Mike Cartwright, now 65 years old, started running marathons when he was about 46. This weekend, on 9th June 2024, he completed his 300th marathon in Thailand at the Laguna Phuket Marathon!
“I started it as a way to train my body and mind and have a healthier lifestyle due to work stress. I had many bad habits before, like eating and drinking too much, but marathon training gives you focus,” he said in a short interview with Winnie Chepkorir, his current online coach from Kenya.
“Coaching is a two-way learning experience, and as Mike tries to learn the Kenyan philosophy of long-distance running through me, I also learn more from him. I continuously gain motivation and inspiration from the hundreds of marathons he has run and his longevity,” said Chepkorir.
Here are some questions Chepkorir asked Mike after his outstanding and extraordinary feat.
- When did you run your first marathon?
Mike: I have been running marathons since October 2006, almost 18 years ago.
- How has running marathons changed your life?
Mike: Once you start running marathons, you find that friendships made through running and training keep you enjoying the running. You make many positive friends around the world who share your interests.
Running gives me a healthier lifestyle, keeps me fitter than before, and lets me meet many people who also like running. I also often meet elite runners at races when travelling; they are very nice people. They don’t mind that I am usually the slowest runner among them!
- What is your marathon PB?
Mike: My personal best is not that fast—it’s only about 4 hours 38 minutes. I ran that about 15 years ago. I hope to beat my personal best with coach Winnie Chepkorir, maybe next year.
- Do you train alone or in a group?
Mike: I don’t usually train in a group, but I do many group runs. Group runs are fun, and we often meet to run in a group. But for most of my training, I tend to train alone, as I can better focus on my race targets. Most members of my occasional running groups are younger and faster.
Mike trains under a Kenyan online coach
- Do you have a coach?
Mike: Yes, I train online under a Kenyan coach. A coach will help you focus on your training and discipline. I tried many times to coach myself using books, but I failed to follow through. It is too easy to give up without a real coach. With a coach, there is an added incentive that you feel you don’t want to disappoint them and are happy to share your success with them. A coach can also be more flexible and understand your training needs.