Thanks to LMNT for sponsoring this video! Head to https://DrinkLMNT.com/FLO to get your free sample pack with any purchase. Ayako Fackenthal, a passionate runner who began her running journey in her mid-50s and has since progressed from couch to completing marathons and ultramarathons. Ayako shares how she found her love for running, the role of low heart rate training, and the lessons she’s learned about health, mindset, and consistency along the way. She offers insights and inspiration for anyone starting or restarting their fitness journey later in life.

Learn more about the Personal Best Running Coaching Program at https://www.pbprogram.com/

Watch this full video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/DI0cOUQRU1I

CHAPTERS:

0:00 – Ayako’s Late Start and Inspiring Running Journey
1:14 – LMNT Sponsorship
2:19 – Why Ayako started running in her 50s
3:02 – What her life looked like before running
5:41 – How Ayako’s first runs felt
7:53 – What helped her enjoy running and find low heart rate training
12:47 – How she got into trail running
14:44 – Running with her Border Collie
15:45 – Improving in marathons and advice to her younger self
21:11 – Traveling to races and future marathon plans
22:29 – Moving from marathons to ultramarathons
25:05 – Tips for anyone wanting to run longer distances
32:00 – What she learned from aging and being a parent
34:18 – Race day mindset
39:40 – What Ayako does outside of running
43:42 – How eating, sleeping, and hydration affects training
47:11 – Realizing the impact of protein, sleep, and hydration on training
53:38 – Where to find Ayako
53:59 – How to become a stronger, healthier, and happier athlete

FIND AYAKO:

► Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/52198811

LINKS & TOOLS MENTIONED

► Floris' Badwater Experience: https://extramilest.com/blog/badwater-135-lessons-learned/

► Ep. with Dr. Phil Maffetone: https://youtu.be/_TPrenWWK9U

► Ep. with Maria Lurenda Westergaard: https://youtu.be/i5TmvBfJp-Y

► PB Program: https://www.pbprogram.com/

YOU CAN FIND ME, COACH FLORIS GIERMAN HERE:

► Free Weekly Running Newsletter: https://extramilest.com/subscribe

► Our Personal Best Coaching Program: https://www.pbprogram.com/

► YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/florisgierman

► Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/1329785

► Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/florisgierman

► Extramilest: https://extramilest.com/

► Path Projects: https://pathprojects.com/flo

► Podcast: https://extramilest.com/podcast/

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ABOUT THE EXTRAMILEST SHOW: A podcast and YouTube channel where host Floris Gierman interviews world class athletes, coaches and health experts on the topic of how to become a stronger, healthier and happier athlete.

More info about our Personal Best Running Coaching Program can be found at https://www.pbprogram.com.

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#105: From Couch & Overweight to Running Marathons in Her 50's, with Ayako Fackenthal

The Extramilest Podcast