretching or a custom stretching routine
Frequently Asked Questions
I've never run a marathon. Is this too advanced for me?
No. Marathon Training Support is for adults 40+ preparing for a first half or full marathon as well as returning runners. Bring an existing training plan, your questions, and your goals. We'll work on nutrition, fueling, warm-up, stretching, and mobility around that plan. I don't supply a mileage schedule or guarantee a finish time.
Do I need to be local to work with you?
Marathon Training Support is available in person at the private studio in Orange, CT, or online.
What if I get injured during training?
Don't train through warning signs. Slow down, pause, or stop if pain develops and seek assessment from a qualified healthcare professional when needed. We can discuss recovery habits alongside your existing plan and any professional guidance you receive. Strength, mobility, and stretching don't guarantee injury prevention, treat pain, or replace professional assessment.
Can I combine Marathon Training Support with guided stretching?
Yes. Mobility and stretching guidance can fit around your existing plan, runs, strength work, and recovery. Remote guided stretching uses demonstration and verbal cues while you move independently. Hands-on assisted stretching is available in person in Orange, CT, not remotely. Dedicated stretching sessions are booked separately and are not automatically included in a Marathon Training Support package. We'll discuss what fits your goals and schedule on a discovery call.
How is this different from a training app or a generic plan?
Your app or training plan provides the running schedule. Marathon Training Support works alongside it: bring that plan so we can discuss everyday nutrition, long-run fueling, race fueling and hydration practice, warm-up, stretching, mobility, and recovery. The support is collaborative and doesn't include a supplied training plan or guaranteed results.
Do you use AI in your coaching?
Yes. AI tools can help organize questions and look for patterns in training habits, but they don't replace our conversations or qualified healthcare assessment. Bring your existing plan; the service focuses on human guidance around nutrition, fueling, warm-up, stretching, mobility, and recovery rather than generating a new training plan.
What's the commitment?
Month-to-month. I'm not interested in locking anyone into a contract. If this is working, you'll want to stay. If your goals change, we figure it out.
Hartford Marathon 2026: Final Result
October 10, 2026: 3:18 at 7:34 per mile, age 51. Boston qualifying time achieved; entry is not guaranteed.
Read the final BQP entryMy Upcoming Races
United Airlines NYC 1/2 Marathon
Half Marathon in New York, NY, coming .
TCS NYC Marathon
Full Marathon in New York, NY, coming .